A lightly modified race-spec version of the all-electric MINI 'E' completed a lap of the legendary 20.8 km-long "Green Hell" in a time of 09:51.45 minutes recording a top speed of 187 km/h or 116mph, the BMW Group announced today. At the wheel of the electric racer for the hot lap was former DTM racing driver Thomas Jäger from Munich.
It goes without saying that the folks from the BMW Group didn't bring the MINI E to the notorious Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit to break any records but to show that their all-electric test vehicle can manage a respectable lap time on the 'Ring.
"The aim of this unique undertaking was to provide an impressive showcase of the great potential of the MINI E and its environment-friendly drive concept," said BMW Group's Peter Krams, who led the project.
Dubbed the "MINI E Race", the electric hatchback was fitted with a special lightweight body and a roll cage, while other components, such as the suspension, brakes and tires, were race specification.
Other than that, the car shares the same 150 kW/204 hp electric motor, supplied with energy from 5,088 lithium-ion battery cells, with the standard MINI E, while power from the electric motor is sent to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox with a lengthened gear ratio.
Model-specific conversions
Interior: Recaro Pro Racer (HANS) CFRP seat, 6-way safety harness (3-inch), suede leather steering wheel 320 mm diameter
Roll cage: Bolt construction (lightweight) CrMo4, approx. 35 kg incl. mounting materials
Transmission: Mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential with 40°/50° ramp breakover angle, 55 Nm preload
Engine: Adjusted engine management settings
Suspension: KW Variant 3 coilover suspension, tuned to the higher axle loads of the MINI E Race with modified damping characteristics and adjusted springs
Exterior: Diffusers, rear wing, CFRP body parts
Safety: Integration of special race ABS Differentiated main switch concept
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