Special Editions & Options Package Update

Sections: R50 (Coupe) | R53 (Coupe) May 5th, 2005 19 Comments

As MINI2 reported a few months back, MINI will be offering two special edition cars for the 2006 model year: the Park Lane and the Checkmate edition. However, contrary to their initial report, our sources are claiming that they will not be available in the US. Instead the US market will get many of the new features and special colors as a la carte options. Further, MINIUSA will be offering the Checkmate “Special Options” package which will include most of the Checkmate appearance options plus a few things from the Sport Package (what specifically it will add is still unknown). At of this time we cannot confirm that any package will include JCW parts. However it does look like the US may be getting those gorgeous (so I’m told) Recaro seats.

Also of note, according to one reliable source, the MINI convertible unfortunately will not get any the special editions.

Naturally we’ll have more on these 2006 changes in the coming days and weeks…

Written By: Gabe

ChrisW

Quote: “Also of note, according to one reliable source, the MINI convertible unfortunately will not get any the special editions.”

Great news for me, having just picked up my new MCSc. I don’t want to have to lust over a new model yet! :)
SB

I have always appreciated the a la carte approach to options on a vehicle anyway. Anybody buy a Ford lately? To order the little light in the glovebox, you have to get the convenience package RGZ4 … which must be ordered in conjunction with the premium package TKL3 … that you can only get if you order the bumper rub strips and side door protection. Well, almost. A la carte is good. More you-if-ication instead of a little you-if-ication and some us-if-ication. Can’t wait for the 06′s!
Chris

This doesn’t sound nearly as appealing as it originally sounded.

Are factory JCW parts still on the menu for Sept. production?
Elliot

The Park Lane and Checkmate packages sound like little more than trim / appearance packages….
GSKChicago

Retrofit? :o)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe Bridger

JCW parts have been rumored to be available for November production. I’ve had it confirmed by three individual sources that it is happening. However I’ve also had one source now say that nothing is definitive for the US market yet.
StevieC

I agree with Chris & Elliot Ã¢â‚¬â€œ our MINI’s have had trim options galore since the beginning. New seats & paint options are cool (even thought I love my DS/DS) but not worth the hassle of an upgrade. Maybe a retrofit as GSK mentions could be on the cards. Although, it may be tempting to new buyers if progressive R56 info fails to impress. Adding a factory JCW package would have really sent our current models “off with a bang”. I hope it does happen, only then will I consider upgrading my ’04 MCS… (and who knows what will happen in the Aussie market :sad :confused)
Mark

I have an 04 MCS as well, if the works go on at the factory, i will order a new one. Since the next generation interior spy shoots, in my opinion do not look to good, this may be the last one I’ll buy.
isellem

as somewhat of an insider for the us market…

NOTHING is set in stone for the US market. Nothing will be set in stone probably until July or August. Seriously… from what i have been told serious decisions come down to the wire for production cars. It is crazy.
peter

I want an ALCANTRA STEERING WHEEL !!!!!!!
Rob

Everybody now “we want the seats, we want the seats!”
minicoopermike

Yeah, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm Recaro seats!! :-D
Chris

I guess we don’t know when the Recaros become available, but does anyone know which Recaros they are? I thought the Recaros in the previous gen S4 were too hard.
michael Boice

I really want that convertible orange, but not the convertible…no such luck. Drat!
http://www.hubertus.net/mymini Philip Hubertus

I’d like to see seats like those in the new Audi RS4 in the Mini. And once again: please make sure to not decrease the space between seat and roof. The JCW seats do that and I don’t fit into the Mini anymore with the JCW seat fitted.

Philip
GoofyTruax

So a ’06 MCSc with a Chill Red, Tan top white bonnet strips and white wheels and factory installed JCS is still a dream.
peter

Give us the ALCANTRA STEERING WHEEL, just like the BMW M3 competition package!

Would be a great compliment to the Recaro seats, and any of the JCW tuning items!

How about a fantastic ALCANTRA COVERED STEERING WHEEL !!!!!!! (please)
JaCe

Sorry but I’m unfamiliar with what these Checkmate and Park Lane coopers are?
Billsey

I saw the official Mini UK release pictures last night along the full specification on each model, Seven, Park Lane & Checkmate. I think they are probably carrying on an old Rover limited edition range, hope so, didnt think much of either.

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