MINI E Race Edition Goes Through Green Hell

Driven by former DTM racing driver Thomas Jäger, the modified race-spec version of the standard MINI E completed a lap of the 20.8 km Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit (also dubbed the “Green Hell”) in a time of 09:51.45 minutes. The MINI E Race reportedly hit a top speed of 187 km/h.

Compared to the standard version of the zero-emission model, the MINI E Race was fitted with a special lightweight body and a roll cage, as well as race-spec suspension, brakes and tires.

“The length and profile of the Nordschleife place extreme demands on the technology of our electric car. But the MINI E Race met this considerable challenge with great authority,” BMW Group’s Peter Krams, who headed up the project, said in a release.

“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,” continued Krams.

The car, however, was propelled by the same 150 kW/204 hp electric motor, powered with energy from 5,088 lithium-ion battery cells. Moreover, the control electronics and the software were reprogrammed, while the power was transmitted to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox with a lengthened gear ratio.

“I’ve driven this circuit many times, but never in such an extraordinary car,” added Jäger, who was the MINI Challenge champion in 2006. “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.”