Mini has released these official images of its new Coupé Concept in the run-up to its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in a few weeks' time. Like the original Mini Cooper Monte Carlo concept of 1997 - a car that explored a number of key design themes that defined the BMW-built model launched a few years later - the new Coupé takes the British brand in a muscular, almost street rod-style direction.
The newcomer is the same length and width as the hatchback variant (3714mm and 1683mm respectively), but shaves nearly half a meter off that car's height of 1356mm. The sheet metal fore of the rear fenders is also unchanged, with the Coupé's more sporting demeanor communicated via solid body-colored grille bars and the front bumper from the Cooper Works model.
Inside, it's business as usual save for a revised - and rather attractive - dashboard layout with an attractive new mix of finishes, and bespoke leather trim. Despite its Concept nametag, the Coupé is tipped to reach production relatively unchanged in the next few years.