Electric-powered MINI E laps the Nürburgring in under 10 minutes

MINI has now become the first manufacturer to run a fully-electric powered car around the famous Nürburgring-Nordschleife race track, and the MINI E Race lapped the 20.8km circuit in 9 minutes 51.45 seconds. The car was driven by former DTM race car driver Thomas Jäger, and reached a top speed of 187km/h during its run.

The MINI E Race test car is powered by the same 204bhp electric motor as the standard MINI E, which gets its power from lithium-ion batteries. Among the modifications to the E Race include a new helical gearbox with a longer gear ratio as well as tuned engine management software.

Other changes include a "special lightweight body", a roll cage and performance brakes, suspension and tyres, while a carbon fibre rear wing and various diffusers help improve the aerodynamics of the car. "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," said BMW Group's Peter Krams, who led the project.