The MINI Cooper S in two-door hatchback guise is arguably the perfect car in the entire MINI range today. It’s the closest to the original in terms of size and it has enough power to get your adrenaline kicks every day at the same time. Sure, the JCW model does come with a serious power bump but then again, the price hike is just as serious asking for a $6,600 premium. Luckily for us, there are a couple of alternatives out there.
The guys from BR-Performance seem to have hit a sweet spot, offering a Stage 1 kit for the MINI Cooper S that costs just €690 or $790 at today’s exchange rates. And while we do know that the JCW model doesn’t stand just for more power, the whole chassis being reworked, most people are not all that keen on getting a stiffer ride in the first place. Pros and cons I guess, but the thing is, for $790 you get a hell of a deal according to the Belgian tuner.
Their upgrade apparently increases the power output of the 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood to 260 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. That’s an impressive increase, one that topples even the most powerful engine offered by MINI. The tricky part will be keeping it all in check using only the front axle but that’s a whole different discussion. Considering the low weight of just under 1.2 tons the MINI has, this thing will be a proper rocket bunny on the road.
Another thing we have to mention about BR-Performance and what they have in store for the MINI aficionado is the pops and bangs package. As you’re about to hear, this kit will transform the MINI Cooper S into a proper machine gun on four wheels, being damn near funny in terms of exhaust note. Check it out!
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