Take on look at this Coupe and there’s no denying it is definitely a Mini. The proportions are kept about the same with the Coupe measuring in at 3,728 mm in length, 2,467 mm for the wheelbase, 1,459 mm for the front track, and 1,467 mm for the rear-axle track. The same jutted front end is seen with the standard Mini headlights and grille, but the company has changed the overall structure a bit by adopting a three-box body: engine compartment, passenger compartment, and boot. This change allows for a more Gran Turismo-style rear end. The Mini Coupe also gets a distinctive "helmet roof" form, optimized aerodynamic properties, a wide-opening tailgate, and a large, variable-use luggage area.

A new feature unique to a Mini model is the active rear spoiler. This spoiler pops up automatically when the MINI Coupe reaches a speed of 50 mph. When the speed drops below 37 mph again, a four-part control mechanism returns the spoiler to its rest position.

The new Mini Coupe will be offered with the latest generation of four-cylinder engines fitted on three different models: MINI Cooper Coupe, MINI Cooper S Coupe, and MINI John Cooper Works Coupe. Europeans will also receive the MINI Cooper SD Coupe powered by a 2.0 liter diesel power plant that delivers 141 HP and 225 lb-ft of torque.

The base Coupe model is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers a total of 121 HP at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. This model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.3 seconds, while top speed sits at 127 mph.

The next model, the S Coupe, is powered by the same 1.6-liter engine, but delivers more power thanks to a combination of turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve management. These features get the engine pumping with 181 HP at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 177 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm. The 0-60 mph sprint can then be made in 6.5 seconds and its top speed stands at 142 mph.

The most powerful model is of course the John Cooper Works Coupe. It is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection that delivers 208 HP and a peak torque of 192 lb-ft at 6000 rpm. Take advantage of the Overboost function and that torque can be increased to 207 lb-ft for a short time. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupe will rocket from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 149 mph.

The transmission options for the full lineup of Mini Coupes will include a six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard and an optional six-speed automatic will also be available for the MINI Cooper S Coupe and MINI Cooper Coupe.

The new Mini Coupe is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to begin shortly after. Prices will be announced at a later date.

The new Mini Coupe will go on sale around the same time Fiat sends the 500 to the US market in both coupe and cabrio version, making it the Mini Coupe’s natural competitor. Right off the bat, the Mini Coupe has the advantage over the Fiat 500 because of its engine options. The Fiat 500 only comes with one engine option: an all-new 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 HP at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

It has been rumored that Fiat will end up producing an Abarth version of its 500 for the States, so if that happens, maybe the JCW Coupe will have something to contend with. If not, Mini has this thing beat by a landslide.