13 Sep 07
The hotshoe Mini John Cooper Works Challenge car is ready to hit the track. With modified pistons, air filter, air intake, catalytic converter, exhaust and engine management, it develops 210bhp (up from the roadgoing Cooper S's 175bhp) and 192lb-ft of torque (207lb-ft on temporary overboost). Top speed is up to 149mph and 0-62mph down to 6.1 seconds.
Besides faster acceleration, Mini also promises optimised traction. It's 30kg lighter than the outgoing John Cooper Challenge car, too; it is not, however, road-legal.
Further modifications include a new suspension system with KW Automotive adjustable damper units, and 17" Borbet alloys with Dunlop racing tyres. The John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit - an option with the roadgoing Mini - is fitted, with an adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and front spoiler, plus uprated brakes with air-pressure elevation and race-specific ABS. The cabin has a full roll cage, Recaro bucket seats with six-point safety belts and head/neck support, as in BMW's F1 cars.
Deliveries of the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge will start in spring 2008, in time for next year's Challenge race series.
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