Sporty, useful or simply unusual: Original MINI Accessories for the new MINI.

Munich. The Original MINI Accessory range is available in November 2006
for the market launch of the new MINI. In true MINI style it includes a
variety of sporty, useful and unusual items. These high-quality
components, all of which fulfil the stringent quality and safety
standards of the BMW Group, allow further individualisation of the
best-selling small car in the premium segment. The Accessory programme
supplements standard equipment features and ex works options. Sales and
retrofitting of the accessories is carried out by MINI dealerships. The
Original MINI Accessory programme includes classic racing technology
such as John Cooper Works components, comfort-oriented details such as
an iPod interface, a roof rack in highly rigid, anodised aluminium
section, additional headlamps, useful everyday items and unusual
elements such as extravagant roof decors. Traditional roof decors and
mirror caps have always been important when it comes to MINI
individualisation. Alongside the popular motives of the Union Jack and
the chequered flag - also available for mirror caps and door handle
trim - MINI lettering and even the ground markings for a helicopter
landing place (heliport motive) are available as roof designs.
Attractive exterior components from the John Cooper Works tuning
programme are also provided which are hand made from carbon fibre
reinforced plastic. This high-tech Formula 1 material is also used to
produce cover panels for the front air inlet, exterior mirrors and
tailgate handles. Other works Accessories also bear the name of the
legendary MINI tuner: these JCW tuning products put classic racing
technology on the road such as perforated brake discs (diameter 294 mm)
for the front axle of the MINI Cooper S, with matching 18-inch light
alloy wheels in double spoke design. The largest wheel available for
the MINI (7J x 18) has low-profile, size 205/40/18 tyres and is
supplied in Runflat technology. For the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S
there is also a John Cooper Works roof spoiler with carbon surface. The
JCW sports seat offers not only an appealing visual style but also
optimised lateral holding for dynamic motoring. Alternatively, a
single-section roof spoiler is available which can be finished in body
colour. Both roof spoilers can be supplemented with the John Cooper
Works aerodynamic package which comprises front and rear apron and side
sills. The components of the aerodynamic package are made of
high-quality plastic and are also paintable: they give the vehicle a
particularly youthful, sporty look which can be further enhanced with
the 17-inch light alloy wheel in multi-spoke design. The cast wheel
"Multi-Spoke" (7J x 17), design-certified for the MINI Cooper
and MINI Cooper S, is combined with tyre size 205/45/17. Naturally,
musical requests for the new MINI can be brought on board too. With the
MINI interface for Apple iPod models, a digitally stored music selection
can be fed directly into the vehicle audio system, with the iPod being
fully integrated into the system. Operation of the MP3 unit is via MINI
joystick, multifunction steering wheel or radio key panel. The
interface is housed in the glove compartment. For those who prefer to
play CDs and have their MINI fitted with a CD changer, the Original
MINI Accessory range also includes a practical storage element for 6
CDs which is mounted on the sunblind. A particularly stylish visual
touch is provided by the illuminated entry strips which are available
in five different versions. In addition to the MINI logo, the
designations MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S and the Union Jack, it is
even possible to select one's own lettering - guaranteeing
individuality in its most personal form. The entry strips are made of
ground high-quality steel (partially blackened), while the designations
themselves are in resilient electroluminescent foil. The Original MINI
Accessory range is supplemented with usual everyday items such as a
rear cover which protects the interior from unusual wear-and-tear such
as when transporting a dog. There are also high-quality textile floor
mats, perfectly fitting folding sunblinds for the rear window and rear
side windows and a luggage compartment tray. The tray also comprises
two removable compartments and a lid which forms a flat load surface
with the rear seatbacks when they are folded down. There are also
numerous features which further increase the functionality of the new
MINI such as aluminium rear carriers for bicycles, skis or snowboards.
The new roof rack system is compatible with ski and bicycle mounts as
well as roof boxes - these are simple to install and handle, as well as
fulfilling the high BMW/MINI safety standards of course. The programme
is rounded off with mud flaps for the front and rear wheels, a mobility
set for tyre damage incl. compressor, sealing gel and work gloves, an
anti-theft device for light alloy wheels and additional headlamps. The
latter - again highly characteristic of MINI - combine state-of-the-art
clear glass technology with a traditional design, their shape being
reminiscent of the MINI Cooper which won the Monte Carlo Rally three times.