MINI unveils two-seater coupé

MINI has revealed the first two-seater in its model range, promising the "ultimate in go-kart feeling."

The MINI Coupé, set to go on sale later this year, is the latest variant in the rapidly-expanding Mini range and daringly introduces some premium racing features into the brand's familiar shell.

Most noticeable among these is the flattened roof form, which MINI says has improved the aerodynamics of the vehicle, and an active rear spoiler which extends automatically at speeds of over 80km/h.

The engines available with the new model are among the most powerful in MINI's range, including the John Cooper Works Coupé engine, a 1.6-liter 155kW variant which tops out at 240 km/h, and the SD Coupé turbo diesel, a 2.0-liter, 105kW model with a top speed of 216 km/h.

Although the model is a two-seater, MINI has carried some of the space over to improve loading capacity behind the driver, also including a high-opening tailgate to make transporting large items easier.

Other features include electric power steering and stability control as standard and optional traction control with electronic differential lock control.

The model is set to hit European showrooms on October 1 and will cost a "little bit more than the hatchback", according to industry publication Automotive News.

http://www.mini.com