Nová podoba Countryman - Yachtsman

BMW’s Mini compact-car division said today it will unveil a new amphibious model called the Yachtsman during the New York International Auto Show later this week. The announcement is part of a Mini tradition of prank press releases on April Fools Day.

The vehicle, which looks a standard Mini with the bow of a military landing craft grafted to its nose, is said to be equipped with a number of special features including shark-resistant undercoating, a rod and trolling reel for catching marlin and an emergency sail rigged to the vehicle’s antenna.

“Our exciting MINI Cooper Yachtsman is the ultimate extension of the MINI brand, expanding our line-up to seven models in the USA and offering consumers even more ways to enjoy MINI ownership in a manner best-suited to their individual taste and location,” said Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini USA.

McDowell also said the new vehicle “will become an instant status symbol, a car/boat combo that evokes ‘land/sea envy’ in equal measure.”

In its spoofy press release Mini said the Yachtsman will cost $236,000 and come with a warranty that includes 3-years of free mooring, “annual dry-docking and free barnacle removal, for the original captain.”