Z Cars 350hp, RWD, 2.0 TFSI, DSG mini walk through. A peek under the skin of this incredible machine

It's been 3 years in the making and finally - it's here! An incredible first of its kind from Z-Cars, this mid-engine rear wheel drive classic mini produces over 350hp from it's modified 2.0 TFSI motor AND it's paired with a 6 speed DSG box.
But, there's so much more to it than those headline figures. In this video we take a quick look under its' skin at some of the stunning engineering gone into building it.
Make sure you subscribe to the channel to see more of this mini on road, on track, on two wheels if we get much more power out of it!!!

Пікірлер: 178

  • @ThomasDoubting5
    @ThomasDoubting510 ай бұрын

    You can instantly tell this is a high value build regardless of personal opinion .

  • @hannchris2762
    @hannchris276210 ай бұрын

    This little mini is a fantastic car and a credit to all those that created it

  • @DiHandley
    @DiHandley10 ай бұрын

    I like your narration style. Clinically precise and without all the fluff that many fabricators go on with. And for that reason and quite a few others I have subscribed! 🎉

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    You’re very kind, thank you! The mini is undergoing so gearbox reworks currently but the content should start flowing toward the end of summer… I hope 🤞

  • @bessiebraveheart
    @bessiebraveheart10 ай бұрын

    I was around when the mini was born. This car is just amazing. Thank you for letting us see it.

  • @baddaddy8718
    @baddaddy871810 ай бұрын

    Just wow! Just the fact they made all that stuff fit is incredible, but the build itself would have so many engineers at big brands scratching their heads then clapping their hands, it’s better than brilliant

  • @paulwilliams2727
    @paulwilliams272710 ай бұрын

    Now that’s a proper mini, well done to everyone involved in the project.

  • @tonystamp2708
    @tonystamp270810 ай бұрын

    What's not to like? This is an amazing build.

  • @fehmidabibi1322
    @fehmidabibi132210 ай бұрын

    Beautiful thing. I fell in love with mini mardave ever since i see it in hobby rc magazines when i was a kid in the 90s. This was built by an individual who has serious passion and flair

  • @colinfrith
    @colinfrith10 ай бұрын

    That mini is awesome , I want one.

  • @AW-Services
    @AW-Services10 ай бұрын

    I'm an A Series purist however I love this build. The only dislikes would be noise as a daily drive and the Los and aesthetics of not having the rear seats

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Thank you :) the noise is somewhat temporary as insulation and dyno matting will be a winter job. That’ll help. Probably… !

  • @RobertDooley-sl7cp
    @RobertDooley-sl7cp10 ай бұрын

    The engineering these guys did was beyond amazing.

  • @frazerrennie1340
    @frazerrennie134010 ай бұрын

    Wow, that is a beautifully engendered mini. Thank you for making this.

  • @davebaker9128
    @davebaker912810 ай бұрын

    In 1977-78 in high school I had a 1966 mini Cooper S, it had endless transmission, clutch a d front axle problems, so I put a late 60s VW squareback engine with a 1776 cc cylinder & piston kit, big cam roller rocker arms, bolted to a 1962 VW bug transmission that I flipped the ring gear and shortened the axles and used a traverse leaf spring, and brake drums with a four lug pattern that the alloy ten inch mini wheels just barely fit over after I skimmed the O.D. on the drums, I used some mid engine dune buggy shifter that was biased way to left of center in the floor, the thing would do about 85 mph before it ran out of revs, didn't use first gear (too low) and it would smoke the rear tires for almost a block, but that was 40 plus years ago, I think the car is still sitting next to my friends house in a canyon

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    They are brilliant things aren’t they! Everyone who’s ever owned one, regardless of spec or condition, has fond memories. Truly one of the greats :)

  • @BrianDias007
    @BrianDias00710 ай бұрын

    Unbelievably beautiful car and well engineered

  • @leighscott9606
    @leighscott960610 ай бұрын

    My first car was a ‘66 Cooper S. Purists be buggered- this is fantastic and I’ll want to see more. The only thing I’d change is the grill, to the original rounded one. Whatever floats your boat though.🇦🇺🇬🇧

  • @waterbourne9282
    @waterbourne928210 ай бұрын

    Impressively sorted, what a machine.

