Just a few days ago, we published the official photos and press releases of the latest MINI concept: Roadster. At the Frankfurt Auto Show the BMW display was impressive and imposing, but at the same time, the MINI area was fun, funky and young.

In this perfect setup, the UK based automaker decided to unveil the “twins”. Both the MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster have been confirmed for production and will be launched in late 2010.

The MINI Roadster Concept takes up features typical of the brand and re-interprets these unique strengths in a refreshingly new manner. Individual style, premium quality and a perfect match of driving pleasure and efficiency just right in this day and age determine the character of this compact two-seater. And through its design alone, the MINI Roadster Concept reflects the focus on maximum driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above.

MINI-Coupe-Roadster-[18]The MINI Roadster Concept is clearly recognizable at very first sight as a MINI. At the same time, with its two seats, a tight-fitting soft roof and innovative rear-end design, the new model opens up new perspectives both in the context of the brand and in the segment of compact roadsters.

The MINI Roadster Concept might possibly be powered by the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine already featured in the MINI Cooper S. Boasting direct gasoline injection, this superior power unit delivers maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp and peak torque of 240 Newton-metres/177 lb-ft increasing briefly with the Overboost function to an even more superior 260 Newton-meters/192 lb-ft.

Based on the John Cooper Works bodystyle, the MINI Coupe Concept measures 146.1 inches overall, 66.1 inches wide and 53.3 inches tall. It was designed as a two seater which brings out the idea of a MINI roadster vehicle rather than a coupe. Due to its rear-end design line, the MINI Coupe Concept lacks trunk space, the only storage space is behind the seats. The cargo space measures about 8.8 cubic feet and in the production model, it will be accessible through the a big hatch.

Under the hood, MINI Coupe Concept uses the same engine from JCW, a 1.6 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 211 horsepower and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque.

The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford.