The absolute star of the show in the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 will of course be the new racing car, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.

The car's specifications and the results of the first test drives give everybody every reason to expect that participants of the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 will enjoy an even more intense motor sporting experience. The new model offers even more torque, faster acceleration and a higher top speed, faster lateral acceleration and optimised traction. Which, for the spectator, means even greater excitement, more dramatic action and even more thrilling duels on the track.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE will be making its first appearance at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the public will be able to gain a first impression of the new racing car which will be delivered to the participating teams in good time before the start of the next MINI CHALLENGE in spring 2008.

Apart from the teams themselves, for the first time ever other ambitious motorsport enthusiasts will also be able to acquire and race the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.With its outstanding performance and superior handling, this unique car is predestined from the start to show its rivals its tail lights on the track in series and individual events. The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE will be delivered to customers in race trim,including all features essential for supreme performance and enhanced safety. Ready for supreme performance: the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.The performance and output figures of the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE have been improved once again not only over the regular production model, but also in comparison with the current racing version. A specially developed John Cooper Works performance engine tailored specifically to the requirements of motorsport will provide maximum output of 154 kW/210 hp.

And while this figure is the same as the current MINI CHALLENGE race car, optimised engine characteristics and an increase in torque from 260 to 280 Newton-metres (192 -- 206 lb-ft) provided by overboost gives the driver everything he needs for even better performance and higher speeds on the track.Further points are the reduction in starter weight by 30 kg to 1,150 kg/66 lb to 2,536 lb (including the driver), improved aerodynamics all round and numerous modifications to the chassis and suspension.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. And thanks to its special brake system, the car takes just 3.1 seconds to come to a standstill from 100 km/h or 62 mph. Top speed, in turn, is 240 km/h or 149 mph. Another particular forte of the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is its outstanding lateral acceleration -- the high speed coming into thebend is therefore also achievable when coming out onto the next straight. A limited-slip differential featured for the first time on a MINI CHALLENGE racing car, finally,helps the driver keep to the ideal line at an even higher speed when leaving a bend.  

MINI CHALLENGE: the optimum blend of racing and lifestyle.Now in its fourth year, the MINI CHALLENGE has become one of the most successful and popular Clubsport Series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Holland hit the headlines all over Europe, and at the same time the MINI CHALLENGE phenomenon is gaining significance also in other parts of the world: New Zealand is already holding a MINI CHALLENGE racing series and Australia will follow this example for the first time in 2008 with preparations currently under way to establish a national MINI CHALLENGE Series. The MINI CHALLENGE owes its particular appeal to a truly innovative concept, where motorsport meets lifestyle -- a highly attractive blend thrilling for both driver and fan alike.

The drivers themselves also contribute to the particular atmosphere and flair of the events, old hands in racing and up-and-coming talents pitching their skills against celebrities from show business and sports. Perhaps the most distinctive racing feature of the MINI CHALLENGE is the absolute equality offered to all drivers entering the races: all cars are technically identical. And it is precisely the supreme handling of the MINI further enhanced by the wide range of safety features in the racing cars that makes the MINI CHALLENGE particularly interesting for both the beginner in racing and the ambitious amateur driver.


Press release via BMW/MINI