MINI Cooper SE Electric Hatchback Makes Its Rallying Debut

MINI’s history in rallying goes back to the 1960s, and the British company has opened a new chapter by entering the all-electric Cooper SE on a rally stage in Romania over the weekend.

Part of a partnership between BMW’s local arm and Vitesco Technologies, which is looking to modify the zero-emission hatchback’s drivetrain for racing, it ran the 5-km (3.1-mile) course in 3 minutes and 8 seconds.

Retaining the standard powertrain, suspension, brakes and tires, the Cooper SE has had its front and rear seats, as well as several other interior parts, removed, while a roll cage and a pair of bucket seats with racing harnesses were installed. These changes have shed approximately 150 kg (330 lbs) from the car’s total weight.

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“It was a very valuable stage for us. We’ve learned a lot about the competition, energy recovery and thermal management, and also about the next steps in the development of the project”, said BMW Romania’s communication manager, Alexandru Seremet. “We have valuable partners who will help us put on an electric show on the racetrack next year.”

Priced from €33,261 ($39,283) in Romania, €31,680.67 ($37,417) in Germany and £24,900 ($32,479) in the UK, and with an MSRP of $29,900 in the U.S., the Cooper SE, known as the MINI Electric in our market, where has an EPA-rated range of 110 miles (177 km), supports 50 kW fast charging. Plugging it in at a dedicated charger will top up the battery to 80 percent in 36 minutes.

The EV’s electric motor develops 181 HP (184 PS / 135 kW) and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque, which enables it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 7 seconds and reach a 93 mph (150 km/h) top speed.