Mini has been toying around with the idea of a CUV based on their classic Cooper model. The concept crossover was first seen at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and a production version will make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. However the real news is that the long time project has been going around nameless ever since its creation, well the German automaker has just registered the name “Countryman,” and we can only assume that the title will be applied to the future crossover.

The production version of the Countryman will get the same 1.6 Liter four cylinder engine as the rest of Mini’s lineup, and like most models the horsepower figures will vary depending on whether or not you choose the regular Cooper or turbocharged Copper S. Mini has said that at the moment there are no plans for a John Cooper Works edition, but if more power is needed, a very JCW-like twin-turbocharged version of the Mini’s power plant could be made available.

The Mini Countryman CUV will start out as front wheel drive model, but soon after will offer a version featuring their corporate parent company’s X-Drive four wheel drive system from BMW. This all wheel drive unit will make the Countryman as capable an off-roader as the automaker is hoping for.

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