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Introducing the Not-So-Mini MINI XXL

Seating for Six and Plus a Jacuzzi for Two

For the next two weeks, eyes from around the world will be focused on Athens, Greece for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, but theres a surprise player amongst the worlds finest athletes. A MINI Cooper stretch limousine will be displayed at the games, a vehicle which pushes the boundaries of the popular, iconic hatchback. Theres just something about a four-door, six-wheeled, six-seater MINI thats sure to attract attention.

While difficult to imagine that a MINI Cooper S could be transformed into a vehicle as extravagant as the XXL, it has. The conversion was performed by Ultra, the world-famous

A MINI Cooper stretch limousine is making its debut in Athens, Greece for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. (Photo: Ultra)

Los Angeles, California-based limousine specialist known for radical designs. This particular stretch conversion involves two minor extensions - one behind the front door and one behind the rear door - the addition of rear doors, and a tail extension. The extra weight and lengthened body are supported by an additional rear axle that features two extra wheels.

Theres no doubt that the elongated XXL is heavier than a conventional

Up to six people (including the driver) can cruise in the lap of luxury. (Photo: Ultra)

Cooper, so to deal with the extra weight the car has been fitted with the Works Tuning kit developed by MINI performance legend John Cooper and BMW. While the larger supercharger pulleys, upgraded manifolds, freer flowing exhaust system and other bolt-on parts boost power to 200 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, up from 163 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, its a little hard to believe that the 1.6-liter engine is an adequate power source for the 20.7 foot long limousine.

Despite its unlikely roots, the XXL comes with all the toys that you might expect from a modern limousine. Up to six

Entertainment is provided by a retractable LCD television, DVD player and audio system, as well as an on-board bar. (Photo: Ultra)

people (including the driver) can cruise in the lap of luxury; with custom-fitted black leather upholstery shaped and trimmed to reflect the seats in the Cooper S.

Entertainment is provided by a retractable LCD television, DVD player and audio system, as well as an on-board bar. A rear telephone provides the back seat passengers with communication to the driver, while a large rear sunroof lets sunlight and fresh air stream in.

The highlight of the XXL is its Hollywood-style whirlpool, integrated right into the cars tail end. With room for two the on-board Jacuzzi features powerful jets and easy operational controls making any time ideal for relaxation.

When driving, or when the pool isnt in

A Hollywood-style whirlpool, integrated right into the cars tail end is definitely the center piece of the unique MINI. (Photo: Ultra)

use, a detachable canopy-like tonneau similar to those which cover pickup truck beds closes in the back end, preserving the original lines of the car and preventing dirt and debris from polluting the pool. Pulling the simple plug at the pools bottom is all thats required to drain its contents.

After its stay in Athens, the one of a kind MINI will make its way around Europe and Asia touring motor shows and high-profile events. While BMWs MINI division has no plans to create a limousine, there are proposals for a variety of new products to expand the current two-body style lineup in forthcoming years. MINI has taken hints from other independent coachworks companies, such as Castagna which produces a Traveller-style MINI wagon. Castagna got its idea from former owner Austin which produced a long-wheelbase five-door dubbed the Maxi. Such new models could come as soon as 2010, just in time for the winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

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