SPY PICS: Soft-cell Mini

Following the launch of the new-generation R56 Mini early in 2007, there's a new convertible version finally on the way, as these pics from master the spy photographers at Carparazzi indicate.

And although the front section of the Californian-registered car clearly transfers directly from the current R56 -- with changes less discreet than they appear -- the back end looks almost to be a dead-ringer of the original convertible.

With no clear sign of the bustle-back shoulder line of the R56 hard-top, and an externally hinged, drop-down boot lid, the subject of the photos looks suspiciously similar to the current soft-top around the rear.

The tail lights naturally reflect the latest hard-top Minis, and the opportunity has been taken to re-profile the rear bumper, but the canvas top itself shows no real signs of change. The clever sunroof arrangement can be expected to remain, as will the "hatchback" configuration that enables through-loading via an opening rear-window section of fabric.

Rear three-quarter vision, going on these photos, is not likely to be any better than the current car.

The exposed folding arrangement, which minimizes the amount of space taken by the stowed-away roof, will most likely remain unchanged, as will the solid roll bars fitted behind the rear seats.

The engine-transmission configurations also are likely to remain as per the metal-roof Minis, with the normally aspirated 1.6-litre 88kW four-cylinder in the base Mini and the turbocharged 125kW version in the Cooper S.

Judging from these spy shots the Mini cabrio is not far away from production, so an international launch at the Paris motor show in September would not be out of the question.

-- with Carparazzi