Mini fanatics who can't wait for the real thing can now get a remote-control Mini Cooper. The toy is a 1:12 scale replica and features the Mini's characteristic centermounted speedometer. The speedster accelerates to a whopping 9 mph and has a range of 50 ft. It comes ready to rock with rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries. Price is $110 at www.miniusa. com
And for those purists interested in only the real thing, the full-size 115-hp Mini Cooper hits American shores this spring at under $18,000.