This is for fans who feel that the stock Mini Cooper JCW isn’t quite track oriented enough. It’s called the JCW Challenge and has been designed as a limited edition for the UK market.
The automaker has applied noticeable exterior upgrades and spruced up some of the suspension components, but the engine itself remains untouched. The model is inspired by the Mini Challenge racing car and was developed in conjunction with the engineers who designed it.
The Challenge receives various visual updates, such as the JCW Pro Aerokit and Pro exhaust with carbon-fibre tailpipe, which are optional extras on the standard JCW. The interior, though, remains unchanged.
The dynamics of the JCW Challenge are improved thanks to the Nitron NTR R1 adjustable suspension, which can be tuned by the driver through an easy control terminal. Further improvements include a set of high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and grooved and part-drilled 330 mm front discs for upgraded braking power.
Driving the Challenge is the standard JCW 2,0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 170 kW and 320 N.m of torque to the six-speed manual transmission (the DCT will not be available in this model). To help it cope better on the track, it has also been fitted with a Quaife automatic torque-biasing limited slip differential.
As mentioned above, the JCW Challenge will only be available in the UK and is limited to 100 units with a £32 000 (R692 000) price-tag. Expect to see the Challenge at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.