Yesterday a friend of mine was taking a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of LAX and he spotted this Mini being unloaded at Lufthansa Air Freight.

He was not able to uncover the entire car because the freight-handlers were watching but he did manage to uncover a few corners of it.

It appears to be Mini Cooper "E" #001. I presume this is the first Mini Electric built and I'm guessing it's coming in for the LA Auto Show in a couple weeks. It has UK registration plates.

Anybody out there know any more info about this car?

 

Great Snooping Thanks for the first look @ the real deal.

 

Thanks for posting the pictures!! This is very exciting! I am following this car very closely, especially when it starts being given out to the public, because I think it will be revolutionary

Here is TONS more info about the MINI-E on MotoringFile:
http://www.motoringfile.com/section/mini-e/
The official press release, tons of pictures, and more.

 

Wow - great find/snoop job!!! Thanks for posting the pix

Donna

 

I wonder if it will be fitted with a set of External speakers as an accessory, to give it the "turbocharger sound" complete with blowoff. since it will be completely silent.

 

Haha wow I totally haven't thought of that!!

 

Looks like it's been registered here in the UK as it has UK plates?

 

I think that those are fake license plates. Think about it.. EL08 CAL = ELectric Mini, 2008 model year, CALifornia

Does that make sense to anyone else?

 

Ahh!! Warped, you're a thinker!! I didn't notice that until now!!

 

I agree..... screams "LA Auto Show" doesn't it?

 

WOW! Check out the Ferraris next to it!! Cool Mini too!

 

here are shots of the Ferraris

 

Very cool!!! The Californias looks pretty sweet...

I still prefer Lamborghinis though...

 

You're right the number plate hasn't been registered - you can still buy it here

 

I thought you had taste in cars

 

That is the car that is being unveiled at the LA Auto Show!
It is the very car pictured in the AutoWeek magazine that tells about the 500 being produced for delivery in test markets in NY/NJ and LA. Each is supporting the same paint scheme with the production number featured by the sidemarker lights as the photo shows.

 

Should have tried a bit of chutzpah, like TELL the freight-handlers to help him uncover the car. Make some excuse, like he was there to check for any damage.

 

$850 / month, according to the LA Times. I wanted my wife to get one. not so much now. Honda's multi-hundred-thousand-dollar hydrogen car was only $650/month I believe. I would generally be happy to see an electric MINI around but I will inevitably think "rich bastard" when I do.

Cool shots tho. I will definitely have a look at the auto show.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/upto...ol-electr.html

 

Oh, but I do!!

 

$850/month puts it out of reach for the average consumer. The cost doesn't even apply towards purchase (the vehicles are not for sale), so it is equivalent to an $850/month rental. All for the privilege of being a beta tester and be part of their publicity promotion. I expect that most will be leased by businesses rather than individuals.

 

That's why they pay me the big bucks! Hey! wait a minute...

 

I believe that in the next 2 to 5 years you will see a flurry of alternative fuel, compact hybrids, and plugin electric vehicles, now that the BIG 3 are retooling using federal dollars. They should have been doing that 3 years ago. instead they were producing Hummers and the like. Looks like Mini is ahead of the game.

 

Aren't the 490 being leased supposed to go to "select" customers? That makes it sound like if your name is on the list, price won't be a barrier.

Let's see... Jay Leno's gotta be on there... and Ed Begley Jr. (sp?) since it is electric...

 

I love your car!! The color combo is amazing!!! It makes me want to get some spiffy neon colored stripes...hmmmm now what cool color combo for my BRG car. The black ones just aren't cuttin it.




Cool pics of the electric car!! Nice job

 

Update: MotoringFile says the lease rate will be officially announced at the LA show, and it won't be $850.