The Mini Cooper will receive a Bosch-developed stop-start feature for manual transmission gas and diesel versions beginning in September. The Minis will also feature a regenerative braking to go along with the stop-start feature.

Automotive News Europe reports that the feature will significantly reduce emissions for both gas and diesel variants. In fact, CO2 emissions on the diesel will drop to 104g/km, exactly the same as the Toyota Prius. The system is designed to turn the engine off when the car is at a stand-still and the clutch is not engaged.

Mini's parent company, BMW, is expected to introduce stop-start and regenerative braking for the 3-Series at the Frankfurt auto show this fall. BMW currently offers the regenerative braking in certain markets on the 5-Series, called Brake Energy Regeneration in BMW-speak. The German automaker will soon launch the system on its 1-Series and 3-Series cars.

Brake Energy Regeneration recharges the battery with otherwise wasted braking kinetic energy. The system is designed to reduce battery's strain on the engine and to reduce fuel consumption.

No word yet on stop-start Minis for the U.S., but we can't imagine they won't make it over here.

For the love of God, Mini, why? Why?

Why would you tease us by releasing details of an awesome-sounding John Cooper Works Challenge Mini, with 210bhp and a redeveloped, more torquey engine?

Why would you tell us that it'll hit 62mph in 6.1 seconds and top out at 149mph?

Why would you unveil all the juicy details of the JCW's roll cage, Recaro buckets, race harnesses, rear diffuser and - most impressively - F1-style HANS head and neck support?

Why would you do all this and then tell us it's not going to be road legal? Damn you all the way to Hades.

But it's true. You won't be allowed to drive the JCW Challenge on the road. Mini says it's specifically for track use, particularly the Mini Challenge race series.

Apparently, the lack of road legality is to 'to maintain its appeal among racing enthusiasts', but we're still not impressed.

Although it's due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show, the JCW Challenge won't hit tracks until the start of the Mini race series next March, which gives us plenty of time to convince 'em to bolt a couple of number plates on.

Official MINI Press Release: The new MINI has already proven its sporting talent on the road and soon the racing version based on the new generation of this small premium car, the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, will likewise be ready to go. With the MINI CHALLENGE 2007 still under way, the racing car for the next season of this unique Clubsport Series is already being developed.

It is already clear that based on the new MINI Cooper S, the car, which will be made available to participants in the MINI CHALLENGE 2008, will offer an even more intense and thrilling driving experience. Other ambitious motorsport enthusiasts will now also be able to acquire and race the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.

Right from the start, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE already offers a wide range of supreme qualities such as a further increase in maximum torque, an improved power-to-weight ratio, even faster acceleration and even higher top speed. And at the same time drivers may look forward to lateral acceleration, traction and stopping power never seen before.

Given these qualities, the new racing version will set new standards not only in terms of agility, but also in terms of safety. For the crowd enjoying the various races of the MINI CHALLENGE 2008, this means even greater excitement, even faster action and even more thrilling duels for the leading position on the track.

The MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is making its first appearance at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the public will be able to gain a first impression of the new racing car which will be delivered to the teams participating in the MINI CHALLENGE in good time prior to the start of the series in spring 2008. Indeed, the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE will be delivered to customers in race trim including all features crucial to performance and safety, thus giving the ambitious driver everything he - or she - needs for outstanding success in motorsport. Thanks to its supreme performance combined with superior handling, the new MINI from the start offers everything required for outstanding success on the track.

The perfect starting point: four-cylinder power unit with twin-scroll turbocharger

The muscle machine which is the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE performance engine is based on the four-cylinder power unit which already shows its sporting spirit in the series version of the MINI Cooper S.

Indeed, this most powerful member of the new MINI generation combines pure driving pleasure, the power of a brand-new engine, and the go-kart feeling which has already made the MINI a legend in its own right, thus ranking unique in the small car segment.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder is equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection, churning out maximum output in standard trim of 128 kW/175 hp at 5,500 rpm. This equals output per litre of 80.1 kW/109.5 hp - a figure which raises the new MINI Cooper S close to the realms of the most thoroughbred sports cars.

