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Seeing as both brands fall under the BMW umbrella, it wasn’t really a far-fetched idea to have British luxury automaker, Rolls Royce, and German carmaker, MINI, tie up for a special edition project. The question wasn’t so much if these two highly regarded brands could collaborate, but more of when they would do it. Apparently, that question has finally been answered. At the Shanghai Auto Show, MINI and Rolls Royce will introduce a limited production Cooper S model called the “MINI Inspired by Goodwood’, a direct homage to the latter’s base of operations in Goodwood, England. The car was developed with the help of the Rolls Royce design team and, together with the folks from MINI, they created a car that will be produced in only 1,000 units. The “MINI Inspired by Goodwood” is decked out with the kind of exclusive and luxury amenities that only Rolls Royce can be known for. It’s been a long time in the making, but hey, at the very least we finally get to see the car in full production guise. Let’s just all hope that this car won’t cost as much as a Ghost or a Phantom. UPDATE 08/19/2011:: The whispers of Mini sending some of this special edition MINI’s 1,000 units over to the US were correct, but we don’t have to pay the converted price of $68,000. Nope, official pricing for the Mini GoodWood sits at $52,000, according to reports. This new, lower price still makes the MINI Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" the most expensive small premium car. Hey, Rolls Royce inspiration doesn’t come cheap, especially considering the Mini Cooper models in the States cost between $19K and $28K, depending on the model. All in all, Mini will be sending 140 units over to our side of the pond. Orders will begin next month and the first deliveries will be made in the second quarter of 2012. (MotoringFile) More details on the MINI Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" by Rolls-Royce after the jump. Exterior True to its nature as one of the world’s most luxurious brands, Rolls Royce gave the Cooper S their own stamp of quality, highlighted by bespoke styling cues and trim options. On the outside, the car has been finished with an exclusive Diamond Black Metallic finish with an alternative – and optional – Reef Blue Metallic finish. You’ll notice that the car comes with the standard front and rear apron of the Cooper S, but has been combined with the bonnet from the Cooper D sans the air scoop. In addition, Rolls Royce also installed badges inscribed with the words “Inspired by Goodwood” right below the A-pillar. Interior Inside, the Rolls Royce design team took to great lengths to ensure that the Cooper S had all the luxury amenities to make it feel like you’re riding inside an actual Rolls Royce. The team made use of their own exclusive Rolls Royce colour Cornsilk to dress up the dashboard, the central instrument, the air vents, the center console, carpet surfaces, the Lounge leather seats, the roof lining, and the side and body pillars. Complementing the high-end material on the dashboard and the door handle surfaces are Walnut Burr veneer trims. Meanwhile, black nappa leather was used on the dashboard top with the door linings coming in leather Cornsilk. Also, the car’s buttons have been finished in a Piano Black surface, the roof lining in Cashmere, and finally, lambswool floor mats. Performance The special edition MINI Cooper S will be powered by a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine pumping out 184 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of peak torque. These numbers translate to a 0-62 mph time of seven seconds with a fuel consumption average of 40.6 mpg. Pricing This special edition Mini is actually the most expensive small premium car to date with a price tag of 46,900 Euro, or $52,000 in the United States. All in all, Mini will be sending 140 units of the 1,000 units available over to our side of the pond. Orders will begin next month and the first deliveries will be made in the second quarter of 2012. Competition We haven’t seen a tie-up of this caliber in a long time so pin-pointing a direct competition for this special edition MINI Cooper S is easier said than done. Having said that, luxury hatchbacks don’t come too often so if we were to compare this Cooper to something, we’re going to stick it up against the Fiat 500 Fenice Milano La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds. Let’s just all hope that the Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" model won’t cost as much as the $660,000 price tag attached to the Fenice Milano Fiat 500.   Rolls Royce-dressed interior
Special edition model
Would be nice to drive a ’cheap’ Rolls Royce
Not a lot of exterior upgrades
No powertrain modifications
Probably will cost more than we think
29 comments: MINI Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" by Rolls-Royce I’m really amazed that a small vehicle like could truly have a very luxurious and classy interior like this. Well, now there is no doubt if why it is the most expensive baby vehicle today!
 Mini vehicle really has this looks of a very rich and sophisticated car which I thought that it is a too expensive vehicle! Well, this city car is absolutely looks cool to have.
 I saw this Cooper already on the road, and I must say that I’m amazed with the cuteness and appeal that this mini car had. From the moment that I saw this one, I could not help myself but to wish that someday I could have it. 
 I love the sleek body paint of this one, and it looks very lovely and awesome on the color black. However, its engine is absolutely impressive as well and its interior is quite cozy and striking either.
 Yikes! I love mini cooper before! But now! i am so inlove with this. Having a photo of black mini cooper is such a delight on my taste. What a possession i would love to acquire.
 I’m amazed and glad that this Mini Cooper is one of the luxury cars that they were saying.  Seeing this in person is really a great pleasure for me. I’m really so fond with its cute platform and style.
 Apparently, I do like this inspired mini Good-wood. Seems very rich and famous luxury car, nice for professional personality.
 I saw this Cooper already on the road, and I must say that I’m amazed with the cuteness and appeal that this mini car had. From the moment that I saw this one, I could not help myself but to wish that someday I could have it.
 Even the mini cooper design is too oldies. Roll-Royce bring it a very elegant design. Let us hope that the speed of this mini cooper is not the same us like the old one.
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Posted on
12.26.2011 @ 01:44