Exactly 50 years after the first classic Mini was unveiled on August 26, 1959, and nearly a decade into the life of new Mini, the new Mini coupé concept captures the essence of the marque's sporting appeal.

The Mini coupé concept will be seen in the metal for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show, which opens later this month.

Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.

Large round headlights inclusive of black internal reflectors, a hexagonal radiator grille and low front spoiler mark the newcomer out as a true Mini. Unique exterior design cues include a bespoke rear spoiler, bonnet stripes extending to include the radiator grille and an entirely revised front air dam.

The Mini coupé concept is 1,356mm high and the steep rake of the A-pillars is accentuated by the high waistline common to every Mini. Sat on attractive 18-inch triple-tone finish light alloy wheels, the concept is 3,714mm in length and 1,683mm wide.

For the first time on a Mini, the weight-saving aluminium roof is an unbroken bridge shape and flows smoothly from A to C-pillars.

Inside, sports seats with strongly contoured side supports feature, as does a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with multi-function controls. Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter provide a close link to earlier concept cars by Mini, bridging the gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age of new version.

The Mini coupé concept is engineered for the most powerful engine in the current mini line-up. The 211hp, 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged power unit found in current John Cooper Works models offers CO2 emissions of just 165g/km and fuel efficiency of 40.9mpg (combined).