NOT SO
MINI
Y
our senses are deafened
by the impending howl of
an inline engine. Expecting
to see a Japanese make,
you are momentarily stunned when
you pick up the initial details of the said
culprit; a pint-sized car that possesses
doe-eyed headlights. Surely not, how
could a car of such character possess
such an outrageous presence?
MINI has been in the business of
making little hatchbacks that have
been amazing the world for decades.
Even till its acquisition by BMW, the
brand has only further consolidated
its favour with the young, inspiring
and adventurous individual. Having
evolved through the years, the MINI
has expectedly matured in both
physical and horsepower specifications.
Although bigger than the icon the world
remembered it for, the refreshed MINI
Cooper is still innately a little frisky and
feisty car that yearns to be chucked and
tossed into every corner imaginable.
As the old adage goes, “Never judge
a book by its cover”. They were so
right about this particular MINI Cooper
S that we have singled out amongst
the multitude of MINIs that ply our
roads on a daily basis. Of course, falling
Your impression of the adorable and loving MINI will change forever
with this handcrafted Cooper S...
Text and photos AARON HIAi ssion
oftheadora
bleand lovin
g MINI will change forever
in line with our Mod Job feature, this
Cooper S has been specially tweaked
by its owner, Michael to a certain
level of spiciness that even we cannot
resist, despite the intense heat! Citing
his fervent passion for motorsports
and how well-suited the Cooper S is
for circuit/gymkhana driving, Michael
set out to refine his car’s capabilities,
all for the purpose of clocking a
faster time on the racing asphalt.
Beginning with the potent force-fed
1.6 litre, Michael set out to increasing its
breathing capacity, firstly by installing a
Forge Motorsport cold air-intake system
together that draws a larger volume of
air into the engine, effectively breathing
more life into each combustion chamber,
allowing for more power to be made with
a simple computer reflash. To quell the
searing temperatures caused by the force
induction process, a Forge Motorsport
front mount intercooler was installed,
along with NM Engineering discharge
pipes to provide constant boost and
stable gas temperatures. Of course,
the complete exhaust package is not
complete without an exhaust system, duly
provided by a legal, catback Supersprint.
Reinforced Black Powerflex engine
mount inserts were installed to withstandthe hard-hitting lateral G forces, while OS
Giken’s reputable Str Up clutch feeds and
transmits proper power to the gearbox.
Being a MINI meant that handling is its
forte, hence Michael’s decision to rethink
the handling package, opting for a set of
proven APi Racing coilover to prop the
car up in the corners at speed. To reduce
nagging body-roll, the stock anti-roll bar
at the rear made way for a thicker and
stiffer one from handling expert Eibach.
Finally, a Quaife ATB LSD makes sure that
power flows smartly to the respective
wheels for true cornering prowess.
Being generally lighter than most the
MINI’s track-going rivals meant that
Michael could play the late-braking game
to his advantage. However, additional
safety braking margin is still warmly
welcomed, hence the installation of
a set of pristine John Cooper Works’
Brembos that chomp down on specially
heat-treated Dixcel Type Z rotors that
promise a proper, progressive stop with
little fade, lap after lap. To round up the
handling upgrade, a set of coveted OZ
Alleggerita HLT rims shod in Dunlop
SP Sportmaxx tyres was installed
for that perfect fitment and flush.
The exterior of Michael’s MINI Cooper
has been left relatively unmolested, saveSo much fun packed
into a hatchback,
Michael’s MINI
Cooper S promises
even more
excitement that what
he had gotten it for!62 // March 2016