MINI Goes All Bentley in Vilner's Latest Tuning Project

BMW Group decided to launch a new luxury version of their compact sub-brand’s most successful model called the “MINI Inspired by Goodwood”. But the bid for exclusivity from a major carmaker always results in ripples being created in the tuning word. As a result, the guys at Bulgarian design studio Vilner asked themselves the following question: “What would happen if we had a go at that kind of project?”

They did, and the result is a bit different, but still stylish. However, while the Goodwood model received the Rolls Royce touch, Vilner’s proposal tries to emulate a Bentley in the interior department. But is that such a bad thing? We don’t think so, as Vilner has gone with a more modern Continental GT-styled look with none of that silly wood on the dash.

The cabin is trimmed with soft-touch leathers and deep-pile carpets - all hand-crafted in Bentley's unmistakable style. Fine materials such as brown Nappa leather and Alcantara can be found everywhere, with parts of the seats, door panels, dashboard and roof lining featuring a diamond shape theme. In addition, the doors have gained elements of black leather while the original plastic was re-sprayed in a sparkling gray finish to imitate Bentley’s cool-touch metals.

Even though Vilner has baptized the car “The Italian Job” as homage to the famous movie, for obvious reasons, we think a more appropriate name would have been “Mini Inspired by Crewe” (the place where all things Bentley happen).

The customization isn’t limited to the interior, as the body of the Cooper S has been covered in a grey matte foil-wrap with contrasting black racing stripes and a matching color roof. A set of new 18-inch alloy wheels complete the look of The Italian Job.