If youíre following the trends in the MINI world, you may have noticed that with the expiration of the 4-year factory warranty, the hunger for more power is coming of age fast. In addition to the older, trusted names in our brand of Alta, M7, Detroit Tuned and others, have come Dinan and newer companies like EvolutionMini, T.C. Kline (a major name in BMW tuning for many years) and Thumper Performance. (Others weíll soon make public, as weíre still under a non-disclosure agreement with a few companies coming to market)
There are several bodykit builders in Europe of reasonable quality, but AirborneMini (www.airbornemini.com) is the first company actually operating weíve spoken with on the re-styling of the first-generation MINI. The best part is they are bringing to market a 100% carbon-fiber kit of several pieces in a wide-body styling for about $3,500. This pummels the usual fiberglass kits from Europe or the UK for less cost, plus itís made in California, so shipping is minimal and import fees are negated.
According to designer Joe Iacono, the kit will be available in front fascia, rear clip, rockers, fender flares, hood, and possibly new mirrors for 9-10 parts total. Itís 100% autoclaved carbon fiber by Finish Line Advanced Composites, whose trade is in the aerospace industry. They say itíll be equal quality to the F1 or Indy Car quality of workmanship. It should be ready in June, with dealer areas available.
As you can see from the call-outs in these renditions, the bodyís just about 3-5 millimeter wider and has a very strong World War II aircraft influence with its front apronís wide intake and hood lines. Joe Iacono and partner Rick Leos (owner of Autocraft, Torrance, CA) of Airborne MINI says this is very intentional, as are the air ducts for the rear of the wheel arches and the wing.
The thesis is more than just kits though, as theyíre partnering with some known suspension, wheel, and engine tuning companies to produce a MINI ready to buy. They say theyíll build 100.
However, the best part may just be what comes with the AirborneMini purchase- a custom cabinet in MINI dÈcor! ìEach fully-optioned Airborne Mini will come with its own custom garage cabinet, ì states Joe. Designed by a company called Unique Garage (www.uniquegarage.com), theyíre built in North Carolina and finished with a patented die-sublimation process, where the panels are heated to about 400 F. and the ink is heat-cured into the panels. Itís really trick, so Iacono Design has become the only authorized dealer for California. ìThe buyer can have our stock design, or we can design one-offs for a few dollars more.î
As this came in at press time, we just had to share this development and will have details and a full insight into them in our next issue. Meanwhile, check out www.mc2magazine.com soon, as we hope for greater input and their first finished car by early May.
[ MC2Magazine.com ]
Are carbon fiber bumpers road legal?
Good question – I was wondering the same thing! Very cool idea though. And I love the look of the cabinets!
No, they aren’t. Not in a MINI. Thankfully, no one makes one. ;0)
Remember that the part you replace is the bumper cover, not the bumper. The bumper is the aluminum piece behind the cover, the part that absorbes the impact.
I’ve no idea what they do for Enzo’s, though…
The replacement parts or aftermarket Carbon Fiber Body kit is stronger and way more rigid. Its a lot safer than some of the Glass aftermarket parts you can buy.
This is the same material that they use in Aerospace and F1.
Enzo’s probably have a plastic bumper cover over an aluminum impact beam.
Enzo’s are made with a carbon fiber monocoque, which is the equivalent of the frame structure in our pedestrian cars. There could be an aluminum structure bolted in, but grafting it into the CF would be difficult with a structure that big.
Suffice it to say, Ferrari sure knows what they are doing.
Remember when CF breaks it flaks and cracks, watch what happens to the F1 cars when they wreak.
When it does come apart it is like sharp shards or fiber mesh, very unfriendly for tires and hands. Remember the pics from the Enzo’s split in half!
They are strong but a mess when shattered.
Fiber mesh shoulds really friendly Mike what you talking about…