Mini

MINI

Tags: AC Schnitzer AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper S Mini tuningRetro but not old-fashioned sassy and practical authentic but no copy: Few cars have mastered the balancing act as well as the new MINI, the latest generation of which is now in the showrooms. In design terms it remains true to its predecessor, but doesn't stop there technically.

In detail no MINI looks like the next, because individuality takes priority amongst its owners.Anyone wanting to stand out from the crowd of MINI owners, not just in appearance but also in performance, should turn to AC Schnitzer. The present focus of the tuner's development activities is the new 170 HP turbo engine in the Cooper S, for which AC Schnitzer develops a performance upgrade. And when the driver puts the power down, the sound track plays loud and clear, thanks to the sonorous twin sports silencer with chromed Racing tailpipe.Full gas to the next corner and through it at full speed! Touring Car legend Manfred Wollgarten set up the AC Schnitzer racing suspension on the North Loop of the Nrburgring - and it runs rings round the already very good standard suspension. You can feel the difference just with the AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit. But back from the track to the city: Out of the reflective glass facades flashes the face of a model athlete. AC Schnitzer achieves this masterpiece with a few tricks. The front bumper has a new front spoiler. Painted in body colour, and with its striking prominent corners, it setsa clear visual highlight. The sassy rear has also been subtly lifted. The rear skirt from AC Schnitzer, painted in contrast to standard, has a diffuser which effectively pulls the MINI down to the tarmac.Two sporting wheel designs, the brand-new Bicolor wheel Mi2 in 7.5 x18" and the Mi1 in the classic AC Schnitzer look in 7.5 x 17", complete the sporting range. And naturally the enthusiastic MINI fan has a wealth of matching accessories for the interior. Such as the attractive controls and sports pedals of aluminium naturally from AC Schnitzer.

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Tags: Mini Cooper S MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE autoshow International Frankfurt Auto Show IAA 2007 new models MINI performance is to be taken to new levels with the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, a MINI Cooper S built specifically for track use and ready to race.

Set for its first public appearance at the forthcoming IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, deliveries of the new car will take place from spring 2008.Key characteristics of the new car include a higher top speed, increased torque, faster acceleration and optimised traction. Performance figures are detailed in the attached document.Power enhancements are at the core of the striking CHALLENGE car’s modifications. As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard MINI Cooper S engine receives modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system.Numerous chassis and suspension tweaks add to what is a finely-tuned racing package. The new suspension system features adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed specifically for motorsport. A six-speed manual gearbox transmits power to 17” front wheels made by Borbet and shod with exclusive new racing tyres manufactured by Dunlop.Body revisions based on the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit, currently available from all MINI dealers, are key features of the CHALLENGE car’s set-up. To generate increased downforce at higher speeds, CHALLENGE car owners can expect a new adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and performance front spoiler. The new braking system performs exceptionally. Large four-piston calipers mean the car can go from 62 – 0mph in just 3.1 seconds.

A race-specific ABS configuration and an air-pressure elevating system complete the product modifications, which together equate to a vehicle 30kg lighter than the previous CHALLENGE car.Safety measures perfect the array of MINI CHALLENGE car features. A roll cage welded firmly to the body of the car houses RECARO bucket seats combined with a six-point safety belt, along with the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system used in Formula 1 cars.Although the car is designed for race participation, private owners may find owning a MINI CHALLENGE car a compelling prospect. However, the car will not be licensed for public roads and as such is expectedto maintain its appeal among racing enthusiasts.The MINI Challenge race series is fast gaining presence and popularity around the world.

Since 2004, Challenge races have been staged in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and New Zealand. In 2008, MINI Australia will also hold a Challenge competition.Race teams will receive the first MINI CHALLENGE cars from March 2008. Private customers not competing in the MINI Challenge series can expect deliveries of cars from June 2008. An order form for the car can be downloaded from 11 September 2007 at www.MINI.com/challenge-car and the expected price is €49,900 inc. VAT.