Ucarmagazine

The BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) are considering the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development, and Alfredo Altavilla, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Fiat Group Automobiles and CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

“We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE”, Eichiner said in Munich.

“The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties,” Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin.

The two partners have agreed not to divulge details of the possible collaboration. The results of the cooperation discussions will probably be achieved by the end of the year.

These are the basic items of the new interpretation of the Mini Clubman signed Aznom. Worthy heired of the legendary Mini Sassicaia dedicated to the most famous wine in the world, sold in 12 exclusives specimen so the new Mini Chateau is born, a Mini that, thanks to its name evokes the elegance of the world of the Grands Chateaux; for this reason in its car trunk has found place a 6 bottles (and chalices) wine-cellar completely caulked and shock absorbent; built up with the same wood and leather selected for the car.

Concerning the inner features, the match of aged / gaucho leather and Alcantara creates a warm vintage atmosphere that embraces the passengers in a special trip of elegance, emotion and tradition. In order to make this car version really special, we chose to couple a more “classic” style leather with an unconventional / eccentric old-looking one.

Regarding the car body, the exterior paint pearly-changeable brown has been matched with a sandy/gold metallic paint selected for the top, for part of bumpers and other details shaping up the whole car style creating an ideally separation between top and body, mostly thanks to the wide side windows that lightens the top part of the car. The really distinguishing element is the precious wood used internally and externally.

Inside (glossy finished) for some details of dashboard and doors. Outside (mat and weather resistant finished) for the top part of back bumper, head lamps frame, underlining so the back doors, emblematic element, typical of the Mini Clubman version. So, we wish in this way to dedicate to the legendary Mini Clubman a really brand-new interpretation, worthy of being its modern heiress.

The chose alloy wheels TSW “Pace” are elegant and sporty same time, and thanks to the generous dimensions of 18” equipped with 205/40 tyres Yokohama S-Drive has been put a stress on the peculiar dynamic vocation that all along distinguishes the Mini style.

The Mini Chateaux will be realized in a limited edition of sole 12 really exclusive samples characterized by numbered labels completed with the name of the lucky owners.

In 2008, MINI will once again be supporting the Life Ball – for the eighth time in a row. This, the largest AIDS charity event in Europe, is the ideal platform for MINI to underline its socio-political commitment.

“Landing on planet Life Ball” – on the evening of 17 May 2008, Life Ball will be inviting guests on a trip through time in which the barriers that separate us will be dissolved, bridges built to supposedly alien cultural universes which actually exist next to each other and the infinite opportunities of social coexistence energetically highlighted. In line with these concepts, the Agent Provocateur lingerie label will be designing the Life Ball MINI 2008. The new MINI Cooper Clubman has been selected as the basis for this exclusive, unique design.

“I love the highly erotic yet stylish pin-up look of Agent Provocateur!”, says Life Ball initiator Gery Keszler, commenting on his decision to choose this year’s fashion show designer. Agent Provocateur, founded by Serena Rees and her husband Joseph Corre, son of fashion creator Vivienne Westwood, is famous for its wickedly burlesque collections. After the Life Ball, the unique MINI will be auctioned on eBay (www.ebay.at) worldwide from 5-15 June. As in every year, the proceeds will be donated to Life Ball. Until now, the “Life Ball MINIs” – transformed by such famous fashion icons as Missoni, Ferré and Versace – have raised donations totalling € 260,000.-.

The “Life Ball MINI by Agent Provocateur”
Agent Provocateur is designing the new Life Ball MINI as a sort of police vehicle: painted black, with typical contrasting pink stripe highlights, and featuring the Agent Provocateur logo. The roof will be covered with a stylised fishnet stocking pattern, crowned by a flashing blue police light. The rear window is reflective, and the windows of the split door at the rear of the vehicle are covered with prison bars. Inside the MINI Clubman, a playground in black leather has been created, with various details designed to stimulate the viewer’s imagination – superbly high-quality materials and playful details make the MINI look luxurious and extravagant – a feast for the eyes!