The MINI Highgate Convertible Special Edition

We’re getting up to our contrasting roof in MINI special editions these days. The latest is the Highgate Convertible. Like its special edition siblings, it’s named for a London neighborhood and it’s playing a big role in the build up to the 2012 London Olympics — where BMW and MINI will be major sponsors. This new Highgate Convertible features exclusive paint and soft-top colors, unique wheels and special interior touches. Check after the break for the full release and gallery.

[Official Release] For MINI fans looking to combine open-top driving fun with sophisticated individuality and an essential dose of Brit-cool, the MINI Convertible Highgate provides the perfect stage. The new special-edition variant of the soft-top four-seater seizes the limelight with its innovative and precisely coordinated splash of colours and materials. The MINI Convertible Highgate boasts numerous exterior and interior design features developed specially to suit the character of the car. Together with the extensive selection of on-board equipment, they provide a fresh interpretation of British style and premium feel in an open-top small car.

Four engine variants will be offered for the MINI Convertible Highgate, which will be produced over a limited period at MINI Plant Oxford. The new special edition is due to go on sale worldwide from spring 2012.

New exterior paint finishes, soft-top colours and wheel designs developed specially for the MINI Convertible Highgate provide the external expression of its exclusive aura. The new body colour Iced Chocolate metallic captures the imagination with its refined and understated basic colour and a special pigmentation that reveals a subtle, bluish lustre under the sun’s rays. In keeping with the theme, the brown soft-top roof also has a light metallic sheen. This distinctive look is further enhanced by brown/black bonnet stripes with blue edging, while Midnight Black metallic or White Silver metallic paintwork can be specified as an option. The exterior mirror caps of the special-edition model are also painted in the body colour. Another feature developed exclusively for the MINI Convertible Highgate are the 17-inch Double Cross light-alloy wheels in a refined, subtly-shaded aluminium colour. The wheels’ spoke arrangement is inspired by the pattern of the Union Jack flag.

The “Highgate” lettering on the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags is a nod to the car’s exclusive character, as are the bespoke colours and materials used in the interior. The Lounge Leather seats and leather Colour Line elements come in Dark Truffle and feature light contrast stitching. Light blue piping on the seats and Dark Truffle contrast stitching on the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters are further highlights. Stainless steel pedals, Suntouched Brushed Alloy interior trim elements, the Chrome Line Interior package and floor mats with Dark Truffle edging round off the stylish interior ambience of the MINI Convertible Highgate.

The new special-edition model sees MINI once again emphasising not only the individuality of the brand – as highlighted by the stand-out design features – but also its links to its native Britain. The name of the new special-edition model is taken from one of the most exclusive residential areas of London. Located in the north of England’s capital, Highgate is known for its historic architecture and wide open green spaces, and is home to numerous showbiz celebrities.

The MINI Convertible Highgate can be ordered in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) guise. All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic. Customers can add their own personal touches to the extensive standard equipment of the MINI Convertible Highgate by dipping into the wide assortment of options designed to enhance both comfort and driving fun.

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