4x4 Mini With VTEC Power

US conversion kit offers 400bhp and AWD for 'real' Mini fans

This mad Mini takes a high-revving Honda engine, CR-V drive-train and MX-5 suspension bits to make a cocktail that looks pretty intoxicating.

The work of Mini Tec in the US - which bills itself as ‘your source for super fast Honda VTEC powered Minis’ – the conversion is available as a kit costing $2695.

According to Mini Tec, the conversion allows you to pump up to 400bhp through your Mini’s four wheels, depending on the size and state of tune of your chosen B-series VTEC motor.

The kit comprises a custom rear sub-frame, upper and lower a-arm suspension, modified body panels, 400bhp-rated rear axle shafts and an anti-roll bar. On top of that you’ll need a Mini, a Honda CR-V’s drivetrain, and Mazda MX-5 hubs and discs – and the nerve to start attacking your pride and joy with a cutting torch.

The video shows Mini Tec’s ‘in-house testing’, which seems to involve chaining the car to something heavy and spinning all the wheels in a puddle in the workshop. If anyone is tempted to have a go at building one here in the UK, do let us know!