HAMANN makes its mark on new MINI

click the above image to view high-res shots of the HAMANN MINI

Hot on the heels of MINI previewing its new John Cooper Works Tuning Kit, HAMANN has revealed to us its interpretation of Britain's (Germany's?) tiny terror. The HAMANN MINI sports a new aero kit with a front spoiler, side sills, and a two-piece rear diffuser. HAMANN flag graphics are also available for the sides of the car and the roof. In addition, HAMANN has crafted three new wheels being offered in 17-inch and 18-inch sizes.

In terms of hardware, the German tuner has fitted the MINI with a new rear silencer and stainless steel tailpipes, as well as a new air intake, both of which purportedly improve the engine's aural assault. Not that MINIs are known for bad handling, but HAMANN felt it could make a few improvement in this area, as well. A completely new suspension sits under the MINI's skin and includes heigh-adjustable coilovers with new shocks and springs. Inside, HAMANN has added a number of aluminum interior accents and offers two interior trim packages that dot the cabin with exposed carbon fiber. No news on what it will cost to outfit your R56 with HAMANN components, but since each component can be ordered individually one can spread out the cost to ease the cash drain.

[Source: HAMANN]

PRESS RELEASE:

Mini with Maxi Tuning:
New Mini with the individual HAMANN touch

• Sporty aerodynamics kit and finish in flag design
• Sports silencer
• Coilover suspension
• Three wheel designs in 17" and 18"
• Comprehensive range of interior accessories made of aluminum and exposed carbon-fiber

The original Mini was known among other things for its go-kart-like handling. BMW has managed to transport precisely that into the new age, with the new edition of 2001. And the recently launched 2006 generation once again sparkles with the typical Mini characteristics. And HAMANN has of course once again taken on the current model. The Brit from Bavaria not only looks different after its visit to the health farm in Laupheim. The HAMANN Mini also sounds better, and drives with even more agility.

One thing is clear: you will attract attention with the Mini, even in standard trim. The exterior of the Mini could however convey a little more sportiness. HAMANN can help out in this respect, clothing the little runabout in some sporty gear. The HAMANN aerodynamics kit includes a front spoiler to reduce lift, a pair of side sills with integrated, brushed aluminum doorsills, and a two-piece rear diffuser. Visually equipped in this way, it would not look out of place among the starters in the Mini Cup. The Mini draws even more attention as a result of the HAMANN flag-design decoration. This decoration is available in silver, anthracite or white. You can even apply it yourself, and it is available for the sides, the hood and the roof. Customers can order the components together (at a discount) or individually.

17" and 18" wheels

HAMANN offers three attractive wheel designs for the Mini. The HM4 is a 17" model, which is a handsome one-piece alloy wheel with five spokes, finished in silver, and has the look of a multi-piece wheel. The PG4 design not only looks like it; it actually is a multi-piece wheel. The 18" five-spoke wheel sports a polished lip. Once again a one-piece wheel, but nevertheless boasting an elegant multi-spoke design, we have the ANNIVERSARY I. With its silver finish and its high-gloss polished INOX stainless steel lip on the outer rim flange, the ANNIVERSARY I is available in 18" form, combining great looks with a practical solution as the stainless steel lip is exchangeable and can easily be replaced in the event of damage. Available wheel/tire combinations:

• HM4: front / rear 8.0J x 17 Tires: front / rear 215/40 ZR17
• PG4: front/rear 8.0J x 18 Tires: front / rear 215/35 ZR18 or 225/35 ZR18
• ANNIVERSARY I: front / rear 8.0J x 18 Tires: front / rear 215/35 ZR18 or 225/35 ZR18

Improving the sound of their car is one of the most important tuning measures for many drivers. So for sound fetishists HAMANN is offering an impressive twin-pipe sports rear silencer, with two round stainless steel tailpipes (each 90 mm in diameter). A sportier air intake sound is created by the HAMANN sports air filter, which is available for both the Cooper and Cooper S versions of the Mini.

Even though the Mini already has very good handling, HAMANN saw a need for action in this area too. HAMANN height-adjustable coilover suspension promises even greater agility. It comprises four sports shock absorbers and four springs. The suspension can be lowered by up to 50 mm at the front, and by up to 30 mm at the rear. Thanks to its lower center of gravity, the Mini can be pushed through the corners even more like a go-kart than ever.

Comprehensive interior refinement

Friends of individual looks have virtually free rein in the interior of the Mini. HAMANN doorsills made of brushed aluminum invite you to step inside this small car. The HAMANN Sports gear knob and the hand brake lever are also made of aluminum. Exclusive, black HAMANN foot-mats make the Mini even cozier, in addition to which HAMANN offers two interior sets made of exposed carbon fiber. Set 1 is made up of cockpit panels, cladding for two outer ventilation ducts – one on the left and one on the right, the steering column, the airbag and the centrally located instruments, as well as a cover panel for the tachometer and the passenger airbag. Set two includes the handbrake lever, the decorative ring for the drinks holder, the surrounds for the gearshift gate, door handles and frames, the speaker rings, door trim panels (4 items) plus B-pillar cladding.

HAMANN will of course also modify any Mini according to the individual wishes of the customer. For example, elaborate leather upholstery and trim are available in various colors, or such items as multimedia conversions.

More information about the comprehensive HAMANN tuning program is to be found at the following website: www. HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.de.