Posted on Wednesday 14 May 2008
We’re used to seeing the German tuners upgrade cars for the likes of BMW, Audi and Porsche, but it’s not often that you come across a Mini Cooper modified by one of Germany’s top customizers. This time it’s AC Schnitzer, whose engineers have created a beefed up version of the new Mini Cooper S Clubman.
The package has been designed specifically for the turbocharged Cooper S and includes a new front spoiler to add a little aggression. This is matched with several performance mods including a custom spring kit and height-adjustable racing suspension set-up honed on the Nürburgring.
A new powerdome on the bonnet hints at the upgraded powerplant, which now develops a peak 226hp (166kW) and 285Nm of torque. An optional limited slip differential (up to maximum 75%) developed by AC Schnitzer helps put the power to the ground and is matched with a high-flow exhaust system.
Styling accessories include 17in alloy wheels and an interior with aluminum trim used on the handbrake and gear shift knob as well as the pedals.
This car has style.
There’s just not that many cars these days that have immediately reconizable style. I call it the wife test. If I’m driving along with her, and I point at a car, and it has style, she’ll be able to tell me right away which car it is.
Everything else looks like everything else…
Awesome! They have made it go faster which puts this hideous looking contraption out of my sight quicker. The standard Mini is a ten in the looks department.
Jeremy Clarkson is right. This thing really is the ugliest car of the year.
But at least it has style.
Even the Maybach has style. Ugly, but style…
Yep plenty of style and a bit different from the standard mini which is very popular (= common!). shame they didnt have a rear door each side though. for the UK/OZ audience
MInd the Fiat 500 has the same amount of style at half the price!