Mini E Racer (2010) takes on the Nurburgring

In these days of 7min laps, rounding the Nurburgring in 10min hardly classes as electric. Unless you’re in a Mini E. A battery-powered baby BMW driven by ex-DTM racer Thomas Jäger turned in a 9m52 lap, hitting a heady – but presumably near silent – 116mph on the way. That’s its top speed of course, not a lap average.

Far from standard, the green Mini E in question featured a lighter body, a roll cage and uprated brakes, tyres and suspension. No need to rip out the back seats – there aren’t any in the Mini E because the cabin is stuffed full of the 5088 lithium ion battery cells needed to power the 201bhp electric motor.

‘I’ve driven this circuit many times, but never in such an extraordinary car,’ Jäger said. ‘The power of the electric motor has an incredible effect, as you can access its full reserves of torque at all times. Another element of this fascinating experience is the lack of noise from the drivetrain. All in all, that was certainly the cleanest and quietest race lap I’ve ever driven.’

By Chris Chilton