Electric Mini laps the Nurburgring

The Mini E has become the first all electric vehicle to complete a full lap of Germany’s famous Nurburgring at racing speed.

The specially prepared Mini completed a lap of the 20.8km circuit, considered to be the toughest circuit in the world, in 9:51.45 seconds - around one minute slower than a petrol powered Cooper S. Former German touring car driver and 2006 German Mini Challenge champion, Thomas Jäger, was the man chosen to take the wheel.

“I’ve driven this circuit many times, but never in such an extraordinary car,” Jäger said. “The power of the electric motor has an incredible effect, as you can access its full reserves of torque at all times. Another element of this fascinating experience is the lack of noise from the drivetrain. All in all, that was certainly the cleanest and quietest race lap I’ve ever driven.”

Mini already has more than 600 examples of the Mini E around the world undergoing testing. But the Mini E Race, as the car was dubbed, was given a major overhaul to tackle the Nurburgring.

Although the track car was powered by the same 150kW electric motor a special lightweight body was fitted to help improve performance. Other performance additions included new suspension, brakes and tyres. For safety the Mini engineers also installed a rollcage.

“The length and profile of the Nordschleife [northern loop of the Nurburgring] place extreme demands on the technology of our electric car,’’ said project leader, Peter Krams. ‘‘But the MINI E Race met this considerable challenge with great authority. The aim of this unique undertaking was to provide an impressive showcase of the great potential of the MINI E and its environment-friendly drive concept.”

But while the Mini E was the first fully electric vehicle to tackle the Nurburgring, Porsche is already well advanced with its hybrid-powered 911 GT3 R race car, recently completing two races at the track. Designed to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hour race in June the 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses two electric motors powered by a flywheel generator, which captures energy normally lost in heat through the brakes. Unlike a battery, which stores electricity, the flywheel generator stores mechanical energy, later converting it to electricity for use in the motors.

Porsche has entered the 911 GT3 R in the Nurburgring warm-up races and scored a podium finish in last weekend event. The car, driven by Germans Joerg Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler, finished third in the four-hour race.