Aachen-based tuning specialist is celebrating after its new Raptor Concept embarrassed plenty of the competition at last month’s Tuner Grand Prix hosted by sport auto magazine.
Based on MINI’s 155 kW (211 hp) John Cooper Works Coupé, the Raptor has been tweaked to produce 221 kW (300 hp), which was enough to make it the fastest MINI over the weekend at the Hockenheimring. With a time of 1:10.87 minutes it eclipsed last year’s returning machine, the Eagle (1:12.3 min), and the next fastest MINI; Schaefer’s Cooper S Clubsport (1:13.0 min).
To put that time into perspective, other cars on sport tyres, included a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (1:12.0 min), BMW M3 GTS (1:12.5 min) and a Ferrari Challenge Stradale (1:13.0 min). The fastest car in attendance was a Koenigsegg CCR with 1:09.8 min, but they cost about the same as an Southeastern European city.
So far, AC Schnitzer has sunk around € 62,000 into the concept, with the increase in power coming thanks to the company’s Motronic program, an uprated turbocharger and intercooler, stainless steel exhaust with racing cat and limited slip differential.
Weight loss is a major factor in the Raptor’s performance, this can be seen in the carbon fibre hood, boot lid, fenders, doors and rear diffuser. The side windows are now macrolon, and even the battery is a lightweight ion item. Chassis upgrades consist of an adjustable coilover suspension kit and thicker anti-roll bars. Inside, equipment is kept to a minimum with carbon racing bucket seats, a rollcage, sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals.
(more…)
