MINI has some big changes scheduled for its lineup, and the current Coupe and Roadster aren�t a part of the picture.

The British automaker plans on building 18 models off its two new architectures within the next five years, with a new sports car to succeed the current Coupe and Roadster models. Though the vehicle will share MINI�s new front-wheel-drive architecture, the new sports car will look entirely different than what�s currently offered in the Coupe and Roadster.

The planned model will be offered in both hard- and soft-top variants in Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) form when it�s introduced in late 2015 or early 2016. Both the Coupe and Roadster have been struggling in the sales department, not even moving 15,000 units a year. Recently, MINI unveiled its Vision concept which hints at what we can expect in its new sports car, which will undoubtedly borrow some of the carbon-fiber technology BMW has invested in its new i3 electric car.

Various reports have announced it many months ago but only now a Mini official has confirmed that the Coupe and Roadster will be discontinued.

Mini USA product boss Patrick McKenna announced the demise of the two related models which have failed to convince buyers since their launch three year ago. �The Coupe and the Roadster will actually go out of production next year. They�ve run their life cycle,� McKenna told AutoGuide at the LA Auto Show last week.

There is a very thin line between the Mini Hatch and the Coupe, as is between the Convertible and the Roadster. They are very similar cars, with the Coupe and Roadster�s only distinguishing feature being their design, but not necessarily in a good way � just look at the Coupe�s reverse-baseball cap roof.

Besides the design, the Coupe and Roadster are less practical than Mini�s established models and more expensive, which is not exactly a recipe for success. McKenna said the discontinuation of the two models is part of a larger �superhero strategy� that Mini USA is enacting.

The plan is to focus on higher volume models rather than releasing niche offerings, with the new Mini Hardtop 4-door (called the 5-door in Europe) being an example of models to come.

As for the ideas embodied by the Coupe and Roadster, they may be utilized in a new model previewed by the Superleggera Roadster concept, which is reportedly considered for production.

We�ve been hearing about Mini�s plans to discontinue the Coup� and Roadster for a couple of years now, but it�s finally official. Mini has announced that production of the two models is about to come to an end at its Oxford plant in the United Kingdom.

Mini said it will stop production of the two models simultaneously, but didn�t provide a timeframe. However, since the release also says the automaker wants to free up capacity at the plant in order to produce more 3-door and 5-door Hatches, it�s probably going to happen rather soon.

Based on the previous-generation Mini Hatch, the Coup� and Roadster were aimed at more individual buyers, but for some reason the two models didn�t catch on. If I were to speculate, I would say the two models had too many shortcomings and too few advantages compared to the Hatch and the Convertible.

For example, many questioned the Coup�s styling and lack of practicality, with the latter aspect also being a problem of the Roadster. Although both offered slightly superior driving characteristics to Mini�s core models, it was not enough to justify the lack of practicality and similar pricing. In the end, Mini admitted defeat, which is probably the wisest thing it could have done.

Let�s just hope the bosses in Munich will give the green light to the Mini Superleggera concept, it would make a great flagship model for the brand.

many questioned the Coup�’s styling and lack of practicality, with the latter aspect also being a problem of the Roadster.