The MINI Electric Pacesetter becomes the official safety car of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship racing series. The sports safety car links the rich racing history of John Cooper Works to the electrified future of MINI.
What's new?
- The basis for the MINI Electric Pacesetter is the latest MINI Cooper SE.
- The safety car is 130 kg lighter than the standard MINI Cooper SE.
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.7 seconds.
What is important?
- The creation of the MINI Electric Pacesetter involved the divisions of MINI Design and BMW Motorsport, as well as the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
- The debut of the MINI Electric Pacesetter will take place on April 10, 2021 at the Formula E round in Rome.
Electricity and John Cooper Works: the new speed formula.
Bernd Körber, Head of MINI: “The standard MINI Electric is the epitome of driving pleasure and electric mobility. The latest MINI Electric Pacesetter goes one step further by combining the John Cooper Works brand philosophy with environmental responsibility. Of course, it was developed purely for the Formula E safety fleet and is not intended for use on public roads. However, the MINI Electric Pacesetter reveals one of the directions in which the electrification of the JCW brand could go.”
Expressive exterior design.
The recognizable image of the MINI Electric Pacesetter is emphasized by signature touches such as round headlights and a hexagonal panel with air vents. Flared wheel arches and an aerodynamic splitter are a nod to the DNA of the John Cooper Works brand. The electric “heart” of the safety car is hinted at by logos and the minimum number of front bumper air ducts required to cool the units. White flashing beacons are integrated into the hood. Another bright accent is the MINI stripes on the hood and roof.
Sophisticated aerodynamics give the MINI Electric Pacesetter a dynamic look. Lightweight wheels with a diameter of 18 inches are painted in a contrasting combination of orange and black. Aerodynamic elements such as spoilers and skirts are 3D printed, and yellow lines on the sidewalls clearly show which areas the airflow is moving at high speed.
The philosophies of MINI Electric and John Cooper Works have merged into one in the paintwork of the MINI Electric Pacesetter. The base color of the vehicle is matt silver, while the rear of the electric vehicle is highlighted by a graphic combination of Highspeed Orange and Curbside Red metallic. The contrast between matte and glossy surfaces adds visual dynamism. And the sporty image is completed by the logos of Formula E partners and the official symbols of safety cars.
The large roof wing, including flashing beacons and an additional air duct, was 3D printed at the Oxford plant. The wide rear arches flow smoothly into a developed diffuser, and racing tires are visible through the cutouts on the rear bumper. The electric concept of the MINI Electric Pacesetter is emphasized separately by bright yellow accents and the absence of tailpipes.
The most lightweight interior.
There is not a single extra gram left in the interior of the MINI Electric Pacesetter. The rear row of seats was removed for the sake of lighter construction. The cockpit is formed by a racing seat with six-point harnesses, a sports steering wheel with carbon elements and a digital instrument panel.
In place of the main information display is a carbon fiber panel. On the center console there was a block of signal lamp controls, as well as gearshift and handbrake levers. The door panels are made of carbon fiber, and light fabric webbing is used instead of the classic door handles. A roll cage is a necessary element on the race track.
The center of the steering wheel, the signaling control panel, the surface of the center console and the door panel on the driver's side are 3D printed. The sports seat pads with an unusual structure can be adjusted according to the physiology and personal preferences of the pilot.
Always ready to race thanks to the know-how of BMW Motorsport.
Behind the striking exterior of the MINI Electric Pacesetter lies many years of experience from BMW Motorsport. Thanks to the extensive lightweight design, the electric car only weighs 1,230 kg – 130 kg less than the standard MINI Cooper SE.
The modified electric power plant develops 184 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. This allows the MINI Electric Pacesetter to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds (0.6 seconds faster than the MINI Cooper SE) and from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.6 seconds (0.3 seconds faster). faster than MINI Cooper SE). Thanks to the high torque and efficient transmission, the safety car accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 4.3 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the MINI Cooper SE).
The racing suspension can be adjusted for compression and rebound, as well as height and camber. The recipe for incredible handling is sporty suspension arms, a 10mm wider track, four-piston brakes and MINI John Cooper Works GP wheels. Michelin Pilot Sport tires in 245/40 R18 are similar to those used in Formula E cars.
For more information, please contact:
Polina Esenova, BMW Group Russia
[email protected]
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