Mini USA/Fireball Tim Racing Dragster Makes Auto Show Debut At 2006 Chicago Auto Show

MINI Model Line features New Checkmate and John Cooper Works Packages

Chicago IL - February 9, 2006: MINI USA is featuring its one-of-a-kind record-breaking MINI dragster at the Chicago Auto Show February 10-19. The award-winning MINI holds the impressive title, "World's Fastest MINI." Also highlighted in Chicago are enhancements to MINI's 2006 model line, including several new packages and optional features. Most notable are a new Checkmate package and new factory-installed John Cooper Works package.

Record-Setting MINI Dragster The outrageous carbon fiber MINI dragster, created in collaboration with extreme California based tuner FIREBALL TIM RACING (FTR), wowed crowds at import and tuner shows and events this past fall. The car was equally as impressive on the drag strip. The MINI USA/FTR dragster as the "World's Fastest MINI" is potent, with the turbo, supercharged and nitrous powered MINI Cooper S dragster pulling a best-time of 11.26 seconds at 121.26 miles per hour in the quarter-mile run.

MINI USA provided FTR with a carbon-fiber bodied, 1700lb MINI Cooper S with the John Cooper Works kit and a supply of parts and accessories to create the 500 horsepower, twin-charged drag monster. Hollywood car designer and constructor Fireball Tim (Lawrence), and partner, import drag racer and tuner, Hubie Fuh built the show-stopping MINI dragster. The two specialize in creating all forms of extreme, record-setting street and race cars.

At the Hot Import Nights in Phoenix, Arizona this fall, the extreme MINI beat 300 competitors to win the "Best Engineered" award with its polished under-hood hardware and eye-catching graphics. The MINI USA/FTR creation also made its drag strip debut this fall and has appeared at select events over the last several months, including SEMA in Las Vegas, NV, the NHRA Sport Compact World Finals in Pomona, CA, Hot Import Nights in Phoenix AZ and Hot Import Nights in Los Angeles, CA .

Fireball Tim Fireball Tim is famous for his many maniacal movie car designs from films like SON OF THE MASK, JURASSIC PARK and about 50 others. The Fireball Tim brand includes TV programming, toys, clothing, and candy sold in retail outlets nationwide, including Wal-Mart. More information about Fireball Tim and FTR can be found at www.fireballtim.com.

Checkmate Package New for 2006 While customers may not be able to order up an exotic MINI dragster at their MINI dealer, anyone can individualize their MINI to meet their desires. For 2006, MINI USA offers even more ways for owners to individualize their MINI. Available on the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hardtop models, the Checkmate package features an exclusive exterior appearance with special Checkmate side decals, a rear spoiler and bonnet stripes. The custom Checkmate interior offers uniquely patterned cloth/leather sport seats, leather wrapped wheel and a high-gloss, specially patterned dash panel. An exclusive performance wheel and tire package, Dynamic Stability Control and font fog lamps round out the package's sporty orientation.

John Cooper Works Kit Now Factory-Installed MINI has now made the popular John Cooper Works performance upgrade available as a 2006 factory-installed option. In addition to the engine performance upgrade, the factory installation adds the John Cooper Works sport brake kit and a limited-slip differential. Along with the expanded line of John Cooper Works tuner accessories, MINI USA will continue to offer the dealer-installed John Cooper Works engine performance kit.

MINI USA also expands its line of optional equipment for 2006. New interior options include English Leather upholstery, a MINI "Seven" high-gloss black dash panel and a MINI "Park Lane" dash. Exterior options include roof, mirror caps and bonnet stripes now available in silver, new paint colors including Solar Red, Royal Grey and Space Blue and two new 15" no-cost wheel packages for the MINI Cooper.

MINI Hardtops and Convertibles The MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops and Convertibles continue to offer fun style and performance. The MINI Cooper and Cooper S are unmistakable, sporting a distinctive silhouette and signature contrast roof. MINI offers a line of roof decals to further highlight the distinctive appearance of the MINI hardtops, with choices such as a checkerboard pattern, the British "Union Jack" flag and even the American Flag to name a few. And MINI will always be famous for its responsive go-kart-like reflexes with its sport-tuned suspension, quick-ratio steering and the wheels pushed to the four corners.

Fun in the sun is at the heart of the MINI Convertibles. A fully automatic convertible top with a heated glass rear window comes standard on the MINI Convertibles. However a truly innovative feature of the convertible top is an integrated power sliding sunroof feature. The sunroof allows for open air motoring and can be opened or closed while traveling at speeds of up to 75 miles-per-hour. From completely closed to fully opened, the top operation takes only fifteen seconds. When down, much of the top recesses below the rear deck, resulting in a very clean look and eliminating the need for a tonneau cover.