There are a great many cars and trucks on the floor of the 2011 SEMA Show that are powered by the mighty Chrysler Hemi V8 but none are quite like the “Maxi Cooper” shown on the right – a Mini Cooper converted to rear wheel drive and powered by a 650 horsepower 6.4L Hemi.
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The Mini Cooper is a great little car and since being reincarnated by the BMW Group, it has used a variety of 4-cylinder mills to make it one fun-to-drive compact but the monster Hemi sticking through the hood makes it very clear that this is a very special Mini. The sandwich board sitting next to the car quickly answers a great many questions – carrying the very appropriately title – Hell Yeah It’s Got A Hemi.
The big news – and the feature that draws the most attention to this incredible Franken-Cooper is the chromed out Hemi that rises several feet above the hood. This engine began as a standard 5.7L Hemi V8 but was stroked to 6.4L and topped by a BDS blower that forces 5psi into the engine to yield a whopping 650 horsepower and 630lb-ft of torque. The unique intake manifold and valve covers are both provided by the Crank Shop, with the bright polished valve covers proclaiming that it is a Mini Hemi…an ironic name for this gigantic powerplant. This Mini Cooper has been converted to a rear wheel drive platform with the help of a custom 2x3 frame, air ride suspension and a narrowed Ford 9” rear end while a set of 17” Spectrum aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires helps put the power to the ground.
The beauty in this incredible custom Mini Cooper is the fact that, other than the huge engine towering above the hood; it looks like a typical Mini. The customization is remarkably clean and even with a rear wheel drive setup and a 650 horsepower Hemi “under” the hood – it still sits like a Mini Cooper. The added weight over the front end likely hinders the handling a bit but we can be sure that this little subcompact has to rock and roll in a straight line.
Check out the gallery on the right by clicking any of the thumbnails to see the Maxi Cooper for yourself and stay tuned to TorqueNews.com as we bring you all of your breaking automotive news along with more from SEMA 2011!
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