MINI electric pacesetter debuts as the 2021 FIA formula E safety car

connecting the british brand’s electrified future with its rich racing history, the MINI electric pacesetter reveals the official FIA formula E safety car for 2021. the all-electric MINI cooper SE provides the basis for the design, before being dynamically enriched with its racing stripes, aerodynamic kit and flashing safety features. the EV debuts on track at the rome E-prix on april 10, 2021.

all images courtesy of MINI

‘the design is an exciting symbiosis of technical precision and emotion,’ explains oliver heilmer, head of MINI design. ‘here, function dictates form, and many design elements have been shaped by technical considerations. for example, we worked closely with our colleagues at BMW motorsport to develop the form of the wheel arches and front and rear aprons, and the optimization program for them included weight-saving measures. this visually striking, technically precise design language gives the car its pervasive sense of emotional engagement and excitement.’

as the most dynamic interpretation of the brand’s all-electric power to date, the exterior design of the MINI electric pacesetter has been purpose-built for life on the track. classical and familiar MINI icons, such as the circular headlights and hexagonal radiator grille, blend in with signature john cooper works features, like the wide-track wheel arches and deep front apron with additional front splitters. geometrically accentuated spats with carefully placed aero edges and side skirts give the car an appearance of powering forward even when static. made from 3D-printed recycled carbon fiber, the prominent roof-mounted rear wing – with an integrated light unit – adds to its sporty visual along with the pronounced rear apron.

continuing its eccentric flair, the color worlds of MINI electric and john cooper works merge into a single statement. a matt silver base coats the body from the front to mid-back, before a high-gloss wraps the rear with a two stage color gradient – from highspeed orange to curbside red met. this injects further dynamism to the design. a chequered flag-inspired pattern, together with a large MINI electric logo, adorns the flank whilst yellow accents on elements, like spats, skirts and the rear wing, detail visual flourishes. to finish, a bi-color of black-neon/orange highlights a depth to the lightweight 18-inch forged wheels.

the safety car’s interior is stripped back to the absolute essentials – only the front seats remain, for example. in comparison to the SE, the pacesetter’s central information display is replaced by a carbon fiber cover. the center console houses the gearshift lever, handbrake and controls for the lights, all in exposed carbon fiber again. reminiscent of race cars, the window and door openers are replaced by cloth straps to ease closing. the driver’s side features a steering wheel with a carbon fiber impact absorber, digital instrument cluster, and a certified seat with a six-point belt. removable, 3D-printed pods for the seat combines comfort, robustness and modularity to be adapted to each driver and their preferences.

building upon the brand’s electric power as well as the expertise of BMW motorsport, the design follows lightweight principles to give a kerb weight of 1,230 kg, which is near 130 kg lighter than the SE. the torque-rich electric drive system produces 135 kW and 280 Nm to accelerate the car from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds. MINI’s famed go-kart feel is maximized thanks to the racing coilover suspension. race-spec suspension control arm mountings, 10 mm increase in track width, and the four-piston brakes and wheels from the MINI JCW HP with michelin pilot sport tyres accentuate this driving experience further.