MINI E Race runs in Nürburgring

The BMW Groups has become the first car manufacturer to take an electrically powered car to drive at race speed at Nürburgring. A race-spec version of the standard MINI E completed a lap on the legendary Green Hell” in a time of 09:51.45 minutes. The MINI E Race is able to reach a top speed of 187 km/h.

“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,” said the BMW Group’s Peter Krams, who headed up the project. “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.”

Former DTM racing driver Thomas Jäger was behind the wheel of the electric racer and seemed impressed with the MINI E. “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”, added the MINI Challenge Champion in 2006.

The MINI E suffered extensive preparations before it was ready to drive at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The Race version was fitted with a special lightweight body and a roll cage in order to ensure optimum performance and safety on the track. Its suspension, brakes and tyres were also changed to race specification. The engine fitted in the MINI E Race is the same 150 kW/204 hp electric motor, supplied with energy from 5,088 lithium-ion battery cells, fitted in the standard version.