MORE POWER, LESS WEIGHT: MINI COOPER S WITH JOHN COOPER WORKS GP KIT

The MINI Special Edition produces around 218 hp. Official presentation at MINI
United meeting in Misano.

Munich/Misano Adriatico, IT. The exclusive MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works
GP Kit will serve as a real treat for the particularly sports-minded MINI fan.
The special edition featuring a boost in power output to around 160 kW (218
bhp) and a noticeable reduction in weight will be produced as a limited edition
of 2,000 units. Its performance will clearly surpass that of the most powerful
ex-works MINI to date, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Kit.

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit was first presented to the
public during MINI United, the official MINI annual meeting and international
seasonal finale of all MINI club sport series being held in Misano/Italy from
28th to 30th October. The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit is
expected to be available in Europe from July 2006, the price tag in Germany
being around 30,000 Euros.

Exclusive racing technology made for the road.

While developing the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, engineers
focussed predominantly on even greater agility and high driving stability.
Modifications to the intercooler as well as engine tuning measures have boosted
power output of the free-revving 1.6-litre supercharged power unit to around
160 kW (218 bhp).

In order that such power and the high maximum torque of 180 foot-pounds are
transferred securely to the road, this limited special edition features a
limited slip differential as standard. Dynamic Stability Control DSC is
available as an option. High-performance brakes by John Cooper Works featuring
red-lacquered brake callipers on the front wheels ensure optimum stopping
power. Additional standard equipment by John Cooper Works includes a sports
suspension and an awesome sound generated by the specially constructed Tuning
Kit. An additional new highlight are the weight-reduced 18-inch alloy wheels
specially designed for the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit.

In order to reduce weight even further, engineers made extensive modifications
to the technology and bodywork of this special edition. The standard
longitudinal control arms on the rear axle now come in an aluminium version.
Due to bodywork modifications and the omission of parts of the damping
material, the air conditioning unit (optionally available at no extra charge)
and the rear seats, weight has been additionally reduced by around 88 pounds.
This value substantially enhances motoring performance and cornering ability,
transferring the MINI CHALLENGE racing feeling to the tarmac.

Revised aerodynamics and exclusive body colours.

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit features a thoroughly revised
aerodynamics package. Front and rear aprons, the now wing-shaped rear spoiler,
the even further lowered side sills and the underbody panelling have all been
redesigned. This has resulted in a distinctly reduced drag coefficient and
enhanced downforce on the front and rear axles.

The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit is immediately recognizable by
its exclusive grey-blue metallic body colour combined with a roof painted in
Pure Silver. The air scoops on the bonnet and in the front apron also come in
Pure Silver. Likewise, the exterior mirrors feature a contrasting colour -
fiery Chilli Red.

Purist interior design.

In keeping with true racing car tradition, the interior of the MINI Cooper S
with John Cooper Works GP Kit was intentionally designed to keep a low profile.
Nonetheless, standard equipment still includes Recaro sports seats, Radio Boost
with CD and a multifunction sports steering wheel.

Editor's Note: The following Press Information is specific to European
markets. Information regarding US-specific model details will be released at a
later date.