I suspect it has something to do with the side airbags. The convertible doesn't have head curtain airbags, and as a result its side airbags are different from the hardtop. When the Recaro seats were introduced, the R57 convertible and Countryman were excluded. However, the Coupé and Roadster are based on the convertible. I think someone at MINI messed up on this.
The Recaros were standard equipment on the 2006 GPs, the Euro versions anyway. The US versions never saw them because of the lack of side airbags.
Gotcha, so the GP didn't get the Recaros due to lack of side airbags, and the R56 didn't get them because they lacked passenger airbag sensors.
Right... I was just recapping the reasons that we've been Recaros-less in the US until now. GP: Lack of side airbags R56/R55 JCW (Pre-'12): Lack of passenger seat airbag sensor R58/R59: Seatbelt/Safety issue
You would think that if MINI was listening to the consumer and wanted to make a few extra bucks in the process (thats backwards isn't it?) they would work out the little details to make it happen. I hope the Recaros make it into the US MINIs, they would be a nice addition.
Update courtesy of MotoringFile The highly anticipated Recaro seat option will be unavailable for the Coupe and Roadster during the month of April. This is due to a subtle tweak in the design of the stand-alone post/pivot for the seatbelt due to potential wear issues. The new loop better accommodates the wider bolstering of the seats and reduces long-term wear. At this point it looks as if the delay will be for April production only. http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/motoringfile-feeds/12737-recaro-seat-option-delayed-mini-coupe-roadster.html
Hmm, I wonder if it was actually a safety issue or wear issue? Either way, I wonder if they will be fixing it on already-built cars? Ultimately, this is great news, though. I'm glad these will continue to be available in the future.
That's definitely good news. It didn't affect my order for the JCW Hardtop, but makes me feel better that it isn't something that sounds major. Glad I made the decision for the Recaros. Of course a lot can happen in a couple of months...