The car itself is based primarily on the MINI Cooper S, with similar front and rear styling and the l.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that debuted in the 2011 MINI S. (The engine gets 181 hp and up to 192 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 6.6 seconds.) Fuel economy ratings are 35 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city under the manual transmission variant.
Made for the Comtesse Greffulhe, one of the inspirations for Proust's Duchesse de Guermantes, it showcases the designer's creative eye: metallic, crystal-beaded trompe-l'oeil cords appear to tie the front and back panels of the gown together.