Coming To the U.S: MINI JCW World Championship 50 Edition

The sales race for Q1 is over and BMW managed to eek out a small lead over the insurgent Audi. One thing is clear though, BMW wouldn't be on top without the help of the highly-successful MINI lineup.

However, this special edition MINI won't be helping things out much in that department - only 50 units are destined for the United States.

MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 Edition - wow, what a mouthful! Try saying that a few times. You would expect some drivetrain and suspension upgrades with a name like that, but this is purely an appearance package. It is based on an already-upgraded MINI as well.

The 50 Edition was introduced last year at the 2009 MINI United Festival in the United Kingdom, on top of the usual JCW Challenge package.

The car was made to commemorate John Cooper's first Formula 1 title. The styling changes start with colors, featuring a special exterior color called Connaught Green, with roof and hood stripes in white.

Other changes include glossy black 17-inch spoke wheels, carbon fiber bits and a Championship Red Lounge leather interior. Per usual with cars like this, there will be a plaque on the dash showing the vehicle's special edition number.

It is is supposed to go on sale on our shores in late spring or early summer, for $40,300 (Ouch!). That is the largest pricetag for a MINI ever. No wonder they're only bringing over 50.