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Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert

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  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada

Introducing the Not-So-Mini MINI XXL

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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

A MINI Cooper stretch limousine is making its debut in Athens, Greece for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. (Photo: Ultra)
there's a surprise player amongst the world's finest athletes. A MINI Cooper stretch limousine will be displayed at the games, a vehicle which pushes the boundaries of the popular, iconic hatchback. There's just something about a four-door, six-wheeled, six-seater MINI that's 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 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.

There's no doubt that the elongated XXL is heavier than a conventional Cooper, so to deal with the extra weight the car

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