MINI officially responds to F56 spy pics

MINI has taken the unusual step of releasing an official statement in response to the spy shots of its new F56 Cooper S which spread around the interwebz on Tuesday:

Aggressive and relentless papping is something British celebrities have had to learn to live with. Members of the Royal Family, as well as actors, footballers and top models are all familiar with the sensation of being caught in uncompromising situations, and now MINI is the latest victim. Absolutely unaware and without make-up, the youngest member of our family was caught by sensationalist photographers in a highly private moment. The young one was yellow and completely defenceless. We understand the worldwide interest in our family but it is not the British way to send such unfavourable pictures around the globe.

But like a good stiff-upper-lipped Brit, MINI shall not complain, although we would like to officially state that we are not flattered. The published pictures do not reflect our good looks any way. As every celebrity knows, those extra long telephoto lenses have the devastating ability to negatively distort all surfaces, lines and angles. Therefore our advice: next time come closer to the object of desire. If that doesn’t work, don’t worry,  shortly you will have the opportunity to experience the MINI up close and personal, and to take pictures from all angles.

We think that statement means one of two things. Either the whole thing is a publicity stunt to attract attention ahead of the official release of pics and information (more likely), or they have been shocked into last minute changes after unfavourable commentary about the look of the F56 (less likely).

More pics of the original spy shots can be viewed at Autoblog.