Mini Goes More Mini With Coupe Concept

Exactly 50 years to the day when the first Mini Cooper was presented to the public, today Mini released images of a new concept Coupe that is likely to see production as a premium small car. The two-seater is designed to be the most compact, aerodynamic, and agile of the new generation models.

The most distinctive element of the car is the new flowing roof with integrated spoiler. Engineers settled on a weight-saving aluminum roof panel in order to keep as much mass close to the ground and improve the sporty feel of the car.

While the car is powered by an efficient petrol engine, several environmentally friendly technologies have been included. Brake energy regeneration captures spent momentum while the car is slowing down and re uses it. There is a shift point display to coach the driver on getting better fuel economy. And auto start/stop shuts the engine off at stoplights to save fuel.

The concept will make a public debut at the Frankfort auto show in September.

[via carbodydesign]