Could the Cat Almost be Out of the Bag?

MINI2 has been reporting for some time on the future release of a special, limited edition, light weight Cooper S. Now, MINI2 has officially been given the strongest indication yet that this car will be produced.

Behind the dramatic unveiling of the Frankfurt Concept car, MINI have officially told MINI2 that they are indeed in talks with Bertone in Italy about producing just such a vehicle. The project, if it should happen, will be limited in numbers, but is expected to be available to major global MINI markets.

While the somewhat cagey official comments could go no further than confirming talks were underway, a MINI representative did confirm that the BMW “CSL” name would not be carried over the MINI, as has always been the case the MINI brand would very much being treated on it’s own merits. The car would carry special branding, but there’s no official comment on what name(s) the car could carry. It also seems MINI have learnt from BMWs experience with light weight vehicles, and are keen to strike a reasonable balance between cutting weight, and increasing costs.

Comments were also made that the vehicle would still have a certain level of customisation and configuration choices available to customers, but due to the nature of this project the full options list is unlikely to be applicable to the ltd edition vehicle. MINI did confirm that light weight materials, such as carbon fibre, aluminium and the like may feature, but not “in abundance”. So official details do, as you might expect, remain sketchy.

Hints have also been made that something special for the MINI will be unveiled during the forthcoming MINI United event in Misano, Italy. You can be sure MINI2 will be there, and if there’s a light weight Cooper S to be found, we’ll be all over it like a rash!

Heading back to the rumour mill for a moment, MINI2 has received information that ties in with other noises that around 3,000 MINIs are to be partially constructed at Bertone’s factories. It seems that progress is actually much further down the line than MINI are prepared to admit, but the fact they are prepared to comment at all is a very strong indication this vehicle will be released.