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Report: Rolls-Royce Custom Mini Confirmed

 
7 2,158 views Nov 19, 2009
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Special editions and the Mini seem to go together like rubber and asphalt, with no fewer than three such models released in the past year such as the Mayfair and Camden 50th Anniversary models (pictured).


But the next special edition is expected to be something very special, indeed.

Executives at BMW have reportedly given the green light for a cooperation between Rolls-Royce and Mini to create a new bespoke edition with a focus primarily on upgrading the interior experience. Coachbuilt Minis actually have something of a history in the UK, and the latest Rolls-Royce Mini would seek to tap into that vein.

The new car will be modified by the craftsman at Rolls-Royce’s own plant in Goodwood, and each will be unique.

Exactly what would be found in the interior of a Rolls-Royce Mini is still unknown, but high-grade leather upholster, wood and metal trim elements, re-styled console elements and a unique color scheme are tipped as likely inclusions.

There's no timeline yet for a release, but it's believed that the Rolls-Mini collaboration is already at the late prototype stage, so an announcement could be coming any time now.

[Autocar]





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Comments (7)

  1. Roy Posted: 11/19/2009 8:00am PST

    This concept sounds very similar to Aston Martin's Cygnet (re-badged ultra-compact Toyota). The Cygnet project was designed to help Aston's CAFE liability and exclusivity was 'guaranteed' by only allowing existing customers to buy them.
    It's not clear if RR will get a similar CAFE benefit from this special edition. My biggest concern is that the mini has neither the torque (pulling power) nor the quiet that define the Rolls-Royce driving experience.
    In fact, I would say the Mini (quick, great handling) would make a much better small Aston, while the Toyota (quiet, relaxed, reliable) would make a much better small Rolls-Royce.
     
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  2. fb_608456525 avatar Adrian West Posted: 11/19/2009 8:46am PST

    I think in all fairness, this is just BMW trying to get the most out of their brands by allowing a few good collaborations. However, an aston mini sounds amazing... especially if it took on more of an aston look and shape =) I'd like to see the audi A1 to be turned into a tiny Lambo!
     
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  3. Axel Posted: 11/19/2009 8:58am PST

    WTF!! Another MINI inception of grandous proportion of SPECIALTY vehicle, It is getting more than rediculous by the minute. MINI you have messed up with the MINI D to NA and now come by the way of a ROLLS!!! What a joke you are becoming, I gather I will stay w my 02 MCS as an antique so that way generations of the future can sample what a real MINI was in the begining of the Century. LOL
     
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  4. Mark Smith Posted: 11/19/2009 1:18pm PST

    Roy, if you're thinking terms of Cafe there are two things for you to know. Firstly this Rolls Royce Custom MINI would be sold out of MINI showrooms as a bespoke "RR" edition car. Second Cafe applies to Automakers. Both Rolls Royce and MINI fall under the BMW Group umbrella and since this custom work would be done on a car that is technically already on the market it wouldn't affect BMW Groups Cafe at all. I work for a mINI Dealer so I am familiar with this.
     
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  5. Andrew Posted: 11/20/2009 2:43am PST

    Just to expand on what Mark was saying - Aston is one of the very few automakers that's not part of a bigger group like Rolls Royce, Lambo etc. While the ridiculous emissions a Rolls Royce blow out are offset by frugal BMW models and Mini's, Astons average emissions are not offset by anything... So they have to find a way to lower it... Cue Toyota iq...
    This car could be interesting, but surely the people are RR have better things to do with their time than build a Mini that would be overpriced (and probably wouldn't sell) and unnecessary...
     
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  6. Jim Posted: 11/20/2009 7:35am PST

    If no RR modified Mini's are ever produced, the press release is a huge success for Mini and BMW as it has gotten the brands mentioned in virtually every auto related blog and I expect many fashion related ones also. Expect mention in a wide variety of print publications both newspapers and glossy mags.
    More than most automobiles, Mini's can be tailored to the desires of the the individual. I suspect only Porsche has as many individual options that allow the buyer to select what they want and have the car built to the buyers whims. Sending the car over to Goodwood for finishing only adds cache. Yes it will make a hideously expensive Mini but who among us could afford a bespoke interior in a car and I expect this will be in a sense affordable.
    Something to consider, for RR, Bentley's and such, the only remaining truly custom part of the car is how the interior is finished, the rest is standardized (platform and body) and shares many subsystems, mechanical and electrical with other vehicles. So in someway for the price of a Mini plus the custom work the buyer is getting the same personalization as the Roller buyer, all be it not as exclusive.
     
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  7. vitamin a Posted: 12/5/2009 1:02am PST

    ery cool news, I honestly would rather pay for a high end build Mini any day over a so-so performance Mini like the WC50. Pretty much have given up on Mini ever making a true performance car and have decided my future fun car will likely come from some other manufacture.
     
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