By Mark Hamilton
Spy shots
15 June 2011 16:30
Last week we reported the specification levels of the 2011 Mini Coupe. BMW was kind enough to supply pictures of the auto, but decided to leave their signature camouflage tape covering the new auto's reshaped roofline and bootlid.
Thanks to CAR's spy picturegraphers we can remedy that, with scoop pictures of the Mini Coupe ahead of its official unveiling.
The Mini Coupe: caught with its camouflage off
Our two scoop pictures show a production Mini Coupe strapped-down to a shipping pallet at an undisclosed location. The auto's distinctive 'cap backwards' roofline has survived intact from the 2009 concept auto, along with the contrasting-colour roof and twin racing stripes. We can also see the rear pillar layout, which thankfully provides a small rear side window underneath the heavily stylised roof and rear spoiler.
Visible in the second picture is the lip on the bootlid edge formed by the retractable spoiler. The rear wing deploys automatically from 50mph to provide additional stability. Hopefully without further constraining rear vision, which is truncated by the roof spoiler compared to the standard Mini hatchback.
This auto is badged as a Mini Cooper S Coupe, which retains the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Cooper S hatchback. The Cooper S lacks the bodykit and vent detailing of the auto shown in last week's preview pictures, which we believe to be reserved for the range-topping Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.
The Mini Coupe will be available in October 2011.
>>The new Mini Coupe: love it or loath it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:
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