Mini MINI at the Olympics
BMW Group, and by association MINI, were the Official Automotive Partner of the 2012 London Olympics, and supplied a fleet of 203 vehicles for use in the torch relay in the lead up to the games, as well as during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The fleet comprised 160 BMW ActivE electric models, 40 electric MINI Es, and more interestingly, 3 'Mini' MINIs.
The Mini MINI was a specially made ¼ scale version of a full-size MINI, and was used to ferry shot, hammer, javelin and discus back to competitors during the field events in the main stadium. Three were created, all to a specification approved by LOCOG (London Organising Commmittee of the Olympic Games) and liveried with the same 'True Blue' paint and graphics as the 'full size' official fleet vehicles.
Measuring 1100mm x 500mm x 400mm (LxWxH), all three units featured an impressive level of detail, with things like door handles, mirrors, wipers and even working headlights!
Each battery-operated Mini MINI was powered by a 10hp electric engine, weighed 25kg, featured special turf tyres, heavy duty shock absorbers, and was able to carry 8kg (equal to a single shot, hammer, discus, or two javelins) with a radio control range of 100 metres and could operate continuously for 35 minutes on a single charge.
The LOCOG terms banned any form of branding or advertising on the Mini MINIs, so the MINIs were 'debadged', but the phrase "It's a MINI adventure" on the rear of the vehicles was deemed acceptable!
Over the nine days of Olympic competition, and nine days of Paralympic competition to follow, the Mini MINIs are expected to cover 6,000 metres per day.
"The MINI team was thrilled to be given this challenge to develop a vehicle with such an important and high profile role during the Olympic and Paralympic Games," commented Dr Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford.
"I know that everybody was inspired by the challenge and the knowledge that these models will be seen in action by millions of people around the world."
Image: MINI
