Mini's mini-er Coupe

The rejuvenated and now BMW-owned Mini followed its retro-classic Cooper model with the longer Clubman and plumper Countryman during the last decade. Given this trend, you would think Mini was heading toward a limousine model. But no, the next Mini model will be even smaller than the standard Cooper, a two-seater designated the Mini Coupe.

Mini released a series of photos showing the new Mini, and specified the engine choices. Similar to the other Mini models, the Coupe will get the same engine choices as the original car, starting with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The S model will get a turbocharged, direct-injection 1.6-liter producing 184 horsepower, and the company will even produce a John Cooper Works version with 211 horsepower.

Although no performance numbers have been released, the Coupe should be lighter than the hatchback Cooper, and so achieve better acceleration and fuel economy using the same engines.

Expect Mini's model name structure to remain the same, with the full name of the new car being the Mini Cooper Coupe and Mini Cooper S Coupe. This naming style is used for all its current models.

Mini showed off a concept of the Coupe at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show, and the new model appears little changed. Although Mini announced it will soon be producing the car, it has not specified North American sales dates at this time.