The first model of the Goodwood line is the “Mini Inspired by Goodwood”, which made its world premiere at the Shanghai auto show. The car is essentially a Cooper S that sports unique styling cues and trim options designed “in close collaboration” with Rolls-Royce. The name itself pays tribute to Rolls-Royce's headquarters, while the Shanghai unveiling signals the importance of the Chinese market for very expensive Minis.

Set to be built in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Goodwood is rumored to cost around €47,000 in Europe ($70,000) when it goes on sale in spring 2012. The car uses the same materials and suppliers as Rolls-Royce models and is available either in Rolls Royce's Diamond Black metallic paint or Mini's Reef Blue finish.

The interior is highly personalized, with the entire dashboard, center console and seats finished in Rolls Cornsilk leather and the wood trim coming from Rolls-Royce too. The instruments also get RR fonts, and the car comes equipped as standard with a Harman Kardon hi-fi system. The most expensive Mini is powered by the same 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine motivating the Cooper S with 184HP and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of peak torque. The 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time is 7.0 seconds, while combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.8lt/100km (40.6 mpg US).

By Dan Mihalascu