Ever wondered what happens when you put a BMW V8 into a Mini and hand the keys to British motoring journalist, Jonny Smith and Top Gear host and racing driver, Chris Harris?
After years in the making, Powerflex is proud to unveil new video footage of one of the most ambitious Mini builds ever created — “Vini,” a 450bhp, V8-powered R56 Mini that continues to capture attention across the automotive world.
At the heart of Vini lies a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre BMW S65 V8 engine, delivering 450bhp to the rear wheels — a radical departure from the Mini’s original configuration. The car has been engineered to an exceptional standard, combining motorsport-grade components with bespoke solutions throughout.
Key specifications include a BMW 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), Subaru STi rear differential, Bosch Motorsport ABS, SYVECS engine management, Alcon braking system, and a suspension setup featuring Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs…along with our Powerflex polyurethane suspension bushes where possible, of course!
The project has benefited from significant support from our friends across the automotive industry, with multiple specialist companies contributing expertise and manufacturing bespoke components specifically for the build. What began as a concept for a fast, track-focused Mini quickly evolved into a far more extreme and technically advanced machine.
Vini was built by Powerflex customer and experienced race car constructor Eliot Dunmore of E.D. Motorsport. The result is a vehicle that blends engineering precision with striking execution — widely regarded as both a performance machine and a piece of automotive art.
Now regularly driven on track and featured at events, Vini has become a standout attraction, consistently drawing crowds wherever it appears. The newly released video showcases the car in action under challenging conditions, highlighting both its raw performance and the skill required to drive it — particularly given the absence of traction control.
The video is already gaining significant traction online, and we would love it if you could share it across your social platforms to help amplify visibility for everyone involved in the project.
