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04/02/2010
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Now here's something to challenge the eyes. The race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition (the name is almost as long as the car!) has just been released onto to Australian roads.
Those who have been to major car race meetings in Australia in recent years will have enjoyed the close cut and thrust of the MINI Challenge race series. Now you can drive a car that looks just like the real thing and use it legally on the road. The MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition is close to the racing car both in appearance and performance.
That's because the racing regulations for the MINI Challenge are deliberately tough and permit a minimum of modifications. That's in an attempt to keep costs under control. Well sort of under control, because there's certainly no such thing as cheap car racing. The tough regulations mean the racing MINIs are close to the road cars in their specification, relying on detailed optimisation by those fettling them to try and give one car an edge over the others.
The John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is only sold in Australia. It has the following features over the standard MINI John Cooper Works model: an aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and side aprons, carbon spoiler, aluminium cross brace, Alcantara and carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud, handbrake lever with Alcantara surround. And, of course, unique Challenge Edition badging.
The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the same engine as the race cars. It produces 155kW from its twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre. Torque is strong, normally it's set at a maximum of 260 Nm of torque, but it can be brought up to 280 Nm for a few seconds if you trample the throttle and bring in the Overboost) function. The result is a hot little MINI that goes from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
The Challenge Edition is available with all new hardtop, Clubman or Cabrio models. Representing over $7000 worth of value, the Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a $2500 option.
The 2010 MINI Challenge racing season begins in March with the category’s debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
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