  • @nigelwest3430
    @nigelwest343010 ай бұрын

    What a fabulous little car and beautifully engineered as well

  • @shaun30-3-mg9zs
    @shaun30-3-mg9zs10 ай бұрын

    Over done ,tastefully I love it Well done you have done a fantastic job mate🚗👍

  • @user-of9mh5ov6d
    @user-of9mh5ov6d10 ай бұрын

    Not usually a mini fan, but that is awesome!!!

  • @ernied3123
    @ernied312310 ай бұрын

    Great video, fantastic car. The engineering is awesome. Thanks.

  • @911engineguy
    @911engineguy10 ай бұрын

    Wow. And that garage is pretty cool too!

  • @iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145
    @iloveaviation-burgerclub-a814510 ай бұрын

    That is one serious car.

  • @derekgb3780
    @derekgb378010 ай бұрын

    Very subtle and understated look and as said already, it looks like a quality build.

  • @patrickflanagan8008
    @patrickflanagan800810 ай бұрын

    I LOVE this little mini, absolutely perfection and the car of my dreams. Nice one matey.

  • @MrCarlyMS
    @MrCarlyMS10 ай бұрын

    As a retired gear head I salute. you.

  • @chrisslater3174
    @chrisslater317410 ай бұрын

    Not a mini fan per se, but the looks/colour/wheel choice of the finished article are spot on to my eye. And I think once shown, the engineering within speaks for itself, if you have any appreciation. A great effort, thanks for showing it! 👍

  • @tonycamplin8607
    @tonycamplin860710 ай бұрын

    It's not a Mini anymore and not my personal "thing". However what a fantastic achievement and superb build quality. Congratulations.

  • @davisonnyatinyirenda4626
    @davisonnyatinyirenda462610 ай бұрын

    😟😮😮😮 What can I say surely. I love mini and this is the one.

  • @kazstrankowski8721
    @kazstrankowski87212 ай бұрын

    Great build!

  • @tomtht3355
    @tomtht335510 ай бұрын

    That’s spot on 👌🏻😎

  • @screaminlordbyron7767
    @screaminlordbyron776710 ай бұрын

    I like how its all shiny on the outside and like a jet cockpit on the inside.. including noise haha

  • @mitsos306ify
    @mitsos306ify10 ай бұрын

    As you said...an incredible machine!

  • @dankenmountains8014
    @dankenmountains8014 Жыл бұрын

    Impeccable video, good work sir! Let's see it on the track

  • @samalam1721
    @samalam172110 ай бұрын

    Wow Love the engineering Brilliant presentation Subscribed

  • @stephendye1659
    @stephendye165910 ай бұрын

    Very, very cool, send one to Vancouver 🎉please!

  • @badger_claws
    @badger_claws10 ай бұрын

    Great build and video.

  • @nicolasrodriguez593
    @nicolasrodriguez59310 ай бұрын

    Love it!!

  • @user-rp6mz6bq9b
    @user-rp6mz6bq9b10 ай бұрын

    Wow wow what a car love it my dream car must of cost lot to do this love it

  • @user-ve9sr6zw2j
    @user-ve9sr6zw2j7 ай бұрын

    See you on Officially Gassed, Awesome

  • @enesfazlic6017
    @enesfazlic601710 ай бұрын

    Daaaammn this thing is sick.

  • @refresher1000
    @refresher100010 ай бұрын

    Awesome car man. Great job with the built very well done.

  • @bloody_pinata
    @bloody_pinata10 ай бұрын

    This is incredible lad

  • @googlepixel9pro
    @googlepixel9pro Жыл бұрын

    Subscribed!!. I hope you channel really takes off. Your mini is amazing, cant wait to see everything that went into it

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Ah thanks kindly 😁

  • @demonhighwayman9403
    @demonhighwayman940310 ай бұрын

    Lovely motor !

