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2008 Hamann Mini Cooper Performance Review

August 2008
Filed under: HAMANN Car News | HAMANN Headlines
Already since 1986, HAMANN-Motorsport develops and manufactures products for the individualisation of BMW automobiles. Therefore, it is only consistent that the technicians of the Laupheim-based company also focus on the “small relative” in the BMW family and develop an extensive tuning programme for the MINI. The result: a powerful performance increase, road holding aerodynamics components, striking 18-inch light alloy rims and noble interior modifications in aluminium and carbon.

For both, the MINI COOPER S and the MINI COOPER D, HAMANN offers powerful performance increase components by re-programming the serial Motronic. According to the ignition map optimisation, the Diesel-aggregate has 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,750 – 2,000 r.p.m. This equals an increase of 26 hp / 20 kW. The HAMANN technicians achieved an even larger performance boost with the petrol version. Instead of 175 hp / 128 kW, the COOPER S then has sappy 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and a torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 r.p.m. Accordingly also the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h improves by half a second. The maximum speed is approx. 5 km/h faster than with a serial motor. But there is another, significantly greater performance increase for the trendy buggy. This is reserved to the COOPER S and is called SPORTKIT CS 230. And the name says it all: After tuning the car with a modified serial Motronic, a new supercharged air cooler and by using a HAMANN sport muffler, the MINI offers 230 PS / 169 kW at 6,050 r.p.m. and 330 Nm torque at 3,860 r.p.m. The top speed spurts to 238 km/h. But the enormous agile response behaviour and the improved high-revving character of the optimised engine are even more important for everyday use.

The lifestyle design of the HAMANN aerodynamics kit also presents itself strikingly racy. The serial front skirt does not only profit from its optic enhancement, but at the same time, the lifting forces are reduced, leading to an increased stability mainly at high speeds. The entire HAMANN front skirt is an alternative. It produces output at the front axle and supplies the air cooler and the front breaks with even more fresh air. The HAMANN side sills give the MINI a more elongated and lowered look. A rear diffuser which was especially developed for COOPER S models extends the serial skirt downwards and turns the two end pipes of the HAMANN sport exhaust system skilfully into focus.

The HAMANN rim programme takes the individual wishes of the MINI clientele into account. No matter if the customer seeks a strikingly sportive or noble and elegant version - HAMANN offers a variety of wheel designs in many sizes. One of the technical highlights is the one-piece 18-inch wheel HM EVO. The modern style is emphasised with a black-lacquered finish, a diamond grinded rim star and the discreet indent.

Five elongated and vaulted triple spokes prove optical and technical finesse. The recommended wheel-tyre combination is 7.5Jx18 inches for the front and back axle with tyres measuring 225/35ZR18. HAMANN uses high performance wheels type S1 EVO of its technology partner HANKOOK.

The chassis suspension which lowers the MINI´s centre of gravity by 30 mm also sets new highlights. HAMANN offers a height-adjustable sport coilover kit as an ideal solution for the different requirements on the racetrack and for everyday use. The set consists of four sport anti-shocks and four progressively coiled sport springs. With these, the chassis can be lowered by up to 50 mm and offers numerous possibilities for an individual adjustment.

Supplementary to the existing serial interior features, HAMANN offers high-quality aluminium accessories. Hand brake handles, sport gear shifts and pedals render a motorsports ambience and complement the lifestyle package with the HAMANN interior set made of visible carbon structures. You name it, we have it – from personalised car mats to complete leather furnishings - everything is produced with precise craftsmanship.

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