Contrary to the above reports Minis have been imported to the US for quite some time, but the secret is in knowing who did the importing. Company imported cars, cars purchased new from US dealers have been upgraded at the factory to meet the US sfety standards, while those bought used from individuals may not contain all the upgrades. It all depends how carefully the vehicle was inspected when it was brought into the country.

I can't speak to the power of a Mini or Mini Cooper, although the new Mini Coopers are reputed to be quite hot. I can say from personal (vicarious) experience, a Mini Cooper, no matter how hot, will NOT outrun a Ford Police Criser. Had one try it, just in front of my gas station, to the driver's despair.

Dave