The updated design of the 2009 Mini Cabrio is characterized by styling cues that link the new convertible to the MINI family of vehicles.

An electrohydraulic-powered roof with the sliding roof function comes standard, and allows the driver to open and close the soft top while the car is in motion up to 20 mph.

The newly developed, electromechanically operated rollover bar ia situated behind the rear seats and is activated by the car’s central safety electronics in the event of a rollover.

There are two four-cylinder gasoline engines available, with Twin-Scroll turbochargers or fully variable valve management.

Engine capacity 1,598 cc, max output 118 hp (MINI Cooper Convertible) and 172 hp (MINI Cooper S Convertible).

Standard electronic controls include Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Assistant, as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Start-Off Assistant

Optional controls include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronically Differential Lock Control (EDLC).

The car structure has a newly conceived floorpan and reinforced A-pillars and side-sills, which result in a higher body torsional stiffness, while reducing the weight by 22 lb.

The new Mini Cabrio will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on next January 2009.

The Design

The design of the MINI Convertible is the result of an evolutionary development process. Compared with the former model, the new MINI Convertible’s chiselled body panels impart a more powerful and dynamic look.

The stretched side view – the rollover protection bar almost entirely concealed – gives a heightened sense of the cars sporting performance and reveals a profile clearly inspired by the classic roadster.

A chrome beltline molding encircling the entire car at shoulder-level visually connects the body with the roof and windows. The upright windscreen underscores the character and enhances the open-air experience.

The new proportions with short, front- and rear- overhangs, larger wheel wells, high beltline, and other signature design cues clearly mark the car as part of the MINI family.

The front-end design features distinguish the MINI Cooper S Convertible from the MINI Cooper Convertible. Both models come with a hexagon radiator grille and large round headlamps with integrated signal indicators.

The MINI Cooper S Convertible is recognizable by its Powerdome, rising up almost 0.8", the stylized opening on the engine compartment lid, and the hexagonal grid pattern on the radiator grille as well as the extra-large, lower air intake scoop.

On the MINI Cooper Convertible, the radiator grille boasts a chrome frame and three horizontal, chrome-plated bars and a slightly upturned lower air intake scoop.

Both the MINI Cooper  S Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible feature positioning light units on either side of the lower air intake, and also house the foglamps that are standard on the Cooper S model.

The rear view of the new MINI Convertible also offers an enhancement of the car’s visual presence.

The entire rear section is characterized by parallel horizontal that create the “steps” that emphasize the width of the car, a distinctive design cue it shares with the MINI Cooper Hardtop.

The rear deck lid opens from the top and is hinged at bottom, creating a generous loading area.

The vertical taillights, slightly larger than those on the former model, are set, jewel-like into chrome surrounds.

The sporting character of the MINI Cooper S Convertible is emphasized by the dual tailpipes, the large air intake in the rear dam, and the two-piece rear foglamp.

The soft roof opens and closes completely within just 15 seconds, operated by fully automatic, electrohydraulic controls.

The opening and closing process may be initiated at road speeds of up to 20 mph. 

Interior Design

Made of one single piece of aluminum, the new rollover protection bar extends across the entire width of the interior behind the rear seats.

The two ends of the rollover protection bars rest in holders that move up the entire safety unit electromechanically whenever required.

In its basic position, on the other hand, the rollover protection bar is no higher than the rear headrests, thus remaining out of sight when the driver is in looking to the rear.

Depending on requirements, the rear-seat backrest - split down the middle - folds down either in a 50:50 subdivision or completely from right to left.

With the roof closed, this increases luggage compartment capacity to 23.10 cubic, feet, exceeding the capacity available in the former model by 1.93 cubic feet. Maximum load, in turn, is up by 66 lb to 948 lb.

The rear roof frame swivels up by approximately 35°, creating a generous luggage compartment opening for much easier loading of bulky objects.

(Source: Mini)