MINI and TUMI Create Custom Clubman

Sections: Custom MINIs Jul 12th, 2011 14 Comments

MINI has partnered with luggage maker TUMI to produce a pair of custom Clubmen that not only feature bespoke TUMI luggage, but TUMI textiles throughout the interiors. The project is called “MINI Goes TUMI” and was debuted in Beijing by TUMI CEO Jerome Griffith. It begins with two cars, a MINI One Clubman, and a MINI Cooper S Clubman. More info and photos after the break.

The MINI Goes TUMI Cooper S Clubman is being called the “Black” and also the “Alpha” â€” featuring custom matte black and magenta paint plus interior choices to match. It seems no accent has been left untouched both outside and inside, as exotic TUMI textiles and bright colors overlay key interior surfaces. Like its green sibling, the Alpha features a bespoke set of TUMI luggage.

Dubbed the “Alpha Brave”, the hunter green and orange MINI One Clubman also features custom paintwork, exterior touches, and interior finishes. The AB also features a custom, rooftop cargo pod for even more stylish hauling.

Both cars are set to tour the world car show scene this year and foreshadow future possible collaborations between MINI and TUMI. If these cars see any sort of production, speculation is that they’d be limited to the Chinese market.

Written By: Nathaniel Salzman

Anonymous

Sigh, I so want the Black right now…
Anonymous

There is nothing inherently wrong with decor/customization options. In fact, in MINI’s case such a bold move, at least from a marketing perspective, may be judicious. After all, many precedents would support the decision e.g., Eddie Baur, Harley Davidson, Levi, etc. editions by various domestic manufacturers. Moreover, the MINI brand relies heavily on female patronage, thus adding a pallet of pretty colored choices seems on target. It must also be recognized that MINI is all about personalization, hence the catalog of dealer options currently available.

The other side of the coin would seemingly suggest the contrary as MINI may be losing sales vis-a-vis its arguably “metro sexual” identity. Traditionally, the brand has drawn many diehard male enthusiasts that would have likely eschewed such ostentation and opted for substantive performance-related customization e.g., Recaro seats and quick fill alloy gas caps. Even painted/powder-coated brake calipers and wheels would have been desirable, but prissy “designer” interior schemes — out of the question!Â

It seems that MINI is doing everything it can to disenfranchise many of us in the name of increased sales. I am unopposed to such gender-focused offerings, but would like to see greater parity that respects and recognizes brand traditions and not see MINI veer off track into the purely opportunistic wilderness. Please get back “on track” MINI and differentiate yourself from the “trendy” competition. Be proud to celebrate your heritage!Â

I’m all for generating “buzz” with prototype exhibitions and special editions as long as the priceless value of heritage is preserved and enhanced. If MINI wants to enrobe a MINI in Swarovski to crystals and faux diamonds as Mercedes once did, hunky dory … but please perpetuate the cherished attributes of the brand versus putting icing on the cake.
Anonymous

Yes, as the license reads — “MINI goes TUMI” indeed! Â Wouldn’t it have been preferable to have it read Â ”MINI goes Recaro” instead. Â Or “MINI goes Nurburgring” with alloy and carbon bespoke features and maybe even some extremely “mouth watering” enhancement like center hubs on JCW Challenge street edition? These are details that both men and women can appreciate — at least those that gravitate toward motorsports and have an abiding appreciation of the aesthetic. Will â€œMINI goes Gucciâ€ be next for an Italian Job sequel?
- Anonymous
  
  This is HD. Sorry about the formatting corruption in my first comment.
- b-
  
  So why can a man not appreciate these cars? I like the black Clubman S because I think it is put together well. Te black and red works well as we know on the JCW cars and the interior is a step or two nicer than the JCW to boot,
  
  The green Clubman is just that, green. I like green and orange but not on the exterior of a car unless it is Halloween. I do like what was done with the interior in respect to the color line and seat fabrics.
  
  Oh and the thought of an Italian Job sequel make me want to vomit, sure, the MINI driving was.cool but other than that there was a trash story and horrible acting. If they do make a sequel it most likely won’t have MINIs anyway, that movie came out when MINI was a new brand and it was like a feature film commercial for them. There is no way that now MINI is an established brand that they would pay for that exposure again. Even if they did it would feature the fugly F56 car, no thanks.
  - Anonymous
    
    As individuals, of course, anyone (regardless of gender) is welcome to appreciate the MINI by TUMI — “Halloween edition” or otherwise. Based on the work of respected European tuning houses I am suggesting that MINI’s most recent cosmetic overture is primarily intended to drive female patronage versus add substantive/functional value.
    
    While beauty cannot be universally defined, it can clearly be gender-focused. I cannot imagine a great deal of disapproval being generated by a keen looking set of Alcantara upholstered Recaro seats complemented by a “GT2-like” matching dash and a couple of race car inspired nylon door pulls — available in a rainbow of colors.
    
    Obviously offering centerlocks may be an over-the-top proposal in terms of cost, however, not necessarily beyond reason given the Goodwood example. The pivotal question: Is a $50,000+ MINI a marketable product? Certainly not mass marketable, but niche marketable — of course. If the $250K a copy Terrafugia is viable, why not a far less extreme niche vehicle like a street-legal MINI Challenge car. It would be sensational and a sensational way to underscore the MINI racing heritage — not to mention generate “buzz.”
    
    “Fugly F56″ notwithstanding — no doubt about it “The Italian Job” was as you describe.
Anonymous

I’ll take the black one with all the red turned pink instead to match my lilcoopr theme. Â Yes. Â Would be a nice Clubman!
Rocketboy

Dubbed the â€œAlpha Braveâ€, also known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle MINI.
Rocketboy

Dubbed the â€œAlpha Braveâ€, also known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle MINI.
Aurel

I really like the orange touches on the interior … would work really well with a Hot Chocolate exterior.
http://www.facebook.com/people/David-See/697585298 David See

I’m liking the orange! Â And of course…not for the US market. Â Too exciting…..
Isthar

I’d love to hear that TUMI sells those “MINI branded” luggage items (seems to be the same items they have today, but different color trimming), even more so if they come out with new somewhat custom-fitting luggage…
Isthar

I’d love to hear that TUMI sells those “MINI branded” luggage items (seems to be the same items they have today, but different color trimming), even more so if they come out with new somewhat custom-fitting luggage…
Isthar

I’d love to hear that TUMI sells those “MINI branded” luggage items (seems to be the same items they have today, but different color trimming), even more so if they come out with new somewhat custom-fitting luggage…

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