[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by RABAUKE

"Vini the Powerflex V8 Mini" will boast 415 horsepower and look basically stock

A new Mini Cooper is getting a 415-horsepower V8 swapped into it from an E92-generation BMW M3, courtesy the U.K. enthusiasts at EDM Racing.

The M3’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will accompany the engine into the chassis of “Vini the Powerflex V8 Mini,” after it gets converted to rear-wheel-drive.

David Power, of bushing manufacturer Powerflex, is the man who came up with the idea, explains DriveTribe; in want of a wild track car and fixated on a Cooper, he went to EDM since they specialize in Minis.

The M3 engine is a surprisingly good fit, but a custom frame with Subaru Impreza subframes and a roll cage had to be constructed, and they still haven’t been able to figure out how to make the transmission talk to the wheels, though lots of scratchbuilding will almost certainly be involved.

Power wants to keep the Mini looking as stock as possible, which would make it quite the sleeper. Of course, until it roasts the rear tires at a track day. We’ll keep you updated on the build.

WOW !