  • @LawrenceSmyth-mm6hj
    @LawrenceSmyth-mm6hj10 ай бұрын

    A simply spectacular creation, yes there is importance with the purist form but this is a very special approach, thankyou for the invitation around the car and for show casing a top end example of what can be done when talented people have the desire to do, Louie, Northern Ireland

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Thank you Louie, very much appreciated :)

  • @chris-vn6sw
    @chris-vn6sw10 ай бұрын

    Love it ! 👌👌👌👌

  • @gafrers
    @gafrers10 ай бұрын

    Amazing. Dream build

  • @Mark-yy2vw
    @Mark-yy2vw10 ай бұрын

    Nice to see different engines going in to minis, it was always honda or a bike motor

  • @69jomen
    @69jomen10 ай бұрын

    Incredible.....

  • @Kinetic-Images-Australia
    @Kinetic-Images-Australia10 ай бұрын

    Great Video guys/gals......From narration to production quality to subject matter I'm hooked :) I'm predicting that if this rocket sorts out the reliability and handles anywhere near my old 1275 Mkii......What can I say.... BRING ON THE CORNERS :)

  • @pilothobson
    @pilothobson10 ай бұрын

    Beautiful car.

  • @dRew-something
    @dRew-something3 ай бұрын

    I want one..looks like soooo much fun

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    3 ай бұрын

    Minis are always great fun, even a beat up old 998cc will bring a smile to your face. This one just gets a few more smiles per mile is all!! Road vids comings soon :)

  • @peeteehorsey
    @peeteehorsey10 ай бұрын

    Magic. I want one, with carpets please.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    That’s a winter project; insulation, carpets and some interior refinement :)

  • @djneils100
    @djneils10010 ай бұрын

    Needs a misha charoudin collab video now!

  • @syncrosimon
    @syncrosimon10 ай бұрын

    Well unlike Binkey it’s on the road. Very cool car👍👍

  • @paulwiltshire1285
    @paulwiltshire128510 ай бұрын

    That is so sick, and slick. You may not be the newcomer your post count suggests. Anyways, very entertaining. I’m waiting for the TFSI on the back of a lawnmower. Truly,an engine for all seasons…

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    You’re very kind :) but yes, this is my first venture into KZread territory. Hopefully plenty more to come pending the mini being back on the road soon.

  • @Retro_Rich

    @Retro_Rich

    10 ай бұрын

    You forgot quick and trick.

  • @peterstubbs7802
    @peterstubbs780210 ай бұрын

    Superb 👌👌🏻

  • @roddas26
    @roddas2610 ай бұрын

    Masterful

  • @WhiskeyGulf71
    @WhiskeyGulf7110 ай бұрын

    I have just two words, *Project Binky*

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Having followed Binky right from the start it’s fair to say it served as inspiration to do something less typical than the plentiful vtec conventions out there.

  • @farminky
    @farminky10 ай бұрын

    Finished faster than binky 🎉😂

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    True, but also entire civilisations rose and fell faster than project Binky!! Still, it was an inspiration to a lot of us me thinks 🫡

  • @das186
    @das18610 ай бұрын

    Awesome, its a Mini supercar

  • @neoquest2012
    @neoquest201210 ай бұрын

    Nice 👊😎

  • @georgemitchell9804
    @georgemitchell980410 ай бұрын

    I love it

  • @markcollins9005
    @markcollins900510 ай бұрын

    Love it. I'd just be worried it would dissolve in the rain.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    It is still a mini, and that is still going to be a battle!

  • @CaymanIslandsCatWalks
    @CaymanIslandsCatWalks10 ай бұрын

    Subscribed wow.

  • @alannock1358
    @alannock135810 ай бұрын

    Subscibed.

  • @dvdmulenga9552
    @dvdmulenga955210 ай бұрын

    I would love to see what this mini-beast can do on the Nürburgring...

