MINI now in matt attack
Iconic city-car brand goes stealth with limited-edition matt-black paint jobThe MINI brand has always been strong on customisation options for its pint-sized vehicles, and the newest of them is a matt-black paint scheme.
Delivering an anti-gloss effect once described as 'stealth ninja', the new finish will be available as a limited-edition finish for MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman models.
Just five vehicles with the matt-black exterior finish will initially be imported to Australia from the first production run, ensuring their (ultra) exclusivity. MINI says the special models will arrive in the first quarter of 2014.
Traditionally the reserve of high-end luxury and sports cars, the unique matt-black paintjob, or Frozen Black metallic paint to use MINI parlance, will be offered only on the following performance models in limited quantities:
MINI Cooper S Countryman
MINI Cooper SD Countryman
MINI Cooper S Paceman
MINI Cooper SD Paceman
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
MINI John Cooper Works Paceman
MINI says the covert anti-gloss paint work will be applied to a limited number of vehicles because of the difficulty in applying the various coats of paint.
According to MINI, slathering the Frozen Black metallic paint onto a car is a complex process, which is carried out by Austrian company Magna Steyr.
It involves a "special surface treatment" on top of a "base layer for grip and corrosion protection". Then the colour layer is applied, followed by a clear lacquer finish "which has added silicates to create the matted impression as well as the velvet effect which can be seen and felt".
Apart from the time-consuming application of the multi-layered matt finish, another reason for the limited run is the addition of unique exterior parts. Vehicles make use of model-specific bumpers front and rear, and the wing mirrors are also bespoke.
Although the special covert black colour is resistant to abrasion, MINI cautions owners to be careful when cleaning the matt exterior.
"Hand washing does require special care as spot cleaning of the surface using wax or polish can leave an unwanted gloss effect," says MINI.
Naturally, the company has developed a line of cleaning products especially for the Frozen Black metallic paint finish.
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