The MINI Electric Pacesetter, inspired by JCW, has been unveiled as the new Safety Car for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship series. This electrifying collaboration between MINI Design, BMW Motorsport, the FIA and Formula E showcases the fusion of MINI’s rich racing lineage with its electrified future. This ground-breaking vehicle expands on the base of the new MINI Electric.
John Cooper Works’ spirit
The MINI Electric Pacesetter embraces John Cooper Works’ spirit, personifying the synergy of electric mobility and thrilling driving fun. Bernd Körber, Head of MINI affirms, “the MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW takes this blend a step ahead, embodying the John Cooper Works brand’s performance character with electric mobility.” This radical variant of the MINI Electric, tailor-made as the Safety Car for Formula E, boldly suggests potential paths for the JCW brand’s electrification.
Electric Heart
The Pacesetter’s exterior encapsulates dynamic excellence, showcasing an exhilarating synergy of emotional engagement and technical precision, as explained by Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. Every design element is intentionally shaped by its function, highlighting the car’s thrilling nature. Signature MINI elements like circular headlights and hexagonal radiator grille adorn the front of the car, whilst JCW influences enhance its athletic visuals. The MINI Electric logo hints at the car’s ‘electric heart’.
Stance on the wheels
The Pacesetter’s side view is equally dynamic, with geometrically accentuated spats and sports side skirts, giving it a forward-thrusting aura. Combined with the striking 18-inch forged wheels, the car firmly asserts its signature MINI “stance on the wheels”.
The minimalist interior amplifies the essential driving experience with only the front seats retained. The driver area integrates a certified seat with a six-point belt, approved for both racing and road use, a steering wheel with a minimalist-design carbon fibre impact absorber, and a digital instrument cluster.
0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds
The mastery of BMW Motorsport underpins the Pacesetter’s powerful design, sticking strictly to lightweight design principles, resulting in a kerb weight of approx. 1,230 kg – around 130 kg lighter than the standard MINI Electric. The drive system enables the Pacesetter to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds and reach 75 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
The MINI Electric Pacesetter will make its track debut at the Rome E-Prix on April 10th, 2021, a testament to MINI’s thrilling electric future. Bruno Correia, official Formula E Safety Car driver praised the Pacesetter’s agility, performance, and cool design, likening the drive to go-karting.
