March 28, 2024

Wade Through Films

The Ultimate Driving Machines

V8-Powered RWD Mini Cooper Is Making Its Debut At Goodwood

Mini Coopers are esteemed for their go-kart experience and driving dynamics that make them enjoyment-to-drive. But what can make a Mini improved? Well, how about a V8 under the hood and rear-wheel-drive configuration?

That’s particularly what this Powerflex project is all about. The British automotive suspension mounting professional introduces the Vini, the Powerflex V8 Mini. Earning its debut at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Pace, this crazy project took 4 several years to make and it truly is not difficult to think about why.

Powering the Vini is BMW’s S65 4.-liter V8 engine that makes 414 horsepower (309 kilowatts), found in the F80 technology M3. As predicted, putting in a V-shaped engine longitudinally in addition its DCT in a chassis built for a transverse 4-pot mill is no quick job.

To accommodate the new set up, the full ground pan and bulkhead had to be strengthened and reworked. That claimed, the engine and rear differential now sit atop modified Subaru Impreza STI subframes – all mounted and mediated by Powerflex polyurethane bushes. The McPherson struts are bespoke, as effectively, secured within just tailor made towers.

Even improved, all these modifications were being done without altering the Mini Cooper’s exterior layout, with the exception of vast fender flares and the alteration on the emblem that now reads Vini. 

The cabin’s a distinct story of system, which you really should see with the images offered in the gallery previously mentioned. The V8-driven limited wheelbase hatchback guidelines the scales at 1,300 kilograms (2,866 lbs) soon after the engine swap.

The Vini is a collaborative effort and hard work concerning the customers of UK’s Performance Automotive Aftermarket Association, comprised of ED Motorsport, Litchfield Motors, Alcon, Tilton Engineering, Bilstein Uk, Forge Motorsport, Goodridge, Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL), ITG, Cobra Seats, Lifeline, Racelogic, Syvecs, Intention Tech, and Braid.

As outlined, Powerflex is showcasing the Vini at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Pace going on from July eight-11, 2021.