Maximum torque of 240 Newton-metres/192 lb-ft, in turn, is maintained consistently between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm, torque being further increased to 260 Nm/206 lb-ft by the overboost function briefly increasing charge pressure for particularly dynamic acceleration whenever required. The unique strengths of the MINI Cooper S even in standard trim, therefore, are spontaneous power and performance, muscular torque, and high revving speed.



The qualities of the new turbocharged power unit come out particularly clearly in everyday traffic - and were indeed confirmed only recently by an international jury of experts lauding the power unit of the new MINI Cooper S as the winner in its class of the 2007 Engine of the Year Award. The 16 intake and outlet valves are masterminded by two overhead camshafts, roller-type drag arms for minimum friction, and hydraulic valve play compensation units. The outlet valves, in turn, are filled with sodium in order to meet the significant cooling requirements made particularly of a turbocharged engine.

The intake camshaft comes with infinitely variable phase adjustment setting valve times to the driver’s respective demands for superior power and performance. The two-piece bedplate structure of the crankcase is an equally outstanding technical feature carried over from motorsport, while the cylinder block and bearing housing are made of a cast aluminium alloy. The camshafts are a composite structure and are not cast in the usual process, thus helping to reduce engine weight even further: Contrary to the conventional casting process, the cam rings made of high-strength stainless steel are shrunk-fit on to the shaft as such. The pistons running in cast-iron bushes, finally, are cooled by splash oil to meet even the greatest thermal requirements.

The new MINI Cooper S is the first car in its segment to feature a power unit equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger. This particular principle guarantees very spontaneous power and performance, with the ducts for two cylinders each being combined with one another in the exhaust manifold and turbocharger. Reducing exhaust gas counter-pressure at low engine speeds, this particular configuration serves to make even better use of the dynamic effect of the pulsating gas columns in the manifold, thus ensuring an even better and faster turbocharger response.

Turbocharger pressure is limited by a wastegate to 0.8 bar. And since the turbocharger develops its superior boost as of an engine speed of just 1,400 rpm, there is not even the slightest sign of the turbo gap otherwise typical of turbocharged power units with conventional technology.

Direct gasoline injection applying the common-rail principle ensures a highly efficient supply of fuel tailored consistently to the driver’s current demand for power and performance. A high-pressure pump serves to fill the stainless-steel common rail leading to all cylinders, fuel being subsequently injected into the combustion chambers in precise doses through injection valves positioned at the side in the cylinder head. Four valve pockets and the combustion chamber trough in the middle of each cylinder ensure optimum charge stratification of the homogeneous fuel/air mixture.

The optimised weight of the power unit made completely of light alloy also contributes to the car’s sporting qualities on both the road and the race track. The reduction of weight on the front axle allows a perfect balance of weight, thus offering all the requirements for supreme agility in tight bends and around a chicane.

Using superior know-how in motorsport for even more power and torque

Applying appropriate technologies for the enhancement of engine output, the engineers responsible for this power machine have successfully turned the very sporting production engine of the MINI Cooper S into a genuine high-performance power unit for the race track. Indeed, through its performance alone, the racing version now in the starting block for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 outperforms even the current racing model with all its power - although maximum engine output, at 154 kW/210 hp, remains exactly the same as on the current MINI CHALLENGE racing version.

The decisive point, therefore, is that the engineers specialising in the construction of racing cars and engines have optimised the engine characteristics, providing even greater torque and giving the car an appropriate exhaust system ideal for racing as the prerequisites for even better and more convincing performance.



Maximum torque is up by 20 Newton-metres over the production model, now reaching 260 Nm or 192 lb-ft and, with the help of overboost, an even more significant 280 Nm or 206 lb-ft ideal for brief but ultra-powerful acceleration.

The greater torque provided in this way will come to bear right from the start, at the same time providing even better flexibility and a higher top speed. Everything indicates, therefore, that spectators will be able to enjoy new lap records in the MINI CHALLENGE 2008, even with engine output remaining the same as before.

Such enhanced performance and even faster lap times will result not only from the new engine, but also from the reduction of starter weight on the new model down by 30 kg/66 lb to 1,150 kg/2,536 lb, including the driver. Further contributing factors are the all-round optimisation of aerodynamics as well as the high-performance suspension of the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE specially modified for racing.

Even faster in powerful sprints, even more dynamic in bends, even quicker to a standstill.

