[ad_1]
This little battery light beam is Formula E’s new safety car. It’s called the Mini Electric Pacesetter and, in the words of its creator, is “the most dynamic interpretation of a Mini to date. fully electric power ”.
It was developed in conjunction with the Motorsport arm of BMW, and the transition from the regular on-road electric Mini to this track-sharp bulldog is striking enough to warrant discussion. Yes, we are going to need a montage.
The battery and engine configuration mirrors the road car – so 182 hp, 206 lb-ft of torque – only here it weighs considerably less weight. BMW Motorsport worked its magic on the Mini, losing some 130 kg. It now weighs 1,230 kg.
The front and rear aprons are lighter than before, ditto these new flared arches. New front splitters, hidden grille (remember it’s electric so doesn’t require a rad) and new brake cooling openings give credit to the whole ‘I’m a friendly bulldog’ vibe. . The lights necessary for its flashy new role are incorporated in the hood.
There’s a modest side skirt between not-so-modest 18-inch bright orange forged alloy rims. Because this is a single track, there is the required roof-mounted rear wing – a 3D printed wing, nothing less – with another row of lights, while this new rear apron has “ cutouts ” around the rear wheels. .
It was also gutted inside, with only a pair of racing seats (and harnesses) remaining. There is of course a steering wheel, pedals, carbon fiber coverings for the shift lever, handbrake and turn signals, and more carbon fiber adorning the door panels. Oh, and a huge protective cage. With the exception of the roll cage, much of this interior has been 3D printed.
The weight loss accentuated the 0-62mph time – 6.7sec compared to the production car’s 7.3s – and dropped the 0-37mph time to 3.6sec by 3.9sec . There is the usual sound of “ karting feeling ” [*shudders], here delivered via an adjustable three-way suspension, stroke control arm mounts, a wider track and massive four-piston brakes from the Mini JCW GP.
“This extreme version of the Mini Electric was developed as a safety car in Formula E, so it is clearly not intended for use on public roads,” explains Bernd Körber, boss of Mini. “But it does reveal one of the directions we could take with the electrification of the JCW brand.
“For me, the message is clear: electrification and John Cooper Works are a good solution,” he added.
[ad_2]
Source link