Less is more — space that is — as Mini announces price for the new roadster. It will cost about $3,000 more than the new coupe and the JCW option will begin an an eye-watering $35,200 before you add options. Throw in Recaro seats when they're available in March and you're knocking on the door of $40,000. To put things in perspective, that will buy you a 2012 BMW 1 Series convertible, with options.
As with most Minis models, three variants will be offered. The least expensive topless two-seat is the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, which will start at $25,050 for the 121-horsepower convertible. 0-60 mph comes up in a leisurely 9.2 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 124 mph.
Middle of the range is the 2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster, which will set you back $28,050 for 184-horsepower, a 0-60 time of 7 seconds, and top speed of 141 mph.
Top of the line is the the 206-horsepower, 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Roadster. Base price is $35,200, before you begin adding options. It's snappy though, with 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds on the way to 147 mph. The cars are due in dealerships next spring, at which point the wisdom of this enterprise will manifest itself.—Paul Duchene
