bmw_logo2.jpgBMW will give the go-ahead to a project that will see a super-luxury version of the MINI Cooper created by Rolls-Royce at the company’s Goodwood factory, a new report finds. Word of the MINI-Rolls tie-up first surfaced in June.

According to Autocar, BMW brass will approve the MINI-Rolls-Royce collaboration in the coming weeks. At least one prototype has already been created, with the project likely to be announced to the public sometime around mid-2010.

The trend of creating super-luxury MINIs started in the 1960s, with coachbuilders mainly focusing on the carss interiors. MIN and Rolls-Royce will stay true to that formula, with the small city car set to receive an interior upgrade worthy of the Rolls-Royce name.

Although the co-branding exercise may seem a bit odd – pairing BMW’s least expensive brand with its most expensive brand – it’s likely to be the new fad in the luxury world. With fuel prices on the rise and conspicuous consumption out, even well-to-do luxury buyers are looking to downsize. Aston Martin has already announced it will produce a luxury version of Toyota’s iQ minicar.