Mini Equipe by Arden Engineering

Rolls-Royce working on a MINI? Maybe so, but a British company called Arden Engineering has decided to produce a gussied up MINI of their own, called the Equipe. Arden has a history with MINIs, going back as far as 40 years ago, when a modified MINI of Arden's took the title at the British Touring Championship. To commemorate that, this special customization package is being released.

Like the rumored Rolls-Royce conversion, the biggest changes happen inside. Nearly every surface in the interior has been modified, with a handstitched two-tone color scheme unique to the Equipe. The interior is just wow.

Handmade polished stainless steel accents adorn surround the gauges, air vents and speakers and a beautiful wood trim is in place of the usual brushed aluminum of the standard car. Truly a luxury MINI.

Stainless steel elements are also present on the exterior, along with a redesigned grille. The car has been lowered by 30 millimeters and is equipped with Arden's sport suspension. Performance gets a boost too; the car now has light-weight aluminum alloy wheels weighing 15 lbs and a stainless steel exhaust system and ECU upgrades bring a 40 horsepower improvement.

No word on the price for this special-ordered MINI but I expect it to be a pretty penny. Now we just wait to see how Rolls-Royce's version turns out.