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MINI E Takes On The Nurburgring

MINI E Takes On The Nurburgring

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of... More

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MINI E Race

HI-RES GALLERY: MINI E Race

We’ve seen numerous supercars take on the Nurburgring, things like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R, and Pagani Zonda F, but now BMW has taken its MINI E all-electric hatchback to the notorious circuit.

Taking on the Nurburgring circuit at race speed with an electrically powered car is an ambitious project, but BMW managed to do a single lap with its MINI E in a respectable 9m 51.45s, while reaching a top speed of 116 mph.

At the wheel of the electric racer for the hot lap was former DTM racing driver Thomas Jager from Munich. “I’ve driven this circuit many times, but never in such an extraordinary car,” said Jager. “The power of the electric motor has an incredible effect, as you can access its full reserves of torque at all times. Another element of this fascinating experience is the lack of noise from the drivetrain. All in all, that was certainly the cleanest and quietest race lap I’ve ever driven.”

Extensive preparations had to be completed before the car could roll out onto the circuit. The MINI E was fitted with a special lightweight body and a roll cage in order to ensure optimum performance and safety on the track. And various other components, such as the suspension, brakes and tires, were also race specification. Other than that, the car is almost standard.

For example, it shares the same 204 horsepower electric motor, supplied with energy from 5,088 lithium-ion battery cells. The power from the emission-free motor is channeled to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox with a lengthened gear ratio.

You can see how the car fared in the video below. To read up more details on the MINI E, click here for our previous story.

[MINI]