ERA Mini Turbo
| ERA Mini Turbo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Engineering Research & Application Ltd. |
| Production | 1989–1991 |
| Assembly | Dunstable, Bedfordshire |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | City car |
| Body style | 2-door saloon |
| Layout | Front-engine, FWD |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Austin A-series 1.3 litre turbocharged I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual[1] |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 120.5 in (3,061 mm)[2] |
| Width | 61.25 in (1,556 mm)[2] |
| Height | 53 in (1,346 mm)[2] |
| Kerb weight | 14+1⁄2 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]
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
- ^ "The E.R.A. Mini Turbo". clubMINI New Zealand. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d e "Technical Specification". ERA Mini Turbo. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d "ERA Mini Turbo". July 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ Adams, Keith (26 July 2011). "Mini ERA Turbo". AROnline. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "The ERA Mini Turbo". ERA Mini Turbo. Retrieved 30 June 2013.