i go away for a week, and look what happens...

we knew the 2004 Chicago Auto Show was going to start while we were away, and while HSL has in the past gone and had quite a bit of fun (especially last year, when the MINI and Subaru booths were placed conveniently right next to each other, so it was like a mini-playground in the midst of the wasteland of yicky SUVs and other such overly-offensive-to-the-eyes items), we knew we probably weren't going this year.

which, of course, is why MINI USA chose the 2004 Chicago Auto Show to unveil the MINI Cooper S MC40.

it's amazing that this is being put out here, but what's even more amazing is that it seems (and please correct me if i'm wrong and have missed something) that it's only coming out here. it completely blows my mind that this wouldn't get released elsewhere. i mean, i'm not sad it's coming out here, but i almost feel as though it's cheating---how many people here would really care about the history this is meant to honour? the limitedness of it will probably ensure it goes to people who truly care. at least, so i hope. but it still feels weird to me.

not bad, just weird. :)