The 420 hp, Turbine-powered MINI Jet
Some people like to describe their tuned Cooper S as “fire breathing”, but BMP Design of Tyler, Texas wins the brag with the MINI Jet. The 420 hp, 400 ft-lb of torque, RWD monster is literally powered by a Rolls Royce-Allison helicopter engine (the 250-C20B to be exact). Complete with helicopter style lever throttle between the seats, it’s unclear if the MINI Jet retains its original engine up front as well. If it does, that would make this the most seriously badass hybrid to date. More video after the break.
[Source: Jalopnik]
<p>OK I understand tha the turbine drives the rear wheels, but why were the front wheels spinning at launch?</p>
<p>Did they retain the factory drivetrain as well?</p>
<p>Was Jay Leo in on this project? If not, he may be a likely candidate to purchase this MINI as a buddy for his turbine powered bike. The C20 is a fabulous turboshaft powerplant that has been retrofitted to many recip helicopters. A mouth-watering example was the Lycoming retrofit of a C20 into a Hughes 300. Turbine engines are extraordinarily smooth running, but also extraordinarily thirsty critters that would never put a smile on the faces of the EPA constabulary. Nonetheless, the project is as “brave, courageous, and bold” as Wyatt Earp. I’d love to go for a ride!</p>
<p>That car was featured in car and driver a few years ago after the owner had it done. It was not owned by BMP but some guy in LA that had it built in FL. the engine is still there and the turbine sits where the rear seats used to be with a separator installed in the cabin. The turbin is controlled by the hand throttle and features a computer ctrolled startup system that require flipping a switch in the toggle bank.</p>
<p>The GTR was still faster?</p>
<p>What’s the highest speed it catches?</p>