BMW Group has released photos and details on the 2009 Mini Convertible. The second generation of the four-seat, drop-top retains much of the original’s styling while adding some interesting developments and features including the Openometer, which records how much time is spent driving with the top down. Oh yeah, the S gets the turbocharged, direct-injection engine.

Let’s start with the serious stuff. With a stiffer body from the redesigned floorpan and reinforced A-pillars and side sills, you might think the new model would be heavier. On the contrary, it is 22 pounds lighter. Not significant in and of itself, but given the structural improvements, it’s laudable to have shed weight. Front and head/thorax airbags and a new rollover system round out the structural safety features.

The next generation sports the same sheet metal up front as the hardtop.

Also present are electromechanical power steering, ABS, brake-force distribution, brake assist and something the automaker calls Cornering Brake Control. Traction control and a locking differential are packaged as an option and come with the Sport Package.

The power roof has a sliding panel, which functions like a sun roof by opening up to 16 inches and can be operated at speeds up to 75 mph. Raising or lowering the top can be done while the car is in motion at speeds up to 20 mph for those impatient moments like a sudden downpour, and it takes 15 seconds.

Top down or up, the interior can configured a few different ways.

As for the Openometer—no, we weren’t joking—this little gadget logs how many hours you drive with the top down. It logs up to 6 hours, 59 minutes of open-air motion. Expect a clever a bit of advertising to hype as-yet announced competitions among those in warmer climes vs. those in temperate zones. [One part of the press information says it's standard, in another place it's described as an option.]

Under the hood on both the Cooper and Cooper S is a 1.6-liter, inline, four-cylinder engine. The naturally aspirated Cooper’s mill has BMW’s Valvetronic variable-valve timing system and is good for 118 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft of torque. Getting to 60 mph takes 8.9 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox and 10.2 with the six-speed automatic.

The back portion has been redesigned to offer better access to the luggage compartment.

A turbocharger, direct injection and fixed-valve timing are the heart of the Cooper S engine, which produces 172 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The trip to 60 mph takes 7 seconds with the manual and 7.2 with the automatic. This is the same engine that debuted last year with the new fixed-roof Mini and includes the overboost function that kicks in at full throttle, providing 192 lb.-ft. of torque.

Official debut of the 2009 Mini Convertible will happen at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Orders are being taken for delivery starting on March 28, with the Cooper priced at $24,550 and the Cooper S at $27,450, including the $650 destination and handling charge.