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Ooooooh that’s on the cards, don’t you worry 😄

  • @dvdmulenga9552

    @dvdmulenga9552

    10 ай бұрын

    @@HRFSUK Yay... 👍

  • @2.fresh767
    @2.fresh76710 ай бұрын

    More please Sir!

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Working on it! Thank you :)

  • @tonyking9235
    @tonyking923510 ай бұрын

    WOULD BE NICE IF IT HAD THE ORIGINAL BACK LIGHTS

  • @kierongraham3771
    @kierongraham377110 ай бұрын

    With changing the engine location, driven wheels, and suspension how did you manage to keep the original Reg and not end up other a Q plate?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    This is one of those questions that, when asked whilst down the pub, you simply say ‘right, my round then yeah?’…

  • @sicks6six
    @sicks6six10 ай бұрын

    eat your heart out Jim Clarke,

  • @stewstube70
    @stewstube7010 ай бұрын

    Beautiful build, really like this. Does the gearbox have an LSD fitted? I saw the OG battle video and wondered if an LSD would help.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    It didn’t then but will do soon. In fact, there’s a whole gearbox overhaul going on as we speak 👌 watch this space

  • @amgguy4319
    @amgguy431910 ай бұрын

    The outside looks great. Definitely want to know how it handles and performs.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    I hope you subscribed then, because follow up videos are due as soon as it’s back in the road (gearbox overhaul currently)

  • @keyz127
    @keyz12710 ай бұрын

    What brakes are on the back? I'm looking for a set with drive for my rear-engined Mini-based kit and would really like to ditch the drums. Ta!

  • @TeezerDriz
    @TeezerDriz10 ай бұрын

    Beautiful car. How strong is the fuel tank to resist a frontal impact and not rupture and BBQ your nads?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Similar to that of any car. We all usually ignore the fact we’re sitting on top, in front or behind a bomb. It’s certainly safer than the former version in the boot 👍🏻

  • @scoop-pm7lk
    @scoop-pm7lk6 ай бұрын

    its scoop size I like it

  • @stephenwhite3832
    @stephenwhite38323 ай бұрын

    Is the DSG box a standard box or did you swap it for a diesel variant to lower revs at motorway speeds compensating for the 13 wheels?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    3 ай бұрын

    In this video it's the DSG from the TFSI and it was, as you'd imagine, pretty 'revy'. Since then we've installed a box from a TDi and it's worlds better in terms of drivability. More videos coming very soon... as soon as the weather allows really!

  • @eddiecalabro7265
    @eddiecalabro726510 ай бұрын

    👍

  • @seadog9534
    @seadog95347 ай бұрын

    Did you have any issues with the SVA test with all the modifications?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    7 ай бұрын

    Zcars, or rather Diminutive as the newly announced company will be, build these with this in mind so you’ll have no troubles in that regard 👍🏻

  • @zoidberg444
    @zoidberg44410 ай бұрын

    Are you going to drag race Binky on the quarter mile? Binky has AWD and probably more BHP but this has the DSG which is worth 100bhp.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Oh that would be simply spectacular! Plus, I’d love to meet the Binky guys and see the car 👍🏻

  • @izzyplusplusplus1004
    @izzyplusplusplus100410 ай бұрын

    This car vs the BOM Celica swapped mini!

  • @jackward6572
    @jackward6572 Жыл бұрын

    Where can I get the A panels with the air scoops ??

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    Жыл бұрын

    They were fabricated for the project by Zcars. I’ve not seen any like this as an ‘off the shelf’ solution but ABS motorsport do something similar to it

  • @peterhancock8011
    @peterhancock80114 ай бұрын

    I didn't realise that it was possible to use a personalised number plate which is newer than the car.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    4 ай бұрын

    As far as I know you can’t use a plate that suggests the vehicle is newer than it is. But either way, the road plates on this are original. If you saw the HRFS plates, they’re just for show!

