Built by the Lohen team in the Lohen workshop, this Generation 1 R53 Cooper S is the crème de le crème of Gen 1 MINIs. Synonymous for their supercharger whine, the R53 MINIs draw many enthusiasts to the tuning game, and this Gen 1 is no exception. As a road car she embodies the best high performance parts that are offered for the Generation 1 and she whets the appetite of MINI enthusiasts everywhere.
All the modifications chosen for this particular R53 were fitted by our expert team here at Lohen, and it has become somewhat of a demo car for both the owner and for us, appearing on the Lohen stand at the Autosport International Show 2020.
As this Gen 1 MINI has some of the best performance parts fitted, its hard to pick what our favourite modifications are, so here is just a couple of the stand out parts that help make this MINI stand out from the crowd (a full spec list is listed at the bottom of this page).
Power and Drive Train
Undoubtedly one of the biggest game changers for any manual MINI, no matter its age or shape is a Quaife Differential. It provides smooth constant traction in slippery conditions and offers significant improvements over the OEM part. They also reduce the amount of wheel spin/slip experienced by the driver and allows them to push the MINI to its limits. The Quaife differential is a fit and forget modification that needs little maintenance, which is why they constantly feature in our list of top modifications.
Brakes, Suspension and Chassis
To a non-enthusiast, one of the most defining parts of any racecar is a roll cage. Its purpose is to protect the driver should the MINI roll. While its primary function is to save and protect the driver and passenger, it also helps to reduce chassis flex. This in itself helps improve the cars drivability by offering more direct steering and control. The Safety Devices homologated full roll cage, like the one chosen in this R53 is the perfect option for those looking to use their MINI out on the track or even in races as a roll cage more often than not its not just a recommendation but a requirement.
Styling & Audio
It probably comes as no surprise that our favourite styling modifications made to this R53, is the use of our Lohen Branded Products. Not only are they developed in house, our door cards are lightweight and create a neat finish, preventing debris from entering the door internals, they also help protect the driver and passengers arm from getting trapped in the event of a crash. The Lohen Foot Plates provide the perfect flat floor and footrest for those MINIs that have been stripped, and as this MINI had, it made the perfect addition to both the driver and passenger side.
Once all the modifications had been fitted to this MINI we put her to the test on our dyno and she produced 240 bhp and 260 Nm of Torque.
If you want to get up close and personal with this MINI, then make sure you stop by our stand at the Autosport International Show on the 11thand 12 January 2020. We will be in the Performance and Tuning Car Show, on stand number 4350 – to get your tickets click HERE!
