Mini Puts Back-Seat Drivers in the Front Mini is introducing a new technology called Mission Control for the hardtop Mini Cooper and Cooper S 50th anniversary Camden package. Remember HAL from "2001: A Space Odyssey?" It's a little like that, but minus the evildoing. Mini refers to Mission Control as an "in-car entertainment system." Located behind the glove compartment, the system monitors the car's data - including fuel economy, safety and the smoothness of your driving. I'm not sure how that would be considered entertainment, but it's all about the delivery. Mission Control has three "characters," as Mini calls them, which vocalize the status of the car and your driving. One character speaks on behalf of the car itself, while another represents the engine. The third represents the climate-control system. Expect snarky humor from all three. For example, drive with the emergency brake on and you'll hear, "If you love the handbrake, you must release it." A voice will also mock you for turning on the air-conditioning while the windows are open, and another will comment on your cornering abilities. But there's also useful feedback and reminders, such as not to rev a cold engine and to fasten your seat belt. Yes, you can turn the system off, and no, the Camden model is not compatible with Mini's optional navigation system. Mission Control is available only in English, and all the characters speak with a British accent. Depending on how the Camden is optioned, there could be up to 1,500 different interactive messages and phrases. Mini said the technology was standard on the Camden and might be incorporated in other models in the future, but would not confirm anything.