A Classic Mini, But Not As You Know It: New Electric Mini Unveiled In New York

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Classic Mini Electric
Just a classic Mini, nothing to see here...

There’s very little secret that electric cars are very much the future of motoring, but Mini has adapted such power in a classic. Lovers of a ‘proper’ classic Mini may want to look away now, as Mini UK has unveiled its latest creation at the New York Auto Show – the Classic Mini Electric. To look at though, it looks as if it’s business as usual, and that there will be a small, punchy petrol engine underneath the hood. Look closer though, and you’ll spot the ‘E’ details, hinting at this classic Mini’s true powertrain.

Classic Mini Electric
Hmm, what’s going on here?

Sacrilege Or Smart?

I happen to know a few classic Mini purists and I imagine that their first reaction would be to scoff. They would view the idea of a classic Mini powered by a battery as going to McDonald’s and ordering a salad for them – it’s kinda missing the point. On the other side of the coin, it’s future proofing a design that is so timeless not only to Blighty, but to the world. What do I think? Well I can understand the concept, but for me it’s bound to missing that soul, that character that a ‘proper’ classic Mini can offer. I’m still yet to drive one though, I really hope to get around to it some time.

Classic Mini Electric

Opinions Over, Back To The Car

Well at this point I love to tell you more about the car, but the press release from Mini hasn’t actually got a great amount of detail about the car, which is a tad disappointing. However, the internet is a wonderful thing, meaning that I’ve been able to carry out some further research.

Instead of a peppy petrol, this one-off model has 30 batteries underneath the retro body, which offer a top speed of 75mph and a range of just 65 miles. That’s not a great deal, but I suppose it will spend most of its time completing short trips around town anyway.

Classic Mini Electric

 This is not the first time that Mini has dabbled with electricity; remember the Mini E? Just in case you don’t, this was a limited run of just 600 models that were produced all the way back in 2008. That was powered by a 201bhp electric motor, and was able to offer a range of up to 120 miles.

More recently, the brand unveiled the Countryman Hybrid, and next year will mark the unveiling of Mini’s first all-electric model. Hang on, what about the Mini E? Ah, well that was part of a trial, so they were never sold to the public.

So what do you think of the Classic Mini Electric? A good way to future proof a classic, or is it all a bit too shocking?

Classic Mini Electric

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