This, according to German tuning haus AC Schnitzer (better known for improbably attitudinous Opels) is the world's fastest Mini. Based on the John Cooper Works Coupé, it's called the Raptor.
At the recent Tuner Grand Prix hosted by German magazine Sport Auto, it put the entire field - 25 entrants in 16 classes - firmly in its place with an astonishing 1 minute, 10.87 second lap of the Hockenheim Grand Prix circuit.
That’s not only 1.11sec quicker than the previous best time by a Mini – Schnitzer’s own Eagle at the 2011 Tuner GP – it’s also quicker than anybody has recorded at Hockenheim in either a Ferrari 599 GTB or a Porsche 911 GTS, and only marginally slower than a Pagani Zonda.
That's pretty exalted company for a 1.6-litre, front-wheel drive hot hatch.
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How'd they do it?
First, engine power was boosted from 155 to 221kW, with a bigger turbo, intercooler, free-flow stainless-steel (read loud) exhaust system with racing catalyser and revised Motronic engine management mapping.
Than the car lost more than 100kg (despite the addition of a full roll cage) by adding lots of the light stuff, and was fitted with fully adjustable suspension and lightweight 18” rims.
WISH LIST
Here's the full spec sheet for the AC Schnitzer Raptor which, by the way, is street-legal in Germany:
Motronic engine management programme.
Schnitzer turbocharger.
Intercooler.
Sports clutch.
Mechanical limited-slip differential.
Lightweight lithium-ion battery
Stainless-steel exhaust system with racing catalyst
Height-adjustable racing suspension
Schnitzer anti-roll bars.
Carbon-fibre bonnet, boot, doors, rear diffuser and flared wings.
Macrolon body panels.
Sorts steering wheel
Roll cage
Carbon-fibre racing bucket seats.
'Short Shift' gear lever.
Aluminium foot rest and pedals.
Mi2 18” BiColour rims with 225/35 radials.