2014 Detroit auto show: MINI debuting all-new concept, Cooper Hardtop

Attendees to the 2014 North American International Auto Show will get to see two new vehicles from MINI: the 2014 Cooper Hardtop and an all-new concept. The concept, called the MINI John Cooper Works, will make its world debut and the Hardtop will drive into the Detroit auto show for the first time.

DETROIT, MI- Attendees to the 2014 North American International Auto Show will get to see two new vehicles from MINI: the 2014 Cooper Hardtop and an all-new concept.

The concept, called the MINI John Cooper Works, will make its world debut and the Hardtop will drive into the Detroit auto show for the first time.

The BMW Group-owned brand said the new concept, which it recently released photos of, represents “the next generation of the small car segment's fascinating top sports car.” It features 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, a sports brake system and a sports exhaust system reflect drivetrain and suspension technology developed with extensive race track expertise.

"The John Cooper Works Concept is based on the latest-generation MINI," officials said in a release. "Its origins are clearly recognizable in the longer wheelbase and wider track over the outgoing model, which has a direct effect on the car’s driving characteristics."

As for the all-new Hardtop, which made its domestic debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show, it is bigger and faster than its predecessor.

MINI Hardtop (Courtesy MINI)

When the vehicle is released in March 2014, the new engines options will include a 134-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine capable of 0-60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds and a 189-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The vehicles come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission will also be available.

The vehicles are expected to join more than 50 other vehicle to debut during the two-day Press Preview to start the 2014 NAIAS.