One of the highlights of the Frankfurt Motor Show is Mini Cooper’s unveiling of coupe and roadster concepts. OK, so that’s two highlights. Either way, these pocket-sized two-seaters are headed for production and eventual sale in the United States, according to corporate parent BMW. The Frankfurt festivities were staged as part of the 50th birthday celebrations for the original Mini, one of the cleverest mergers of fun and frugality in automotive history.

These two additions are brand extensions of the Mini Cooper line, helping to fill out a family that already includes the existing hatchback, cabriolet, and the Clubman wagon. A crossover is expected soon, as well. It’s a pretty clever strategy, since the Mini’s iconic design seems to have no end of appeal. Consider, too, that this gives BMW a channel to market premium small cars to a population that is in no position to buy a new, increasingly pricey BMW this year… or maybe ever.

The coupe and roadster look a little stubby, but they are around the same size as a regular Mini, admittedly with a slightly lower roofline. Disposing of the rear seats makes for more luggage (or roof-stowage) space. Front-passenger leg- and head room was already commodious. The show cars were equipped with the Mini’s largest 1.6-liter turbo engine offering, but we expect the production model will also offer the thriftier normally aspirated engines, as well. 

See our New Car Preview site for more photos of the Mini coupe and roadster, plus check out other new cars heading to market.

 —Gordon Hard