Video: AC Schnitzer Builds One Fast Coupe
German tuning company AC Schnitzer has built a racing car based on the MINI JCW Coupe. Dubbed the Raptor, AC Schnitzer have released a video of the car claiming it to be the world’s fastest MINI. While on its face that’s a bit of an outlandish claim, the results seen in the video (after the jump) are pretty compelling.
According to World Car Fans, the race shown in the video is the 2012 Tuner Grand Prix hosted by Sport Auto magazine. In the mix was a variety of high end sports cars. From Ferraris to Porsches, and even supercars like the Pagani Zonda. Also in the mix was another JCW Coupe fielded by AC Schnitzer. But how did their Raptor hold up in such a thick pack of thoroughbreds? The Raptor turned in a lap time of 1:11.6, beating both a Ferrari 599 GTB and a Porsche 911 GTS. The Raptor took the Porsche by more than a second. The Raptor also took the track at just .8 seconds behind the pace of a Pagani Zonda, which is one of the fastest cars in the world.
It goes to show once again that MINIs have motorsport in their blood. Yet it wasn’t a stock JCW Coupe out on the track by any stretch. Significant upgrades to both engine and suspension helped move the car along.
The Raptor’s engine power has been increased from 211 PS (155 kW / 208 bhp) to 300 PS (221 kW / 296 bhp) thanks to new engine management, turbo and intercooler as well as a stainless steel exhaust system with racing catalyst. Other items include a sport clutch, limited slip differential and lightweight ion battery. Naturally, a racing suspension was added with antiroll bars and a roll cage while weight savings are made with carbon fiber components used in place of the hood, door panels, luggage lid, rear diffuser and rear wing.
While obviously a full-on racing vehicle, it’s a great indication of just what the MINI Coupe platform is capable of. The stiff chassis and improved aerodynamics (say what you like about that roof, it’s slippery) make the Coupe an ideal motorsports platform. I would guess we’ll only see more and more hot Coupes in the future.
[Source: World Car Fans]
<p>That’s a crazy achievement. Congrats.</p>
<p>I guess the prince engine has the chops after all. ;)</p>
<p>I know it’s a matter of semantics but your article states, “AC Schnitzer have released a video of the car claiming it to be the world’s fastest MINI” When in fact they state it is the “fastest MINI” and do not explicitly state it is the fastest in the world. It is deceptively worded as they may be insinuating that it is the fastest MINI in the world, but they only provide statistics from this previous event to prove that it is the fastest MINI at the Tuner Grand Prix hosted by Sport Auto magazine.</p>
<p>That being said, the results are mighty impressive and is a testament to the “good bones” that with a few modifications they were able to beat some far more powerful competition!</p>
<p>1:11.6 is about the pace of a stock 2003 911 GT2, assuming this is the short track, cause theres no way they got those times on a longer version. A lot of this comes down to the driver.</p>
<p>no bad, but really not what they are trying to present it to be. not competitive against a porsche factory team, especially a porsche tuning team like flying lizard or martini. AC Schnitzer MUST know this isnt what they are trying to sell it as.</p>
<p>isn’t the MINI USA Drag car the World’s fastest? There’s no way this coupe is faster than a 650hp MINI.</p>
<p>Where’s the Getrag AWD? Can’t imagine front paws handling nearly 300 ponies without severe handling issues — namely, torque-steer writ large!</p>
<p>Will Alpina and Hartge be next in line to uber-tune?</p>