Last week we told you about MINI USA’s latest special edition MINI, the Laurel Sport. This week we actually have our first look at the car. The Laurel Sport will be produced in very limited quantities; 100 R56 hatches, 100 R55 Clubman and 100 R57 convertibles.
The idea is to combine 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. In our mind this is one of the better “off the shelf” limited edition models MINI has come up with yet. Yes it’s not a model with new technology or unique colors. But it’s a great value with the combined options and plenty rare. Here’s the full rundown of what comes with the car:
– 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
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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.
<p>I think that looks really good, but will people spend so much for just stick-on decals and such? Not me.</p>
<p>Looks very similar to the Jubilee editions that were released in Japan not that long ago….</p>
<p>I really like it, but I do have a hard time swallowing the asking price of the R55 version.</p>
<p>Not my cup of tea, but that’s what’s so great about the brand. They’ll actually make a car that most people won’t but, but a few people will absolutely love. The “Long Tail” in full effect.</p>
<p>I like it! Looks great and those stripes are really unique on the Clubman’s roofline! Cool boot stripe too!</p>
<p>Fugly. And way too expensive. These things will be lot queens for a long time. I can imagine some of the stories the sales reps will tell about its “exclusivity” and rareness, trying to move these things. If you actually want one, just wait a little while, there will be FAT discounts.</p>
<p>Sharp!</p>
<p>Desperately trying to move some inventory before that refresh…</p>
<p>I really like the red-accented roof rail. Makes for a good looking R55.</p>
<p>I like it.</p>
<p>That’s pretty sharp! Would have been great to show off at the Chciago Auto Show with the planned March/April delivery.</p>
<p>Jim</p>
<p>I’d like to see the R56 version, but I think it looks pretty good. The price really isn’t all that out of line when you consider the integrated options, particularly if you were going to add those things on anyway. I suspect that.guy is onto something though — when the word gets out to the rank and file about the refresh it will be much tougher to move ’em.</p>
<p>Ever since there was a typo in the initial article about this car calling it the “Lauren Special Edition”, I keep thinking of it as the Ralph Lauren MINI, and in fact it kind of looks like that. (Though there’s a little Tommy Hilfiger in it, too).</p>
<p>Ugly!</p>
<p>…I got to admit it…THAT’S one NICE looking MINI…</p>
<p>i like the accented roof rail as well … gives me some ideas.</p>