MINI E Coupe Spied Testing
BMW has kicked off the next phase in its electric-vehicle testing, with a new electrified MINI Cooper Coupe spied testing this week. And while the previous MINI E hatch formed the basis of testing BMW's new i3 EV, this 'MINI E Coupe' is bel
BMW has kicked off the next phase in its electric-vehicle testing, with a new electrified MINI Cooper Coupe spied testing this week.
And while the previous MINI E hatch formed the basis of testing BMW's new i3 EV, this 'MINI E Coupe' is believed to be a prototype for the British brand's first electric offering.
Unlike the i3, MINI's branch of BMW's electric vehicle program is likely to include a performance aspect, explaining the racing wheels and large wing on this spied tester.
That's not to say that the i3's powertrain isn't a capable unit: in 2010, the MINI E hatch completed a lap of the famed Nurburgring circuit in 9 minutes and 51 seconds (video at link).
Now, that's not 918 Spyder territory, but it's a quick turn.
Power for that MINI E was provided by a 150kW electric motor, offering around 220Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a single-stage helical transmission.
In the new BMW i3, the electric system delivers 125kW and 250Nm, sending power instead to the rear wheels.
Watch for new details on the MINI E Coupe to surface over the coming months.
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