Anyone know what this is?

http://jalopnik.com/cars/i.ll-eat-yo...ini-264629.php

Spotted recently in California. Maybe just an old test mule?

 

Looks like a test mule of a 4 door. Longer wheelbase, longer rear quarter panel, rear side windows not bonded to frame like current models.

 

The front is wicked flat, like a little extra room in the nose. That single pipe looks fatter, too. Maybe a deisel?

 

One car appears to be a Cooper and the other appears to be a Cooper S. The cars each have different wheels and exhausts. I wonder if the Cooper S could be a Stage II JCW in the process of being tested. The headlights look black on the Cooper S just like on the 1 millionth Mini Cooper as well. Just my two cents.

 

Are those washer nozzles on the hood, or is that a reflection?

better pics here:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/blog/?p=633

 

That the hood scoop appears to be functional makes me think it's a JCW...

 

AHAHAH Finally Pictures! I pass that thing quite offen on my way to school. I never carry my Digital camera with me for securty reasons, but its nice to see a picture of it. I see it usually in conjunction with what looks like a 5 series either infront or behind it driving down the road in the afternoon. The car in the first picture looks exactly like it...