(September 5, 2011) The 2012 Mini Coupe will make its world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. The coupe is the next step in the expanding Mini range.

The brand's fifth model wraps up hallmark Mini qualities in a new and distinctive package.

The distinctive identity of the Mini Coupe is reflected in its design. With its sporty, hunkered-down feel and fresh new roof design, the two-seater occupies its very own niche within the model line-up. At the same time, though, familiar Mini exterior and interior design features clearly highlight its membership of the brand family.

Two years ago a concept car previewing a two-seater coupe turned heads at the Frankfurt show, and now that vision of even more sharply focused driving fun has become a reality on the road.

The base Cooper Coupe rides on 15-inch wheels and is powered by the naturally aspirated version of the brand’s ubiquitous 1.6-liter four, producing 121 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. Likewise, the turbocharged Cooper S Coupe and John Cooper Works Coupe follow the same powertrain program that yields either 181 horsepower and 177-lb-ft or 208 horsepower 192 lb-ft in other models, each with an additional 15 lb-ft in overboost mode.

Like the other models, the coupes will offer a choice of six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, the latter available with paddle shifters.

Mini claims that the base Cooper Coupe will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 127 mph. The Cooper S Coupe is estimated to hit 60 in 6.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 142 mph, with the JCW version coming in at 6.1 seconds and 149 mph, which would make it Mini’s fastest production model ever.

In league with these powerful engines, the Coupe's suspension set-up, harmonious weight distribution, extremely rigid body and special aerodynamic tweaks — including an extending rear spoiler — help to bring a go-kart feeling to the car.