No time being lost
No sooner has the new model been presented than it turns up in the workshops of the tuning specialists AC Schnitzer. This is an outfit which generally makes quick cars much quicker but also tends to give their creations a good deal of stand-out individuality. This is certainly the case with their recently completed two-seater Mini Cooper Coupé.
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- Wheels and tyres in 18 and 18 inch format characterize the Mini Coupé by Schnitzer. Differential locking and a sports suspension further improve the car’s road holding.
Although the power and performance boost for the nippy Coupé is still a work in progress Schnitzer have already installed a differential with up to 75 percent locking to give the car increased agility in the corners. And the Coupé can come out of the corners even faster now that the power is better distributed between the two driven front wheels. The wheels, too, are new… either 17 or 18 inch in size to accommodate tyres up to 225/35 ZR 18 format for further improved road holding. The Mini’s driving behaviour… often likened to that of a go-kart… is made even more dynamic thanks to a height-adjustable racing suspension, an aluminium strut brace and a special anti-roll stabilizer for the back axle. The high-performance brakes have perforated discs and deliver smooth stopping in all driving situations. All of these measures have been taken in advance of the coming power boost which the AC Schnitzer team are currently preparing. The sound will also be enhanced by their fitting of their own sports exhaust system with chromed tailpipes.
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- Those deciding that this is how their Mini Coupé should hit the road will be obliged to put down 20 thousand Euros for the complete AC Schnitzer package.
All inclusive
Inside the Mini the Schnitzer crew have shown a marked preference for aluminium. The gear shifter with its integrated digital display, the pedal array, the foot-rest and the hand-brake lever are all fabricated in the light metal. There is some decorative trim for the exterior of the Mini Coupé, too. Those deciding that this is how their Mini Coupé should hit the road will be obliged to put down 20 thousand Euros for the complete package that AC Schnitzer offers, although individual items can also be ordered à la carte. Up to now there is no word from the tuner with regard to pricing or the anticipated power boost for their Mini Coupé.
