Report: Rolls-Royce designers to retrim special edition Mini Cooper
06/16/2009, 3:36 PM
By Andrew Ganz
Though they operate at opposite ends of the BMW Group spectrum, Rolls-Royce and Mini could be collaborating on a new special edition Mini Cooper, if reports out of the United Kingdom are to be believed. With Rolls-Royce sales down due to the recession, parent company BMW is looking for way to spread some of the automaker’s luxury touches across the lineup.
Autocar says that a prototype has been built with an extra-luxe interior akin to those once regularly custom fitted to the original Mini Coopers more than 40 years ago.
The magazine says that executives at Mini are considering the Rolls-Royce-designed interior to lure buyers seeking premium appointments in a more eco- and urban-friendly package.
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06/16, 3:41 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Can they get any more expensive? Apparently so.
06/16, 3:46 PM
posted by:
NRG
I like the idea, but how much more will this cost?
06/16, 3:48 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
what a waste of money!
06/16, 3:53 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
Rolls Royce need loaner cars for their dealerships
06/16, 3:56 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Breitling has a Mini Cooper timepiece, retailing for $38,998 to commemorate this auspicious union
06/16, 4:04 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
This is like putting a Nieman Marcus tag on your Walmart towels.
06/16, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
That’s a great little car.
06/16, 4:07 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Hey LLN, how come you don’t have anything up about the new mercedes s-class ESF safety car?
06/16, 4:10 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Funny but I never imagined Mini owners worried about a good piece of trim.
06/16, 4:10 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
The cow-catcher grill from the Rolls would look pretty stellar on a Mini…
06/16, 5:01 PM
posted by:
rja377
Can anyone spell “Cadillac Cimarron”?…
06/16, 6:04 PM
posted by:
A4
$89,000
06/16, 7:33 PM
posted by:
StepAhead
Hands up, who would buy one!?! can’t see any hands in the air. BMW, please do something worth while…
06/16, 7:37 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
When I think of the Mini Coopers of today, I think of sporty, fun, somewhat economical and full of personality. I DO NOT think of luxury. At all. This is a major FAIL.
06/16, 7:44 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
My initial reaction was that the public won’t go for it, but I’ve learned not to underestimate the stupidity of consumers, such as those who pay big bucks for Audi’s.
06/16, 7:51 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Hope it comes with distinctive badging so everyone can spot the suckers.
06/16, 8:27 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
“Casper” fits this while RR Ghost is in schedule.
06/16, 8:49 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
Hmmm…. Sounds a little fishy.
06/16, 8:55 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
You know how car makers and designers use concept cars, to test the reaction of the public consumers – perhaps this is what they are doing… but obviously it won’t be that wild because they cant risk the cars not selling… The Color and Trim departments will be put to the test… The dealers will see all that ‘value added’ factor… for sure the price will rise!
06/16, 8:56 PM
posted by:
spg900
How many special editions of the mini have been spewed out in the last couple of weeks-3 or 4 ? You’d think they’re trying to do what BMW is doing with their X wagons.
06/16, 8:59 PM
posted by:
Borat
Britney Spears has a Mini. There are tons of people with poor taste and a lot of money. You can’t underestimate bad taste of public
06/16, 10:05 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Butter-smooth leather and real wood interior appointments won’t make the buckboard ride and obnoxiously loud road noise any more tolerable, just more expensive.
06/17, 2:20 AM
posted by:
A4
Does it come with a complimentary jar of Grey Poupon?