Mini Adds Back-Seat Driving Function To Special Editions

Two special-edition Minis are being launched at the Frankfurt motor show to celebrate the Mini’s 50^th birthday.

Although unveiled back in May at the Mini United event at Silverstone, the 50 Mayfair and 50 Camden will be displayed at Frankfurt after going into production this week, almost 50 years to the day since the first Mini rolled off the production line, and limited to a one-year run.

Colours are limited to a traditional brown, white or black for the Mayfair and silver, white or black for the Camden, with Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S variants available for both editions.

Interestingly, the Camden will showcase a new technology called “Mission Control,” a standard feature which will interact with the driver to discuss the car, its behaviour and surroundings and even reactions to your driving style!

According to Mini USA vice president Jim McDowell, the car might say “ouch, I’m not warmed up yet,” if you overcook things too early on a cold morning. Or on hot days, ambient air sensors might cause Mission Control to suggest that you turn on the air conditioning.

And of course, it can keep you safe by telling passengers to buckle up. With up to 1,600 different statements in one of three voices, it’s a standard feature on the Camden but unlike the spouse, partner or other back seat driver, it comes with the all important off switch!

Minis are all about fun, so why not join in the experience and lease a Mini today?