t’s even smaller than the standard model.
But this Mini Coupé is about to give the British motor industry a massive boost.
The new car, and a second as yet undesigned model, will be built at the Mini plant in Cowley, Oxford.
It will provide welcome relief to an industry battered by plunging sales during the recession.
Blur going by: The brand new Mini Coupe Concept will be officially unveiled in September
Nice behind: The all-new coupe concept low-slung back end
At present, the Mini Coupé, which will be officially unveiled by owner BMW at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, is just a concept.
But both it and the second new model will eventually go into full production at Cowley.
A more rakish version of the
standard Mini, with a dramatically lowered roof and aggressive styling, the Coupé boasts a 208-horsepower engine and promises an exciting drive.
It was partly designed to mark the 50th birthday celebrations of the original Mini, which was first produced by the British Motor Corporation in 1959.
The announcement that it will be built in Cowley was hailed as ‘very good news’ by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.
Wheel deal: the Coupe features a luxurious leather interior
He said: ‘It is a demonstration of BMW's long-term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.
'British drivers have had a long love affair with the Mini and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come.''
BMW said the move would mean more jobs and investment at the Oxford plant.
It currently employs 3,500 and makes around 200,000 cars a year.
Cowley is one of Britain's largest factories, employing around 3,700 workers. It currently builds three versions of the Mini, which is owned by German giant BMW.
