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ERA Mini Turbo

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ERA Mini Turbo
Overview
ManufacturerEngineering Research & Application Ltd.
Production1989–1991
AssemblyDunstable, Bedfordshire
Body and chassis
ClassCity car
Body style2-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, FWD
Powertrain
EngineAustin A-series 1.3 litre turbocharged I4
Transmission4-speed manual[1]
Dimensions
Length120.5 in (3,061 mm)[2]
Width61.25 in (1,556 mm)[2]
Height53 in (1,346 mm)[2]
Kerb weight14+12 long cwt (737 kg; 1,624 lb)[2]

The ERA Mini Turbo is a modified Mini city car that was produced by Engineering Research & Application Ltd. under the ERA brand name from 1989 to 1991 at Dunstable in Bedfordshire, England. The fastest-ever version of the original Mini to be sold through official dealers, it has been described as "the spiritual successor to the Cooper and the 1275 GT".[3]

Rear

To create the car, ERA installed a turbocharged Austin Rover A-Series 1300 MG Metro engine, which produces 94 bhp (70 kW) at 6200 rpm and gave the car a claimed top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h),[2] in a standard Mini and modified the body, suspension, brakes, water and oil cooling systems, and interior. The body kit was styled by Dennis Adams,[3] who also designed the Marcos sports cars and the Probe concept car.

The car, which uses mostly Austin Rover components, was marketed through Austin Rover dealers.[3]

The interior has MG Metro front seats trimmed in Connolly Leather hide, VDO instruments in an ERA-designed dash panel, pile carpeting, and a sunroof.

Torque steer, common in a front-wheel drive layout, is mitigated by greater front-wheel toe-out and specially-made lower front suspension arms that provide 1.5 degrees of negative camber. The 6” x 13” aluminium alloy wheels are intended for either Goodyear or Dunlop 165:13:60 section, HR-rated low-profile tyres.[4][5]

The servo-assisted braking system has Metro ventilated discs and four-pot calipers at the front, with modified drums at the rear. The car has adjustable shock absorbers all round, and the ride height is lowered.

A total of 436 ERA Mini Turbos were produced.[3]

References

  1. ^ "The E.R.A. Mini Turbo". clubMINI New Zealand. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Technical Specification". ERA Mini Turbo. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d "ERA Mini Turbo". July 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  4. ^ Adams, Keith (26 July 2011). "Mini ERA Turbo". AROnline. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  5. ^ "The ERA Mini Turbo". ERA Mini Turbo. Retrieved 30 June 2013.