MINI

With the success of MINI USA’s recent (ultra) limited edition Rally Clubman, MINI’s US division is releasing another run of limited edition models. The Lauren Sport edition is set to launch in March of 2010 with each dealer getting one hardtop (R56), one Clubman (R55) and one convertible (R57). Only 100 vehicles per model will be built in total for the US market.

With the Laurel Sport Edition MINI has combined sporty components with exclusive accessories meant to evoke a classic British style. The John Cooper Works Aero Kit, the MINI driving lights, the black 17” Alloy Wheels and the
black Mirror Caps give you the sport. The Laurel Sport Edition Door Sills, Side Scuttles and Stripes on the Bonnet, Tailgate, Roof and Side Panel emphasize the British heritage of the breed. The unique Laurel Sport Edition components and the contrasting Black Mirror Covers also add 100% exclusivity and reiterate that this limited Edition will be different from all other existing MINI’s in the US.

Here’s a breakdown of all the options that come on the cars from the factory:

– Pepper White (850)
– Roof in Body Color (R55/R56)
– Black Leatherette
– Sport Package (Black 17” Wheels)
– Xenon Headlights
– Dynamic Traction Control
– White turn-signals
– Automatic Climate Control
– Harman Kardon Premium Sound
– Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter

Once in the US, the following accessories are added at the port rounding out the look of the car:

– John Cooper Works Aero Kit painted in Pepper White (R55, R57)
– John Cooper Works Aero Kit painted in Pepper White with Wheel Arches in body color (R56)
– MINI Driving Lamps in Black
– Jet Black Mirror Caps
– Laurel Sport Edition Side Scuttles
– Laurel Sport Edition Door Sills
– Laurel Sport Edition Bonnet, Roof and Tailgate Stripes
– Laurel Sport Edition Side Panel Stripes

A) summer configuration: 17” Black Web Spoke with Performance Tires (2RW) or
B) winter configuration: 17” Black Crown Spoke (2RP, 2RV) with All-Season Tires (927) and Cold Weather
Package (ZCW – 313 Power Folding Mirrors, 314 Heated Mirrors and Washer Jets, 494 Heated Seats)

Note configuration A) or B) depend on the Dealer/Region.

As you would expect this will be a relatively high MSRP vehicle. But a closer look at the specifics reveals that MINI has created a pretty good buy with combining relatively popular options and accessories and then discounting the total by rolling it into the final price of the car. So with that said here are the MSRPs of each vehicle:

– $29,695 (MINI Cooper S Hardtop, R56)
– $31,445 (MINI Cooper S Clubman, R55)
– $34,545 (MINI Cooper S Convertible, R57)

(Including $700 for destination & handling)

Of course some dealers may option or different option locally so this price may vary slightly. For instance surely there will be a few dealers that want sunroofs in their cars and others that want to see the JCW suspension.

Look for the cars to be delivered to dealers in March and April of this year.