It's no surprise that Mini is working on an updated Mini E electric vehicle. Just a few weeks ago, the automaker's brand manager, Peter Schwarzbauer, said an electric Mini "fits perfectly with the brand, and I am convinced that we will offer a suitable solution." After all, parent company BMW has been evolving the all-electric powertrain from the original Mini E to the ActiveE and on into the i3. It only makes sense that Mini gets some EV love back, right?
Right. So, say hello to the Mini E Coupe. Spotted in Germany, the uncamouflaged Coupe is proudly wearing a grey-yellow-white paint job reminiscent of the original Mini E. It even has a serial number under the side mirrors, just like the original Mini E. Only 450 of those were ever made, but this one sports the number 472, implying that there have been a few Mini Es kept in hiding over the years. You can see more of the car over on Motor Authority.
What these spy shots mean for the Coupe's future – we thought it may be axed soon – is unclear, since the car's uncovered appearance makes us think this thing is ready for some sort of public event instead of serving as a prototype mule. And, given the racing sports car features of this new Mini E – roll cage, racing seats, giant spoiler – Motor Authority wonders if this doesn't herald a new electric Mini attack on the Nürburgring. A gas-powered Mini John Cooper Works GP hit 8:23 on the 'ring in 2012 and a fossil-fueled Mini Coupe participated in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring event in 2011. And, most interestingly, a Mini E lapped the ring in 9:51.45 back in 2010. We have to believe a 2014 update could easily beat that.
Right. So, say hello to the Mini E Coupe. Spotted in Germany, the uncamouflaged Coupe is proudly wearing a grey-yellow-white paint job reminiscent of the original Mini E. It even has a serial number under the side mirrors, just like the original Mini E. Only 450 of those were ever made, but this one sports the number 472, implying that there have been a few Mini Es kept in hiding over the years. You can see more of the car over on Motor Authority.
What these spy shots mean for the Coupe's future – we thought it may be axed soon – is unclear, since the car's uncovered appearance makes us think this thing is ready for some sort of public event instead of serving as a prototype mule. And, given the racing sports car features of this new Mini E – roll cage, racing seats, giant spoiler – Motor Authority wonders if this doesn't herald a new electric Mini attack on the Nürburgring. A gas-powered Mini John Cooper Works GP hit 8:23 on the 'ring in 2012 and a fossil-fueled Mini Coupe participated in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring event in 2011. And, most interestingly, a Mini E lapped the ring in 9:51.45 back in 2010. We have to believe a 2014 update could easily beat that.
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