What About A Mini Cooper With A WRX Engine?

by AutoExpert   |  11 August, 2023

Share :

Meet Steve, also known as @dutchysgarage on Instagram, who created a rear-wheel-drive Mini powered by Subaru's famed 2.5-liter EJ25 boxer engine, widely regarded as one of the best four-cylinder engines ever. First of all, Steve removed the Mini's back floor and seats, laying the framework for his big undertaking.

To house the powerful engine, he methodically crafted a unique box frame that cleverly encased the Mini's original chassis. He created a mid-engine setup, resulting in the desired rear-wheel-drive layout, by ingeniously transplanting the front components of a donor automobile.

Mini Cooper

The Mini's Subaru heart isn't the sole transplant; the donor WRX's transmission and front axles serve as the Mini's rear axles. The WRX seats, a unique dashboard paying homage to the classic Mini's style, and a sleek flat-bottom steering wheel accentuate the seamless union of mechanics.

When in motion, the WRX-powered Mini radiates a composed yet lively character, owing to the superb integration of the front and rear suspensions of the Mazda MX-5. Given the Mini's light weight of 2,028 pounds, the EJ25 engine's factory WRX turbo produces an astounding 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Mini Cooper

The car's appealing dark blue body and 13-inch black wheels are then its distinguishing features. Furthermore, this small powerhouse features a number of significant improvements, including expertly engineered window ducts for the top-mounted intercooler, precisely placed fans to provide optimal airflow while the car is stationary, and modern LED headlights.

Notably, he created a one-of-a-kind sunroof by fusing the original roof with a current R53 Mini. The front cabin is separated from the strong engine by an insulated firewall and a glass partition, which improves both safety and driving enjoyment. Steve's invention is quite outstanding and demonstrates his ability in automotive art and engineering.

x
x
x
x

Recomended:

Why Is “Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” Printed on Only One Mirror? - Photo
Tips & Tricks
Why Is “Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” Printed on Only One Mirror?

It may be the most famous sentence ever permanently printed on a car. “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” The wording has turned up in films, songs and countless jokes, but it

AutoExpert
Those Black Dots Around Your Windshield Have Been Hiding Several Important Jobs - Photo
Others
Those Black Dots Around Your Windshield Have Been Hiding Several Important Jobs

They run around the edge of almost every modern windshield: a solid black border that gradually breaks into smaller and smaller dots before disappearing into clear glass.Most drivers have stared t

AutoExpert
Your Tire Pressure Rose on the Highway. Put the Gauge Down Before Letting Air Out - Photo
Tips & Tricks
Your Tire Pressure Rose on the Highway. Put the Gauge Down Before Letting Air Out

The sticker inside the driver’s door says 35 PSI. After an hour on the highway, the dashboard says 39. Four extra pounds of pressure sounds like a problem. The tires were set correctly that morn

AutoExpert
Your Fresh Engine Oil Turned Black Already. Should You Be Worried? - Photo
Others
Your Fresh Engine Oil Turned Black Already. Should You Be Worried?

Fresh motor oil is reassuring stuff. It pours from the bottle in a clear amber stream, looking clean enough to belong in a kitchen rather than an engine.A few hundred miles later, the dipstick can

AutoExpert
Land Rover Is Selling Two Range Rovers Together, and You Can't Buy Just One - Photo
Car News
Land Rover Is Selling Two Range Rovers Together, and You Can't Buy Just One

Buying a new flagship Range Rover usually means leaving the dealership with one SUV. Land Rover has a different idea. At this year's Monterey Car Week, the company is offering its latest Range Rov

AutoExpert
Forget the Revuelto SV: Japan Got Something Even More Exclusive - Photo
Car News
Forget the Revuelto SV: Japan Got Something Even More Exclusive

Twenty-five years in Japan deserved something special. Lamborghini's answer is the Revuelto Impavido, a limited-edition model that celebrates the milestone with a design inspired by traditional Ja

AutoExpert
Nissan Unveils The Leaf Nismo, But There's One Big Surprise - Photo
Car News
Nissan Unveils The Leaf Nismo, But There's One Big Surprise

Nismo models are normally about extra performance, but the Leaf takes a different route. Rather than increasing power, Nissan concentrated on improving the driving experience.Visually, the changes

AutoExpert
Aston Martin Is Building Just 50 of These Special V12 Vanquish Models - Photo
Car News
Aston Martin Is Building Just 50 of These Special V12 Vanquish Models

Not every anniversary calls for a louder, faster, or more aggressive car. To celebrate 25 years of the Vanquish, Aston Martin has taken a different route, unveiling a limited-edition model that focuse

AutoExpert
The 2027 Toyota Tundra Gets The Upgrade It Needed Most - Photo
Car News
The 2027 Toyota Tundra Gets The Upgrade It Needed Most

Hoping to boost the Tundra's appeal, Toyota has introduced new features and a new Trailhunter model for 2027.Designed for overlanding enthusiasts, the new Trailhunter package is based on the S

AutoExpert
That Tiny Slot Beside Your Shifter Has a Job Most Drivers Never Discover - Photo
Others
That Tiny Slot Beside Your Shifter Has a Job Most Drivers Never Discover

A dead battery is annoying in any parking space. It becomes considerably more awkward when the car is nose-first inside a garage and the tow truck needs it in Neutral.The brake pedal feels normal.

AutoExpert