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Minitune Introduces their Version of the Cooper S

As you probably already guessed from the title, Minitune is a company that really likes to tune MINIs. They like it so much that they actually went ahead and created their own version of the JCW, in accordance with their preferences.
MINI Cooper S by Minitune 5 photos
Photo: Minitune
MINI Cooper S MinituneMINI Cooper S MinituneMINI Cooper S MinituneMINI Cooper S Minitune
However, since the Mk3 model is pretty new even for them, they used a previous gen model, the one fitted with the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine developed in collaboration with PSA. In its stock application, the 4-pot would make 184 HP.

After they were done with it, it reached 218 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, basically the same as on the John Cooper Works version. That’s just under the bonnet though. Up top, we’re seeing a different story.

The power increase was obtained using both an ECU tune and a new exhaust system with 200-cell sports catalyzer. A new cooling system was mandatory too, to keep everything in check.

To handle all the extra power, new EDC brakes were installed, 18” Motec Nitro single piece forged wheels together with Kumho tires as well as an upgraded suspension from Koni.

The body was changed, being fitted with a special kit developed by Minitune specially for this model. It has a new bumper up front and around the back, with new air intakes, a new diffuser, front splitter and side skirts.

If you like what you see, you might just have found a new tuner that could take care of your MINI. That’s if you were looking for one. However, the pricing strategy could be a factor as well here. If all of this costs less than upgrading to the John Cooper Works model in the first place, it might be worth a look. If that’s not the case, we don’t really see it being successful any time soon.
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