MINI Coupe Concept and two new very quick Porsches ahead of Frankfurt launch ...

[Wouter Melissen]

Celebrating 50 years of the original Mini, the BMW owned company will showcase this MINI Coupe Concept at the upcoming International Auto Show in Frankfurt. Based on the highly acclaimed John Cooper Works version of the latest Cooper S, the new concept car receives the 'Coupe' moniker courtesy of the cut-down roof. A weird mix between the conventional hatchback and convertible models, the new concept apparently captures MINI's sporting appeal. It promises to be lighter and better balanced than the standard models but that hardly makes up for the awkward styling. Whether the MINI Coupe will enter production remains to be seen. The accompanying press release does mention the imminent arrival of a cross-over model, so anything seems to be possible.
A lot more exciting are Porsche's latest offerings, which will also be officially revealed in Frankfurt. Like all of the new generation 997 models, the new 997 GT3 RS is powered by the latest direct injection version of the company's famed flat six. Although not part of the official name, the seats sport the legendary "RS 3.8" badges that were first found on the spartan road versions of the 993 generation 911 almost two decades ago. The 3.8 litre engine produces a staggering 450 bhp. Stripped even further down is the similar 997 GT3 Cup, which is destined to hit the world's racing tracks shortly. The car is eligible for the various one-make 'Cup' events, including the Formula 1 support series, and also a wide variety of national and international GT championships. Over the last years Porsche have built well over 1400 Cup cars, making the German company the most productive racing car manufacturer in the world.

Enjoy the links:

2009 MINI Coupe Concept - Images, Specifications and Information

2010 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup - Images, Specifications and Information

2009 Porsche 997 GT3 RS - Images, Specifications and Information

[TVR IS KING]

See those little "vents" in front of the rear wheels on the Mini? That's what turned me off it. The engine's in the front, they're useless. Those vents tell you that it's more about looking good than going good. They're the kind of thing you see on riced-up Japanese cars.

[cmcpokey]

See those little "vents" in front of the rear wheels on the Mini? That's what turned me off it. The engine's in the front, they're useless. Those vents tell you that it's more about looking good than going good. They're the kind of thing you see on riced-up Japanese cars.

the current aero kit on the mini has those as well, and has since about 2003.