We're outfitting and protecting our new show car : Mini Electric JCW!

Before we start making modifications, let’s take a quick look at the features of our Mini. It’s fitted with an XL spoiler, stylish alloy wheels, factory-fitted lowered suspension for a sportier look, a Harman Kardon sound system and high-end finishes. Despite its compact size, it weighs in at around 1,300 kilos, making it an attractive base for a customisation project. But to turn it into a proper show car, it still needs a few tweaks!

Planned modifications to the Mini JCW

To transform this Mini into a true show car, several modifications will be carried out:

• Lowering the chassis for a sportier look and better handling.
• Wider wheels with spacers to enhance the visual appeal.
• Aesthetic customisation with a contrasting roof and wing mirrors.
• Tinted windows will be fitted for greater privacy and style.
• Fitting of a Maxton body kit for an even more aggressive design.
• Fitting of an Active Sound system to give the Mini a distinctive sound signature.
• Addition of graphic details and a Shiftech logo to complete the look.
• Fitting of a satin PPF to protect the bodywork and provide a matt finish, like our Tecnica.

To protect the bodywork and give it a more aggressive look, we opted for a PPF (Paint Protection Film) with a satin finish. This high-end protective film is specially designed to prevent micro-scratches and preserve the vehicle’s original condition whilst altering its visual appearance. The resulting matt effect enhances the Mini JCW’s sporty and exclusive character, giving it a more modern and aggressive look.

The PPF was made to measure to ensure a perfect fit with overlaps all round, so that nothing is visible. Unlike some installations which require bodywork components to be removed, we opted for a longer installation process without removing the badges or panels, thus guaranteeing a flawless finish.

With this satin PPF, the Mini stands out not only for its appearance but also for the protection it offers against external damage. In the event of a superficial scratch, the film’s self-healing technology allows it to regenerate when exposed to heat. This ensures a flawless finish over the long term, whilst preserving the vehicle’s appearance and durability.

The electric Mini has one major drawback: it makes no noise at all! To get round this, we’ve fitted an Active Sound system from Thor, complete with its ECHO module. This system adds an artificial sound via an external speaker, simulating the sound of internal combustion engines (V8, V12, etc.). The installation required meticulous work, particularly to retrieve the correct data from the vehicle’s CAN bus, but also to ensure a neat and tidy wiring harness layout.

Once it’s installed, it’s time to put it to the test! And to say the least, the effect is striking. With a range of sounds to choose from (Aventador, Mustang ’66, Jet Fighter…), you can give the Mini a real character of its own. Thanks to a mobile app, you can even customise the sound and volume to suit your preferences.

With ‘jet fighter’ mode activated, the Mini sounds just like a fighter jet at a red light! A really fun gadget that adds a touch of originality to our show car.

Finally, we took to the road to test the modifications in real-world conditions. Active Sound completely transforms the driving experience. Whether for pleasure or just for fun, this sound module adds a whole new dimension to the electric Mini.

Unfortunately, in an electric vehicle, it is impossible to simulate gear changes, as the Active Sound system only reads the accelerator pedal pressure via the CAN bus. In the absence of engine revs, the sound cannot vary progressively as it does on a combustion engine, which limits certain possibilities in terms of sound immersion.

Our Mini Cooper SE JCW has undergone a spectacular transformation with the addition of satin PPF, custom aesthetic touches and, above all, the installation of the Thor Active Sound system. Its aggressive look and customisable sound make it a unique show car, capable of surprising both visually and aurally.

But we don’t intend to stop there! Further upgrades are in the pipeline, including Maxton body kits to enhance its design, tinted driver’s-side windows, and more… We can’t wait to reveal what’s next.