After the challenge that has long opposed Nissan and Porsche chasing the record for production cars at the Nurburgring, in recent days the historic route of the Nordschleife was the scene of an important news: the track and the Mini, version zero emission the Anglo-German Compact.
The car, dubbed Mini E Race, led by former DTM driver Thomas Jager covered the 20.832 km circuit in 9'51 "45 with the average of 126 km / h (by the way: the time obtained is comparable to one of higher in one of the editions of the German Grand Prix before the war).
The project was designed by Peter Krams, Project Manager, BMW, with the aim of assessing the potential fast acceleration of the car. Compared to the Mini E, the weight decreased by 225 kg (1,465 to 1,240 kg: nearest, therefore, the Mini "traditional" which weighs about 1,100 kg), using some elements of the carbon fiber body.
The structure, using a kit suspension has been lowered by 11 mm. The cabin has been stiffened with a roll bar cage 35 kg and is accentuated sporty with a pair of anatomical seats Recaro Pro Racer, accompanied by six-point seatbelts and steering wheel 320 mm in diameter.
The aerodynamic benefits of two spoilers (front and rear) and a diffuser below the rear bumper. The engine remained the same as the Mini E: an electric motor from 204 hp (150 kW) from 225 Nm of torque, powered by a lithium battery 35 kW can cover a range of 200 km.
At transmission level, but have been modified gear ratios (longer) and was fitted with a new mechanical limited slip differential. Interesting performance: 187 km / h top speed (compared to 152, however, self-limiting, the Mini E Street) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.5 seconds.
The experiment, according to the statements of leaders BMW, was an end in itself: you just wanted to show how even an electric car can provide good performance when using racing track