Mini introduces two special editions

Mini has introduced two special-edition Coopers, the Mini Baker Street and the Mini Bayswater. The company says the models were made to spread London's signature style in the year the country hosts the Olympic Games.

The Baker Street package is available only on the base Cooper, while the Bayswater package can be had with Cooper or Cooper S underpinnings.

The Baker Street edition, named after the street that the fictional Sherlock Holmes lived on, wears gray paint with black hood stripes that spread out in a “V” shape. The twin-spoke, 16-inch wheels are painted in gloss black with matching exterior mirror caps. Peppermint white and midnight black are also offered as exterior colors. “Baker Street” lettering sits by the side markers.

The interior is redone with more gray, while the seats get a diamond pattern. The floor mats, gearshift and handbrake get light-gray contrast stitching. The door sills bear “Baker Street” lettering.

The Mini includes the Pepper Pack, which adds air conditioning, an onboard computer, a leather steering wheel, the chrome package, fog lights and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Power comes from Mini's standard 1.6-liter engine, which delivers 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque.

The Mini Bayswater comes in kite blue metallic and has 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and machined edges. Eclipse grey and midnight black are also available on the exterior. Like the Baker Street, the Bayswater has racing stripes on the hood and unique mirror housings that differentiate the car from other Minis.

The interior gets leather seats, blue contrast stitching and piano black trim inserts. The Chrome Line Interior package is included, along with stainless-steel pedals. The Pepper Pack is also incorporated.

The Bayswater is offered in both standard and S trim, with either 121 hp or 181 hp. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.

The Bayswater gets its name from an area of London located halfway between Knightsbridge and Notting Hill. It has an unusually high density of bars and nightclubs and is adjacent to the famous Hyde Park.

Mini says these special editions will be available worldwide but production will be limited. There's no word yet on pricing.

By Jake Lingeman