AC Schnitzer MINI Convertible Performance Package with up to 226HP

The new MINI Convertible has caught the attention of engineers from famed tuner AC Schnizter that have developed a comprehensive sport package for the drop top. The German firm started by tuning the MINI's 1.6-liter turbocharged engine to produce a reported 208HP for the domestic market model and 226HP for the export model, up from the standard unit's 175HP. At the same time, the Cooper S and JCW models get a limited slip differential and a sport exhaust system.

Sans the JCW model, the rest of the MINI Convertible range can be upgraded with a sport spring kit and height-adjustable racing suspension. Customers can also choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs available in sizes 17-inches, 18-inches and 19-inches.

Those not content with the MINI Cabrio's exterior looks can opt for AC Schnitzer's bodykit that includes the usual front and rear aprons and side skirts along with a set of decals available in white, black or chrome-black. For the interior, the German firm offers an array of accessories such as gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminum and special floor mats.

MINI Convertible Dresses Up for "I Kissed a Girl" singer, Kate Perry

You may not know her by her name, but we're pretty sure that you've heard Kate Perry's 2008 pop song, "I Kissed a Girl". So what has MINI got to do with Kate Perry, we hear you ask? Well, the British automaker decided to create a "Kate Perry" style Convertible for this year's Life Ball event, Europe's largest annual HIV/AIDS charity gathering. At last year's event, MINI came up with an erotic themed Clubman styled by lingerie firm, "Agent Provocateur". The Kate Perry-style Life Ball MINI Convertible 2009 is the work of "The Blonds", aka Puerto Rican Phillipe and US designer David Blond.

Aside from a design mock-up that shows a pink leopard-skinned MINI Convertible, we don't have any specific information on the car so we have no idea what it means to be styled for Kate Perry. Of course we could use our grimy imagination and the lyrics of her only well-known song to come up with an idea or two, but we'll behave - this time...

Geneva Preview: MINI John Cooper Works Convertible 211HP

The hottest drop-top variant of the new MINI Cooper has been officially revealed ahead its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. Not surprisingly, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible features the same performance engineering and chassis modifications as the hatch model including a more powerful version of the 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine that produces 211 hp and up to 280 Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox which has been strengthened to handle the extra available power. The MINI JCW Convertible goes from zero to 60 (96 km/h) in 6.9 sec or 0.4 sec slower than the hatch, and onto a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h) while returning a combined 39.8 mpg UK that translates to 33.2 mpg US and 7.1 lt / 100km.

Other modifications concern the uprated brake system with bright red Brembo performance calipers, a series of electronic aids such as the EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control incorporating Hill Assist) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control).

Like the hatch, the JCW Convertible also features a sport button located in front of the gear stick that activates a bespoke engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range and sharpening steering and throttle response.

Visually, the JCW Convertible subtly stands out thanks to an aero kit and a set of unique cross-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels while inside, it features a bespoke John Cooper Works Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, JCW floor mats and glossy piano black interior.