Mini has announced the new John Cooper Works Challenge, a car designed to take track-driving performance to a new level. It will only be available in the UK and only a limited number will be made - 100 in fact - and each one will be numbered to highlight its exclusivity.
The new model is based on the performance-orientated John Cooper Works but this one gives offers even more performance. It draws inspiration from the current Mini Challenge-specification race model and features key technical features from the same suppliers.
This Mini certainly means business and the small development team in Oxford have been hard at work to build a Mini that can shine on the track but still be refined enough to use on the road. So dedicated to this task that the team worked outside of their working hours to bring the car together. But what exactly has gone in to this Mini?
This Mini has attitude
Powering the JCWC is a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine which provides the small hatchback with 231bhp thanks to thanks to Mini's TwinPower technology. The car provides 320Nm of torque and 0-62mph comes in 6.3 seconds and it will get to a top speed of 153mph. The power is fitted to a six-speed manual gearbox and the brand even claim it will achieve 42.2mpg - not that buyers will be too bothered about fuel economy though.
The engine is not the only area to be given a boost in performance, larger air intakes have been fitted to increase air cooling, bigger brakes are present as well as specially chosen tyres that wrap around lightweight alloy wheels provided by Team Dynamics. The Mini is a car that has always been known for its handling but Mini have left no stone unturned and have also revised the chassis.
The suspension can be adjusted to suit the environment and the car also makes use of a Quaife limited slip differential to aid grip when cornering. Hand-built performance dampers have been provided by Nitron and are adjustable for bump and rebound plus ride height. They come with recommended settings for both road and track use but drivers can play about with the adjustment to find setting that is more suited to their own requirements.
Unique specification
As the JCWC is based on the standard JCW you can expect all the kit that comes in that model as well as a White Silver finish that is applied to each of the 100 produced. A graphics package, 17” alloy wheels plus a black roof and mirror caps helps to complete the exterior styling.
The interior features Dinamica/cloth Carbon Black seats, Piano Black trim throughout and the passenger side of the dashboard bears the production number to highlight it’s rarity. Drivers can enjoy features such as rear park distance control, rain sensor with auto headlight activation and adaptive LED headlights.
The car will make its public debut alongside the new Mini Seven at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and is available to order now costing £32,000.