Through its well-balanced package of high-performance improvements and racing features, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is a truly exceptional sports machine. Indeed, the new racing version accelerates faster than before, and, at the same time, through its specially developed motorsport brakes as well as the anti-lock brake system tailored to racing requirements, comes to a standstill more quickly whenever required. A further point is that the car is lighter than its predecessor but hugs the road much more firmly, reaches significantly higher speeds in bends, and offers even more superior handling.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.1 seconds, then coming to a standstill from the same speed in 3.1 seconds after 31 metres or 102 feet. Top speed of the new racing model, in turn, is 240 km/h or 149 mph.

A further particular forte of the new racing version for the MINI CHALLENGE is the car’s extremely fast lateral acceleration. This high speed in bends is further enhanced by the power and handling required to accelerate even faster on to the next straight.

To prevent the drive wheels from spinning when exiting a bend, this latest version of the MINI CHALLENGE racing car comes complete with a limited-slip differential instantaneously re-directing more engine power to the wheel with better traction. Also available on the regular production model, the limited-slip differential thus makes it easier for the driver to keep the ideal line at an even higher speed when leaving a bend.

The suspension on the new racing version comes additionally with adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, again designed and built specifically for motorsport. The big advantage in this case is that the driver is able to adjust ground clearance, damper pressure (inbound and rebound stroke) as well as damper response even more specifically to the requirements of various race tracks.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels through the regular six-speed manual gearbox, and the new racing model comes on 17-inch light-alloy rims (Borbet) in special MINI CHALLENGE design and with newly developed racing tyres (Dunlop).

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE owes its exceptionally good and agile handling also to very effective modification of the car’s body. This new design is based on the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package comprising however a new performance front spoiler made specifically for motorsport, an adjustable rear spoiler and a new rear diffuser. Perfect interplay of these features serves not only to eliminate lift forces on this racing model, but also to generate downforce at higher road speeds. And last but not least, these aerodynamic improvements have been specially conceived to provide a perfect balance of downforce between the front and rear axles.

MINI CHALLENGE: a fascinating blend of motorsport and lifestyle.

The premiere for the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is the first step in continuing a unique story of success. Indeed, the MINI CHALLENGE held ever since 2004 in its current concept has quickly become one of the most attractive and popular Clubsport Series, with CHALLENGE races being held not only in Germany, but also in the Netherlands, in Belgium and in Austria. Some of these races are even held prior to major Formula 1 events, such as the European Grand Prix at Nürburgring and the Belgium Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps.

Through its great appeal, this Clubsport Series has indeed developed into not “just” a pan-European, but also a global phenomenon: With a MINI CHALLENGE Series already being held in New Zealand, the MINI fan thrilled by motorsport will soon also be able to enjoy these outstanding races in Australia, where yet another MINI CHALLENGE Series has been announced for 2008.

The MINI CHALLENGE owes its exceptional appeal to an innovative concept: motorsport meets lifestyle - a combination which has proved very successful and highly popular among both drivers and fans.

At the same time the drivers on the starter grid also contribute to the special atmosphere of the MINI CHALLENGE, old hands and young, up-and-coming talents in motorsport comparing their skills with celebrities from show business and other disciplines in sport.



The sporting symbol of the MINI CHALLENGE: absolute equality.

An essential point is that all drivers enter the races in technically identical cars: All MINI CHALLENGE racing cars are built to the same standard and optimised for the race track in the interest of absolute equality - an essential feature of the MINI CHALLENGE placing the emphasis on the driver’s skills. And to ensure an absolutely perfect balance with equal opportunities, successful drivers are required to carry extra weight in the subsequent races depending on their initial result, the winning car, for example, carrying extra ballast in the next race. And taking the example of the World Touring Car Championship, the top six drivers in the first race subsequently enter the next race in a reversed grid.

Through its superior handling alone and the wide range of safety features incorporated in the racing models, the MINI CHALLENGE is of particular interest to the beginner in motorsport and the ambitious amateur driver. A further incentive, of course, is prize money in the MINI CHALLENGE Germany 2007 alone of Euro 340,000, plus three MINIs as special prizes.

The introduction of the new racing models for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 now enhances the sporting appeal of this innovative Club Sport Series to an even higher standard: The sporting potential of the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE offers the drivers every opportunity to set up new lap records and thrill the crowd with even fiercer battles on the track.

In future spectators will enjoy even higher speeds together with greater safety also during pitstops in the qualifying sessions, since each car is now equipped with an air pressure elevating system made of four retractable pneumatic hoists on the bottom of the car activated by compressed air in the pits and lifting up the car as required for changing tyres in a very quick and dynamic process.

At the same time the new racing model also offers enhanced safety borne out not only by the even better handling of the new MINI. For like the current racing version, the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is equipped with a safety cage welded firmly to the body of the car.

Over and above the RECARO sports bucket seat combined in future with a six-point safety belt, all racing models will also come from now on with the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system carried over from Formula 1 and ensuring effective protection of the driver’s neck area.

More performance, more action, more excitement: Fans of the MINI CHALLENGE can look forward to a fascinating racing season in 2008. And the sporting challenge will be even greater for the driver than ever before, with the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE offering better opportunities to prove the racer’s driving talent in spectacular manoeuvres and with even faster lap times.

So the struggle for the podium will be even more exciting than ever before in the MINI CHALLENGE 2008, with one winner being clear right from the start: the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE itself.

The cars will also be entered in many other motorsport events in 2008, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE offering the ambitious racing driver an extremely competitive car for many purposes and requirements. So it is fair to say that the sporting career of the new MINI is set for new highlights.

(All technical data is preliminary.)

The most important Facts and Figures.
MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.

MINI John Cooper Works Performance Engine: Four-cylinder inline power unit with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection, fitted crosswise at the front Racing exhaust

Capacity: 1,598 cc

Output: 154 kW/210 hp

Max torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft (with overboost 280 Nm/206 lb-ft)

Power transmission: Front-wheel drive, six-speed manual

Suspension:Independent suspension, McPherson spring struts at the front, central-arm rear axle, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17-inch aluminium rims (Borbet) in MINI CHALLENGE design, dampers adjustable both inbound and rebound (KW Automotive), adjustable spring strut support at the front, racing brakes, race-specific ABS, limited-slip differential, motorsport tyres (Dunlop)

Body: John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package with a new performance front spoiler, adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser, Air pressure elevating system for an even faster tyre change

Performance: Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, top speed 240 km/h (149 mph), deceleration 100-0 km/h in 3.1 seconds = 31 metres/102 feet

Safety:Rollcage welded into the car, six-point safety belt, automatic fire extinguisher, racing seat including Head And Neck Support (HANS) system

Weight: Max 1,150 kg/2,536 lb including driver

(All technical data is preliminary.)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August 30, 2007… MINI USA announces the availability of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the all-new MINI Cooper S introduced this year. The new kit, designed specifically for the Cooper S with a manual transmission and its twin-scroll turbocharged engine, offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the standard model.

The tuning kit is just the latest addition to the successful line of MINI’s high performance John Cooper Works accessories which include suspension upgrades, performance wheels and tires, body kits as well as exterior and interior appearance accessories. A John Cooper Works Tuning kit calibrated for the MINI Cooper S with an Automatic transmission will be made available later in the year.

The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit boosts the output of the twin scroll turbocharged engine from 172 to 189 horsepower. Maximum torque is also boosted from 177 foot-pounds between 1,000 and 5,000 rpm to 185 foot-pounds between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With MINI’s overboost function, peak torque for the kit reaches a temporary level of 200 foot-pounds between 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

Compared to the previous generation John Cooper Works Tuning Kit the new kit offers an improvement in performance at a significantly lower price while requiring fewer changes in components and labor time. Notable performance improvements are seen in the accelerations times:

2006 MINI Cooper S with JCW Kit 2007 MINI Cooper S with JCW Kit

0-60 MPH 6.5 seconds 6.5 seconds

50-75 MPH 4th gear 6.4 seconds 5.3 seconds

50-75 MPH 5th gear 6.7 Seconds 6.6 seconds

50-75 MPH 6th gear 8.9 seconds 7.6 seconds

The unique John Cooper Works kit is sold exclusively through MINI dealers and is covered under MINI’s comprehensive new car warranty. Key features of the new 2007 John Cooper Works kit include a redesigned high-flow air intake box with a performance air filter element, a low-restriction dual pipe sport exhaust with larger diameter chrome tips and special reprogramming of the electronic control unit to improve throttle response and overall performance. The kit is also tastefully distinguished by JCW badges on the exterior of the car as well as under the bonnet.

