Business Secretary Lord Mandelson commented: "The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come."

The company said that the start dates for the production of the two new sporty MINIs that will join the existing line of Hatch, Clubman and Convertible models, all of which are made at the Oxford plant, will be confirmed at a later date.

The two seater coupe and its drop-top sibling will most likely be available with the 1.6-liter turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train that pumps out 211HP and a peak torque of 260Nm (192 lb-ft) or 280Nm (206 lb-ft) with the overboost function.

However, we wouldn't be surprised if MINI also offers the standard MINI Cooper S' 175HP 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol while a high-performance diesel option should be considered a possibility.

Expect more details to be announced during the presentation of the two new MINIs at Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15. Until then, click here for the complete photo gallery of the MINI Coupe and here for the official video.