Mini has combined elements of its electric future “with the rich racing history of John Cooper Works” to create the Pacesetter: a radical and unique redesign of the Mini Electric, which will be used as a pace car in the 2021 Formula E championship.
Giving clues to the model’s potential to influence future production cars, Mini boss Bernd Körber said the car shows that “the message is clear: electrification and John Cooper Works are a good combination.”
The car made a public appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, giving us so far a glimpse of what could yet become the basis of a road model.
The flagship influence of Mini’s JCW GP performance is clear: Prominent air intakes on the side, a large rear spoiler and an aerodynamic-enhancing front splitter underscore its performance focus, while the rims The road car’s 18-inch sports alloy has been carried over and finished in a unique two-tone livery.
The drivetrain is basically taken over from the Mini Electric, so the Pacesetter makes 181 hp and 206 lb-ft, but “tough” weight reduction measures have resulted in a tangible improvement in performance, reducing the sprint time from 0 to 62 mph from 0.6 to 6.7 s.
Weight was lost primarily by removing the rear seats, as well as ditching the infotainment system and internal door handles, and carbon fiber was used for the steering wheel and center console.
A full safety cage and six point harnesses. In total, the Pacesetter weighs 130kg less than the road car and contains a series of chassis upgrades aimed at improving dynamic performance.
A racing suspension with three-way adjustable coil springs has been installed to provide a “maximum go-kart feel”.
Other improvements include new suspension arm mounts, an increased track width of 10mm, and the four-piston brake calipers and sport wheels of the current JCW GP.
The Pacesetter will make his track debut on April 10 when the Formula E season kicks off in Rome. It will be driven by Formula E safety car driver Bruno Correia, who said of the car: “Great fun to drive, it feels like karting.”
READ MORE
Mini JCW GPE: Detailed Hardcore EV Hot Hatch
Mini JCW GP 2020 UK review
Mini Electric Reviews
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-09 08:18:27
