Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
Yesterday the Mini E Race, a modified race-spec version of the standard Mini E, completed a lap of the legendary 20.8km “Green Hell” in a time of 09:51.45 minutes. The Mini E Race hit a top speed of 187kmh.
Driving the electric racer for the hot lap was former DTM racing driver Thomas Jäger. “I’ve driven this circuit many times, but never in such an extraordinary car,” said Jäger.
“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.”
The Mini E Race was modified with a special lightweight body and a roll cage, a carbon fiber rear wing and various diffusers were added. Other components, such as the suspension, brakes and tyres, were also race specced. Other than that, however, the car relies almost exclusively on the standard technical make-up of the Mini E. It shares the same 150 kW/204 hp electric motor, supplied with energy from 5088 lithium-ion battery cells. The power from the emission-free motor is channelled to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox with a lengthened gear ratio.
