MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance

We all know that motorsport is in the MINI genes. And here's new proof... check out the new MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance. This newly developed racer will line up at this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public in autumn 2011. MINI’s declared aim in entering the Nürburgring 24-hour race is "to experience the adventure of the Green Hell.” MINI engineers have called on the experience gained over many years of MINI Challenge sprint racing in the development of its new racing car for this unique event. A pure-bred racing set-up will equip the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance for a full day lapping the combined Nordschleife/Grand Prix circuit at race speed. Providing the power is a specially-tuned version of the series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit – which boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection – delivers 250bhp, and the overboost function pushes peak torque up to 330 Newton metres. Top speed is in excess of 240 km/h. The new MINI specification is:

Engine	Tuned version of series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine with adapted engine management. Four-cylinder in-line engine (front/transverse-mounted) with twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. Racing exhaust system
Displacement	1,598 cc
Output	Approx. 184 kW / approx. 250bhp
Max. torque	Approx. 330 Nm (incl. Overboost)
Top speed	240 km/h +
Power transfer	Front-wheel drive, sequential six-speed gearbox with electronic differential lock
Suspension	Independent race suspension (KW Suspension) with adjustable compression and rebound, adjustable front strut brace
Tyres	Racing tyres (Dunlop) / slicks: 215/45 R17, wets: 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing rims (Borbet)
Body	John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adjustable rear wing, rear diffuser acc. to regulations, pneumatic jack
Safety	MINI Challenge braking system with Race ABS, race-tuned DSC, welded-in roll cage, six-point safety belt, racing seat (Recaro) with HANS system, main switch concept with electronically controlled fire extinguishing equipment
Interior	Racing steering wheel (Sparco), Drive Data Display with shift display
Weight	965 kg
Wheelbase	2,467 mm
Tank capacity	100 litres

We wish them well in their first 24-Hour race in this new car.