The air box that comes with the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit features a larger aperture to allow more fresh air to enter though a special low restriction filter element. In addition to dramatically increasing the airflow, the new air box creates a more powerful induction sound that compliments the impressive growl from the performance exhaust, also part of the kit.

The enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU) programming has been recalibrated to optimize power output and drivability, resulting in lively throttle response and increased acceleration in the mid-range torque band. The reprogramming optimizes the power output by managing all engine control functions including airflow, combustion, fuel delivery and spark advance.

The stainless steel Sport Exhaust System is a parallel-flow, low backpressure system with superb interior and exterior noise quality. The system adds a throatier, more powerful exhaust note, and has distinctive-looking twin chrome exhaust tips engraved with the John Cooper Works logos.

Visual cues for the kit are understated and will appeal to the MINI enthusiast. Unique chrome John Cooper Works badge adorns the front grill and rear deck lid. Under the bonnet the low restriction air box is also distinguished with a John Cooper Works logo.

The John Cooper Works kit is sold and professionally installed through all MINI dealers in the U.S. A MINI Cooper S equipped with the dealer-installed package is fully backed by MINI’s 4 year, 50,000-mile new car warranty. Owners of an existing MINI Cooper S may visit their local MINI dealer and have the kit installed at any time. The balance of the factory warranty will still remain in effect. The full 2007 John Cooper Works kit retails for $2,100.00 plus a recommended 2 hours of labor for installation.

The Cooper name is forever entwined with MINI, originating with the 1961 MINI Cooper, which was developed by John Cooper. Recognizing MINI’s inherent motorsport potential, Mr. Cooper’s team produced cars that took numerous race titles, and the MINI Cooper S became the stuff of legends with three Monte Carlo Rally wins between 1964 and 1967, driven by greats such as Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen.

If you were planning on hitting one of the 82 U.S. MINI dealers to get your hands on a fuel-efficient Cooper or Clubman, it looks like you'll need to look at plan B. Skyrocketing fuel prices has lifted demand of the little British icons to the point that, with the except of pre-orders, all 2008 models are pretty much sold out. The MINI's cute looks and thrifty petrol-sipping discipline have made the retro hatch more attractive than ever. Year over year sales increases of 39%, 52%, and 24% from April-June have all but wiped clean the MINI's already tight inventory.

Although sales really picked up in April, the MINI has been on fire all year, as the 26,400 MINIs sold in the first half of 2008 represents a 33.6% increase over the same sales period in 2007. And thanks to the MINI's already tight world-wide demand, the BMW-owned automaker can only up US shipments by 2-3k units for the rest of the year.

Team MINI wants to keep its new-found fortune coming, too, as it plans to increase its dealer count to 95 stores by 2011. The British automaker will also introduce a diesel MINI once it can pass emissions in all 50 states.

The nation’s 82 Mini franchises are out of cars, and dealers can do little more than take orders and deliver preordered units for the rest of the year.

As fuel prices have risen, demand for the Mini Cooper has outstripped supply.

“For the last three months, we were selling from inventory,” said Jim McDowell, vice president of BMW’s Mini division. “There’s no way (July) can be as good.”

Starting next year drivers in the Los Angeles and New York areas will be able to lease a fleet of 500 all-electric Coopers from BMW's Mini division.
The Mini E, as it's called, will be able to travel 150 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 95 miles per hour.

For this test fleet of vehicles, BMW will reimburse customers for the cost of charging. But at a monthly cost of $850, driving the Mini E will not be cheap.

Besides the car and electricity, however, the monthly payment will cover all required technical service and maintenance. The cars will be leased on yearly contracts with an option for additional time. At the end of the lease, the cars will be returned to BMW.

The Mini E will be a two-seater. The space usually taken up by back seats in a gas-powered Mini will be taken up by lithium-ion batteries.
BMW boasts that the car has nearly even front-to-back weight distribution. Minor changes have been made to the regular Mini Cooper's suspension to ensure safe handling despite the car's unique load balance.

The car has gone through numerous crash tests, BMW says. Besides focusing on occupant protection, BMW engineers also had to find a safe location for the battery in which it would survive various sorts of crashes.

