La Dolce Veloce

AutoExpress reports that the two seat MINI Speedster has been given the green light for production, and will be built by Bertone. The speedster will start out life as a normal MINI; after its top is, well, removed, an electrically operated canvas top will be fitted, with an optional (removable) hard top also being available. What really sets this apart from the normal MINI is the removal of the rear seats. By doing that, it’s allowing for a more steeply raked windshield, and an honest to goodness trunk in the back. The Speedster will get a new, 225hp 1.6 liter engine and will be available early next year.