Get your heart racing

The new Mini John Cooper Works Challenge made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month. Visitors were able to gain a first impression of the new racing car that will be delivered in good time before the start of the new Mini Challenge next spring.

For the first time ever, other ambitious motorsport enthusiasts will also be able to acquire and race the new Mini John Cooper Works Challenge. With its outstanding performance and superior handling, this unique car is predestined from the start to show its rivals its tail-lights on the track in series and individual events.

The new Mini John Coopers Works Challenge will be delivered to customers in race trim, including all features essential for supreme performance and enhanced safety.

The output figures of the new Mini John Cooper Works Challenge have been improved once again, not only over the regular production model, but also in comparison to the current racing version. A specially developed John Cooper Works performance engine tailored specifically to the requirements of motorsport will provide maximum output of 154 kW/210hp.

And while this is the same as the current Mini Challenge race car, optimised engine characteristics and an increase in torque from 260 to 280 Nm provided by overboost gives the motorist everything for even better performance and higher speeds on the track.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder is equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, churning out maximum output in standard trim of 128kW at 5,500 rpm. This equals output per litre of 80.1 kW - a figure that raises the new Mini Cooper S close to the realms of the thoroughbred sports cars. There has been a reduction in starter weight by 30 kg to 1,150 kg (including the driver), improved aerodynamics all round and numerous modifications to the chassis and suspension. The new Mini John Cooper Works Challenge accelerates to 100km/hr in just 6.1 seconds. Thanks to its special brake system, the car takes just 3.1 seconds to come to a standstill from 100km/hr. Top speed, in turn, is 240km/hr. A limited-slip differential featured for the first time on a Mini Challenge racing car helps the driver keep to the ideal line at an even higher speed when leaving a bend.

Now in its fourth year, the Mini Challenge has become one of the most successful and popular Clubsport series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Holland, hit the headlines all over Europe, and the Mini Challenge phenomenon is gaining significance in other parts of the world. New Zealand is already holding a Mini Challenge racing series and Australia will follow suit next year.

The Mini Challenge owes its particular appeal to a truly innovative concept, where motorsport meets lifestyle - a highly attractive blend thrilling for both driver and fan alike. Meanwhile, Mini Cooper S fans will be delighted to learn some great news: a newly launched John Cooper Works aftermarket kit can be fitted in approximately four hours.