Where the regular Mini Cooper has a large tachometer (the gauge that shows engine rpm) the Mini E has a battery-level gauge behind the steering wheel instead. Battery charge is shown as a percentage.

An LED display within the gauge can show moment-by-moment energy usage in red and during braking or coasting, energy recuperation in green. It can also show remaining miles of range.

BMW boasts of the car's "fascinating launch capability." That's possible because electric motors produce maximum torque, or cranking power, right from the start without having to speed up first.
While the initial start may be quick, the Mini E will accelerate up to 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour in 8.5 seconds, which is about average for a modern car.

The car's brake pedal is directly coupled to the accelerator pedal. As soon as the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor immediately reverses and begins acting as a generator. This slows the car, like downshifting in a gas-powered car, while recapturing the car's momentum as energy for the batteries.

In city driving about 75 percent of all deceleration can be done without touching the brake pedal, according to BMW.

Only customers with lockable garages or some other secure space in which to charge the car will be eligible to lease the Mini E.

The car can be plugged into any standard wall outlet. But drivers will be able to charge the car in just 2.5 hours using a special wallbox that will be installed in customers' garages.

The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. BMW will accept lease applications after that. Leases will begin early next year.

BMW said it will select specific customers based on a variety of demographic and location requirements.

10/20/2008, 2:54 pmelectricmini unveils all-electric mini e
bmw’s mini range is already one of the thriftiest on the planet – with the brand’s biggest gas hog still achieving 34 mpg on the highway – but the legendary marque is preparing to one-up its already green image. Mini will unveil an all-electric version of its cooper at next month’s los angeles auto show, but the british brand gave up the goods a little early on its zero-emissions hatch.

The electric mini is based on the company’s cooper model and is intended to comply with california’s new zero-emission requirements. As such, the electric cooper – dubbed the mini e — will only be available to customers residing in california. 500 mini es are earmarked for production.

power for the electric cooper is supplied via a front-mounted electric motor, producing 201 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Those figures are good enough to keep the cooper’s sporting nature, with a 0-62 time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 94 mph.

the e powers its electric motor with a set of lithium-ion batteries. Although the all-electric cooper’s range is a somewhat limited 155 miles, a full charge can be had in just two and a half hours. The batteries also consume 3.5 cubic feet of the cooper’s already limited cargo room.

All electric coopers will be built at the company’s oxford, england plant – sans powertrain – and then shipped to germany to be fitted with an electric driveline.

Buyers won’t have much to choose from in customizing their electric minis, as all 500 es will be painted silver. However, yellow accents and a lack of tail pipes will set the electric coopers apart from their gasoline counterparts. Expect the mini e to hit the california market later this year with a one year lease deal.

MINI may have pulled the coup of the year in the eyes of ‘green’ lobbyists by announcing its all-electric MINI E is soon off to 500 customers in California, New York and New Jersey as part of a testing programme. There have been loud questions as to MINI’s electric strategy and these have now been answered officially. Following our most recent spy shots of the car in testing, our expectations were of a later reveal yes, but not this soon.

The MINI E is a very special vehicle in that it uses electric power 100 percent of the time, meaning it is not a hybrid like a Toyota Prius or the upcoming Chevrolet Volt with their combinations of electric and internal-combustion engine power sources. To accommodate its 5,088 individual high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion cells that make up the air-cooled battery, MINI stripped the back seats, just like you would when ‘tuning’ a car for racing-like readiness. Yet the car keeps its 50:50 weight distribution. The 260kg battery powers the electric motor which is conventionally found upfront.

The motor pulls out a seriously impressive 150kW (200hp) of power and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque which, as one expects from such a motor, is available from idle. Incidentally the car can rev up to a maximum of 12,500rpm! MINI says it will dash from 0 – 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 152km/h (95mph). Not bad considering the battery’s weight, but also the car’s total curb weight of 1465kg (3230 lbs). It goes without saying that the MINI E produces zero emissions.

Charging an empty battery will take about 2.5 hours at the average home or other designated recharge facility, depending on area voltage. Thereafter a range of 240km (150 miles) can be anticipated under a combined driving route. Highly-qualified personnel will be looking after the cars while they are in the care of their new leasing ‘owners’ and at the end of the testing period the cars return to BMW for deep analysis. You’ll be able to see the MINI E next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008.