  • @dazzassti
    @dazzassti10 ай бұрын

    Love this,… really nice… one thing that would really niggle me though, all that work and the engine looks shoddy, that would genuinely piss me off. The engine should be mint, blasted and fully refurbed.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Thank you! And I hear your point. Thing is - show and shine doesn’t interest me in the slightest; that motor is there for one job and one job only in my mind - propulsion.

  • @anthonycollingridge970
    @anthonycollingridge97010 ай бұрын

    The overall engineering and thought that has gone into this conversion is impressive. My main pet hate is that awful stock Audi gear selector sitting on top of that fabricated console. It just looks horrible and almost a last minute thought. Execution could be a way lot better a more discrete using alternative method?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks, the team at Z cars have worked wonders. As for the shifter, job 1 is make it work. Job 2 is make it pretty 👌

  • @phillipusmalan8841
    @phillipusmalan884110 ай бұрын

    Put that into production

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    It kinda is… www.Zcars.org.uk 👌

  • @steveanderson3942
    @steveanderson394210 ай бұрын

    Be interesting regarding the legality of this beast for uk road's? 😊

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    100% road legal in every respect 👌

  • @MatthijsPlender
    @MatthijsPlender10 ай бұрын

    When is there a #carwow sprint.😋

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    It’ll happen 👌 if not with mine but with one of those being built alongside it… but soon!

  • @MatthijsPlender

    @MatthijsPlender

    10 ай бұрын

    @@HRFSUK❤

  • @user-cv8zo8cn8d
    @user-cv8zo8cn8d5 ай бұрын

    Mini Coopers WIN

  • @pervertt
    @pervertt10 ай бұрын

    Blasphemy. But I like it. 👍

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Fair 😆

  • @ibana8449
    @ibana844910 ай бұрын

    Does the car have an IVA test certificate ?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Zcars only build complete cars these days and each is done so with view to passing the IVA assessment 👍🏻

  • @maxhofer3223
    @maxhofer322310 ай бұрын

    whats the price of this pocket rocket….?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Before answering questions like that, I’ll need multiple references and identify confirmation to ensure your not my wife 🤣

  • @youreright3664
    @youreright366410 ай бұрын

    I love the original minis, that one looks stunning. Great job. I saw an image of a cat, show up when you turned the turbo boost down ... would that indicate the driver is a pussy?

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Good spot; and yes the programmer is not without a sense of humour 😂

  • @boogboog8097
    @boogboog80977 ай бұрын

    Cabin heater...not required 😅

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    7 ай бұрын

    I did have concerns doing a long distance in the height of summer! Joking aside though, the bulkheads and seals have been very well made keeping engine heat out the cabin nicely 👌

  • @bruceseaman6592
    @bruceseaman659210 ай бұрын

    Shame about the 'battleship grey'

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    It’s Nardo grey - other colours are available should you wish 👍🏻

  • @markfox1545
    @markfox154510 ай бұрын

    Packarges? 😅

  • @StanleyKubick1
    @StanleyKubick110 ай бұрын

    *peek

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    Full marks to that man 👍🏻 thank you

  • @ibana8449
    @ibana84497 ай бұрын

    I have no idea why such a heavily modified car retains the original number plate, and no IVA? does it have one ? I have a Fiat 126 built onto a spaceframe chassis, Ecoboost engine all professionally built and I am anticpating a Q plate.

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    7 ай бұрын

    Yeah, it’s a mystery isn’t it.

  • @Dee.J.Mogfry
    @Dee.J.Mogfry10 ай бұрын

    Its a mini Jim not as we know it.

  • @SonOfAnders73
    @SonOfAnders7310 ай бұрын

    why tho? its like turning a lambo into a motorhome it was never designed to carry 350hp on the rear wheels

  • @HRFSUK

    @HRFSUK

    10 ай бұрын

    You’re thinking as though it’s a normal mini with 350 at the back - which of course is madness. The whole car has been designed to support both the power output and weight changes, it’s far from the Issignois design underneath.