Mini Cooper will be unveiling a special edition of its convertible at the Detroit Auto Show.
Called the Sidewalk Model, the Mini will be an upscale take on the cabrio (convertible) trim and is based on the mk1.
The Sidewalk will actually be available in three models -- One Sidewalk, Cooper Sidewalk, and Cooper S Sidewalk. (What? No "Concrete Sidewalk?") It is expected that these models will be fully loaded with otherwise optional equipment including stability/traction control, sports seats, and chrome interior detailing. Features include brown English leather upholstery, a two-tone leather steering wheel and gear knob, and 17-inch alloys. Sidewalk will also be available with cycle, snowboard, and surfboard racks.
Press release can be found below. The Sidewalk goes on sale next summer. A revision on the soft top will not be released until 2008.
MINI will be unveiling a new addition to its Convertible range at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), when it presents the Sidewalk model for the first time on 6 January in Detroit.
MINI Convertibles have always combined great handling characteristics with the thrill of open-top motoring, but when the Sidewalk hits MINI dealers from April 2007, MINI fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on a fresh model boasting a raft of luxurious design enhancements.
Andy Hearn, General Manager for MINI UK, said: "The MINI One Seven, Cooper Park Lane and Cooper S Checkmate editions of the MINI hatch have been hugely popular, with nearly 8,000 models sold in the UK in just 12 months. We are confident that Sidewalk will offer the same exclusivity and maximum value for Convertible customers. Undoubtedly it will reinforce MINI's unique position as a premium small car."
The new Sidewalk model offers a host of exclusive and additional options, and is available on the One, Cooper and Cooper S. It includes a choice of four paintwork colours, Malt Brown English Leather upholstery, 17" Night Spoke light alloy wheels, bi-colour leather steering wheel and gear knob and special 'Sidewalk' interior trim, floor mats, badges and door inserts.
Additional MINI options that are standard on Sidewalk models are Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T), multifunction leather steering wheel, mirror caps in body colour, chrome line interior, passenger seat height adjustment, sports seats, storage compartment pack, front fog lamps, manual air conditioning, on board computer, interior light pack and white indicators.
On the road prices are as follows:
MINI One Sidewalk: £16,910 ($33,021)
MINI Cooper Sidewalk: £17,960 ($35,072)
MINI Cooper S Sidewalk: £20,235 ($39.514)
Should a customer wish to specify these options on any other MINI Convertible, the cost of the extra kit would be approximately 25 per cent higher than if purchased as part of a standard package on the Sidewalk edition.
The MINI One and Cooper Convertible Sidewalk editions come with a five-speed manual gearbox, with the more powerful Cooper S version boasting a six-speed transmission. As an option, the MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk is available with a CVT transmission, while the MINI Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk may be *** with a six-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance. Both auto gearboxes are equipped with a Steptronic function, providing a sportier driving experience.