Mini has lifted the wraps off a new endurance racer based on the most powerful version of its recently revealed John Cooper Works Coupe.
Set to race at this weekend’s Nürburgring 24-hour endurance challenge, this race-prepped version of Mini’s eye-catching Coupe features a stiffened race suspension set-up with adjustable shock absorbers as well as an aerodynamic body kit. The aero treatments comprise a new front spoiler, a carbon-fibre rear diffuser and an adjustable rear wing.
The cabin has been pared down to the bare essentials – a move that contributes to the car’s 965 kg kerb mass – and features bucket seats, a full rollcage and a six-point safety harness.
Power is provided by an uprated version of the JCW’s turbocharged 1,6-litre engine with adapted engine management system and direct petrol injection. With 184 kW and 330 N.m of torque (on overboost) channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with electronic diff lock, this car is capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h.
Mini does nor presently have plans to put the endurance racer into production, but the car serves as an example of what the firm is capable of extracting from its turbocharged 1,6-litre engine – versions of which are likely to appear in the rally-fettled models set to compete in next year’s WRC.
Technical data
• Engine: tuned version of series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine with adapted engine management. Four-cylinder in-line engine (front/transverse-mounted) with twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. Racing exhaust system
• Displacement: 1,598 cm3
• Power output: Approx. 184 kW / approx. 250 hp
• Top speed: >240 km/h
• Power transfer: Front-wheel drive, sequential six-speed gearbox with electronic differential lock
• Suspension: Independent race suspension (KW Suspension) with adjustable compression and rebound, adjustable front strut brace
• Tyres: Racing tyres (Dunlop) / slicks: 215/45 R17, wets: 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing rims (Borbet)
• Body: John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adjustable rear wing, rear diffuser acc. to regulations, pneumatic jack
• Safety: MINI Challenge braking system with Race ABS, race-tuned DSC, welded-in roll cage, six-point safety belt, racing seat (Recaro) with HANS system, main switch concept with electronically controlled fire extinguishing equipment
• Interior: Racing steering wheel (Sparco), Drive Data Display with shift display
• Weight: 965 kg
• Wheelbase: 2 467 mm
• Tank capacity: 100 litres
