iSpy: a concept from 2009 takes shape as 2012 Mini Roadster JCW

This shot of the Mini Roadster JCW prototype shows some colourful camouflage on the rear end but the rest of the car reveals much about the new design. Firstly, the front of the car has rounder lines than on the Cooper model. Particularly the windscreen, which also looks shorter, more sloped and curvier from A-pillar to A-pillar than on the Cooper. Also, there's a retractable rear spoiler, a double-piped, centre-mounted exhaust for the new rear end and an extra set of lights on the rear bumper grille insert. This soft-top model looks similar to the Mini Roadster Concept debuted at the Frankfurt motor show in 2009; probably the reason why it has so little camouflage. But it's hard to tell exactly what Mini is hiding underneath that swirly design. We'll have to wait until later in the year to find out.