High performance Mini with carbon fiber
Modified supercharger and braking system

Motion Trends,
27th May 2006.

What if you take one of the most elegant small cars, such as the Mini, and you turn it into something lighter and more performance oriented?

That's what  MK-Motorsport have just done, turning the Mini out in big style, with lightweight carbon fiber, high performance and aerodynamic technology.

Here is the deal:

- Carbon fiber engine hood and trunk lid for weight reduction
- Performance boost thanks to MK aerodynamic technology
- Modified supercharger ratio for greater charging pressure
- High-performance braking system for enhanced retardation.

Tempting, isn't it?

Here are the details then.

To complete the BMW range, MK-Motorsport has now tackled the Mini Cooper, as the British brand belongs to the German group (since BMW's Rover adventure between 1994 to 2000).

In addition to boosting the performance and reducing the weight, MK-Motorsport has also given the Mini’s visual appearance a make-over.

To reduce the weight, MK is equipping the Mini with a full front mask made from carbon fiber. This lightweight body-styling element is available either as a painted version or as a visual carbon-fiber element for the price of 2,895 euros. The engine hood assembly from MK weighs just 4.6 kg (the production counterpart around 30 kg), with a trunk lid being in preparation.

MK Motorsport enjoys a long history of involvement in high-tech research and development in the field of aerodynamic technology. Accordingly, a specially adapted aerodynamic high-performance header has been developed on an airflow test bed for the Cooper S models, which is combined with a steel catalyst and an MK exhaust system. Besides the effect of the faster gas velocity, enhanced thermal efficiency is also produced, which in turn leads to lower combustion chamber temperatures. This has a positive effect on the service life and consumption and increases the power.

In conjunction with a modified supercharger ratio, harmonized electronics as well as spark plugs and air filter the MK kit generates 230 bhp! With this conversion, the engine itself remains entirely standard. The complete conversion price for the MK kit is around 4,500 euros.

To adapt the retardation in line with this extra power, MK-Motorsport equips the Mini with an MK high-performance braking system. This sees the front axle being fitted with MK 4-piston aluminium brake callipers with 322mm diameter, internally ventilated and cross-drilled discs (3,340 euros).

With help of a set of adaptors, the rear axle is fitted with internally ventilated and cross-drilled MK discs with a 296mm diameter (905 euros), in which case the standard-fitted brake calipers are retained.

For more information about products availabilities, shipping and prices, you can visit the MK-Motorsport website.