The new Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Challenge takes track-driving performance to a new level, while also offering a thrilling on-road driving experience that doesn’t sacrifice everyday comforts and refinement. The basis for the new John Cooper Works Challenge is the Mini John Cooper Works Hatch.
The small, passionate development team, based at the Mini Plant in the UK, worked in partnership with key suppliers on the racing car to deliver the best solutions to create a credible track day machine. The goal of the team was to design a car to deliver “maximum track ability and on-road driving thrills”. The Cooper Challenge is limited to 100 cars and it will only be for sale in the UK for around £32,000 or just over $42,000USD.
With its super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, adjustable suspension and limited slip differential, the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge takes bespoke track performance to levels never before seen in the small hot hatch class. The front wheels continue to be driven by a 228bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, and the Challenge’s 6.3-second 0-62mph time and 153mph top speed are unchanged over the standard JCW.
New features include adjustable Nitron suspension, bigger Mintex brakes, a Quaife limited-slip differential and lightweight alloy wheels by Team Dynamics. These are all names familiar from motorsport and high-end performance cars, as well as the Mini Challenge race car. The suspension is particularly noteworthy, as it can be tweaked for bump, rebound, ride height and even camber. The ‘JCW Pro Aerokit’ means the spoilers, splitters and diffusers are all much more aggressive than before, while the car comes in a silver and carbon color scheme.
Could this Mini John Works Cooper Challenge be the ultimate track day Mini? I guess we need to spend some time behind the wheel to find out.
WRC PZM 73rd Rally Poland A Last Gasp Win Next Post:
Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition