After the 160 BMW 1-Series ActiveE coupes and 40 MINI E hatchbacks, the Bavarian automotive group today presented its third pure-electric vehicle to the London Olympic and Paralympic fleet: the Mini MINI.

Evidently, and unlike the other two models, the Mini MINI was not designed to shuttle athletes and officials within the Olympic Park and surrounding Games sites.

Instead, the radio-controlled (RC) model, which is roughly a quarter scale of the real-life car, will be used on the field of play in the Olympic Stadium to ferry javelins, discuses, hammers and shots back from the field to the throwing area.

“The MINI team was thrilled to be given this challenge to develop a vehicle with such an important and high profile role during the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” commented Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford.

The BMW Group created three Mini MINIs that will be operated by Games Makers assigned and trained for this duty.

The scale models measure 1,100mm (43.3 inches) long and can carry up to 8kg (18 pounds) of athletic equipment such as a single hammer, discus or shot or two javelins in their interior, which is accessible through the adapted sunroof.

A 10hp electric motor drives the Mini MINIs that can sustain 35 minutes of continuous usage with a radio control range of approximately 100 metres (3218 feet) and be fully re-charged in 80 minutes.

Mini MINI

  • Number in fleet: 3
  • 10hp / Zero emissions
  • Usage: Field of play vehicle to retrieve javelins, discuses, hammers and shot from the field to the throwing area.
  • MINI Hatch design in 1/4 scale
  • Lightweight composite bodyshell (Vehicle weight 25kg)
  • True Blue paintwork with orange London 2012 Games livery and white roof
  • Detailed exterior design including door handles, mirrors, wheel arch finishers, number plates, windscreen wipers and functioning headlights
  • Removable sunroof panel for access to the equipment storage area
  • Waterproof equipment storage area
  • Electric engine, throttled
  • Duel vented disc brake
  • Heavy duty shock absorbers
  • Grass tyres front and rear

Specification of Mini MINI:

Mini MINI dimensions:

  • Length: 1100mm
  • Width: 500mm
  • Height: 400mm

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