With just months to go before the London 2012 Olympics, BMW is making full use of its official sponsor status by launching two new London themed special editions of the MINI.
Following a long line of specials including the Mayfair, Ritz, Chelsea and Park Lane, the MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater will go on sale in the spring. Both models will be available around the world for a limited period.
It also means that two other “London” special editions, the Pimlico and Soho, will disappear.
So let’s see what they have to offer…
MINI Baker Street – The Stylish One
Priced from £16,365 the Baker Street version can be ordered as a MINI One (98bhp), MINI Cooper (122bhp), MINI One D (90bhp) or MINI Cooper D (112bhp). All engines feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of a six-speed automatic.
Baker Street is an area of London associated with fictional detective Sherlock Holmes who first appeared in print 125 years ago.
It’s also the name of a hit song by musician Gerry Rafferty. Perhaps this MINI should be fitted with a saxophone rather than a horn.
Finished in exclusive rooftop grey metallic paint it features black bonnet stripes with a subtle V-shape pattern.
Matching black mirror caps and 16 inch 6-star light alloys in high-gloss black complete the overall look.
But if grey is rather drab for your tastes, Pepper White or Midnight Black paintwork is optional. Select the Cooper or Cooper D trim and the roof is painted black.
Special Baker Street logos appear above the side indicators and on the side scuttles, while “Baker Street” lettering is etched into the door sills.
On the inside, the changes are rather restrained. The cloth/leather seats feature an exclusive diamond trim. The dashboard and door trims feature Rooftop Grey trim.
The interior changes are complemented with light grey contrast stitching on the floor mats, gearstick and handbrake gaiter.
The Baker Street is also well equipped including;
- Chrome Line Exterior Pack
- Chrome Line Interior Pack
- Pepper Pack (automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth and on-board computer)
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Front Foglamps
- Lighting Package
- Height Adjustment for the front passenger seat
A wide range of optional equipment is also available for the ultimate in personalisation.
MINI Bayswater – The Sporty One
Priced from £18,565 the Bayswater version can be ordered as a MINI Cooper (122bhp), MINI Cooper S (184bhp), MINI Cooper D (112bhp) or MINI Cooper SD (143bhp). All engines feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of a six-speed automatic.
The Bayswater edition is named after an area of London with a high density of bars and restaurants.
Finished in Kite Blue metallic paint, the exterior also features gloss black 17 inch “Sandblast” alloys, a black roof, black striped exterior mirrors and blue/grey sport stripes on the bonnet.
Select the Cooper S or Cooper SD versions and you also have the option of Midnight Black metallic or Eclipse Grey metallic paint.
Moving inside, the Bayswater’s cabin includes;
- Chrome Line Exterior Pack
- Chrome Line Interior Pack
- Pepper Pack (automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth and on-board computer)
- Chili Pack
Other unique interior features include metallic sheen leather seats, piano Black trim, stainless steel pedals and unique floor mats with anthracite-coloured edging with blue contrasting stitching.
And finally, Bayswater badging adorns the side door sills, the side indicator housings and the leather seats.
Conclusion
A group of muscle-bound people will be running, lifting and jumping over things in London this summer.
What better reason to rush out to your local MINI dealer and blow your life savings on a car package with logos in their honour.
Interested? Or have you had enough of these London specials?
