MINI’s New JCW Challenge Race Car

Sections: JCW | Motorsports | Official News Aug 14th, 2007 90 Comments

Official MINI Press Release: MINI performance is to be taken to new levels with the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, a MINI Cooper S built specifically for track use and ready to race. Set for its first public appearance at the forthcoming IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, deliveries of the new car will take place from spring 2008. Key characteristics of the new car include a higher top speed, increased torque, faster acceleration and optimised traction.

Power enhancements are at the core of the striking CHALLENGE car’s modifications. As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard MINI Cooper S engine receives modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system.

Numerous chassis and suspension tweaks add to what is a finely-tuned racing package. The new suspension system features adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed specifically for motorsport. A six-speed manual gearbox transmits power to 17″ front wheels made by Borbet and shod with exclusive new racing tyres manufactured by Dunlop.

Body revisions based on the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit, currently available from all MINI dealers, are key features of the CHALLENGE car’s set-up. To generate increased downforce at higher speeds, CHALLENGE car owners can expect a new adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and performance front spoiler. The new braking system performs exceptionally. Large four-piston calipers mean the car can go from 62 â€“ 0mph in just 3.1 seconds. A race-specific ABS configuration and an air-pressure elevating system complete the product modifications, which together equate to a vehicle 30kg lighter than the previous CHALLENGE car.

Safety measures perfect the array of MINI CHALLENGE car features. A roll cage welded firmly to the body of the car houses RECARO bucket seats combined with a six-point safety belt, along with the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system used in Formula 1 cars.

Although the car is designed for race participation, private owners may find owning a MINI CHALLENGE car a compelling prospect. However, the car will not be licensed for public roads and as such is expected to maintain its appeal among racing enthusiasts.

The MINI Challenge race series is fast gaining presence and popularity around the world. Since 2004, Challenge races have been staged in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and New Zealand. In 2008, MINI Australia will also hold a Challenge competition.

Race teams will receive the first MINI CHALLENGE cars from March 2008. Private customers not competing in the MINI Challenge series can expect deliveries of cars from June 2008. An order form for the car can be downloaded from 11 September 2007 at www.MINI.com/challenge-car and the expected price is â‚¬49,900 inc. VAT.

MINI John Cooper Works Challenge performance data:

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 â€“ 62mph Seconds 0 – 62	Top Speed Mph
MINI Cooper S	175	240*	7.1	140
MINI CHALLENGE	210	260**	6.1	149

* 260Nm with Overboost ** 280Nm with Overboost

MotoringFile Analysis: As promised MINI will be debuting the new JCW Challenge car at Frankfurt with hopes of selling quite a few for the 2008 racing season. But what does this mean for those waiting for a JCW factory car? Quite a bit as it turns out. We have it on good authority (Dr. Kay Segler himself) that the new Challenge race car will form the basis of the new JCW factory car. So we’re effectively getting a sneak peak at the specification of the 2009 factory JCW today.

The look of the car will also likely preview the factory JCW with the current JCW aerokit forming the basis of all the visual modifications. The key difference with the race car are the brake ducts where the fog-lights and driving-lights are currently located on the road car, the huge GP-esque wing and rear defuser.

Look for the factory JCW road car to debut next year.

Extra Large Image Downloads

You can see some extra large versions of the JCW Challenge car images below. Right click on each link to download to save to your computer:

Front View / Side View / Rear View

Written By: Gabe

90 Comments

dark06mcs Aug 14th, 2007 Link

and the attached document? i was hoping to see performance figures and some engine specs

DavidB Aug 14th, 2007 Link

I think it looks awesome and I can’t wait to see (and hear) it on the track..

JeffH Aug 14th, 2007 Link

… and just like that, the wheel gap is totally gone! I wonder how they keep this guy from bottoming out. Is the suspension a preview of JCW car also, or just the engine?

rustysteel Aug 14th, 2007 Link

I was just about to link this but of course Motoring is always ahead of the game. Looks awesome…

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Very interesting indeed. Would love to see all three modifications (Front brake ducts, rear diffuser, wing) to come with the factory JCW. With the addition of the rear diffuser wonder what they have done with the underside of the car.

Still would love to see something more than the 210 hp in the factory car but then again the 260NM of torque is nice. Down 5 hp on the GP but up ~15nm torque over the GP. I have little doubt that the factory car is going to be a cool car, though I have absolutely no doubts that this will a great starting point to modify make make all mine.

lavardera Aug 14th, 2007 Link

The rear fascia is also altered for those two big air extractors. The front spoiler lip looks larger too and thank god it does not have those stupid turn-buckles on it.

What are the two tear-drop shaped black forms on the rear hatch?

I’d also like to know what the two digital displays at the tach and speedo are about.

Ken Aug 14th, 2007 Link

My guess is that those tear drop shapes might be vents to allow air to pass through the open windows to stop that lovely buffeting you get at higher speeds.

TomB Aug 14th, 2007 Link

This is the first R56 that has actually looked good to me, there is hope…

Josh Aug 14th, 2007 Link

So my question is, should I get a 2008 BMW 135i this spring or 2009 JCW MCS next fall? I currently have a 2003 MC and assume the price will be rather close between the two.

Axel (bigagsl) Aug 14th, 2007 Link

gabe, you have to come back to germany in 2008, to make another taxi-ride with chris in the new challenge mini!

Josemaria Aug 14th, 2007 Link

I would like to know when we you should expect the JCW Stage II in US. Also, is the JCW Stage II will resemble somewhat the Mini JCW Challenge? I read somewhere (may be here -Motoringfile-) that it would be close to 220 hp and 0-60MPH under 6 sec. Is it true?

Thanks in advanced for the response!

Nigel Aug 14th, 2007 Link

This is the first R56 that has actually looked good to me, there is hopeâ€¦

Alleluia! Same here. When I first saw the photo I thought it was a preview of the R56 facelift…Hehe.

You know what totally transforms the look of the car? Lowering it! Gone is the 4WD stance of the stock R56.

Memo to MINI: Lower the stock ride height of your cars!!

Josh Aug 14th, 2007 Link

If you look closely, there is one of those tear drop things on the left side of the hood too.

Scott Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Has anyone heard anything about a MINI Challenge series in the US? I would be very interested.

Ken Aug 14th, 2007 Link

“Private customers not competing in the MINI Challenge series can expect deliveries of cars from June 2008.”

Is this going to be street legal?

BrianBlack Aug 14th, 2007 Link

(Drooling)

miamijag Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Uff, very nice. Would love to have a street version a la Porsche RS. Get rid of the wing, the roll cage and put some friendlier Recaros, leave everything else on and it would sell better than the R32. On the mean time a Lotus will do.

FH Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Wow.

That’s the first thing I thought when I saw that photo. Up until now, I have been underwhelmed by the R56, but that one just totally made blew me away and made me want a new MINI again.

heyduard Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Love that negative camber up front!!!

And from the FA, the Challenge cars are NOT street legal.

As for the ride height, I’m guessing the KW’s are short bodied shocks along with “coilover” goodness to keep a reasonable amount of travel for a race car (read “no travel for the street”).

Brian Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Lower ride = MUCH better looks. Thanks MINI for removing the off-road hight. Big difference for me.

MauiMac Aug 14th, 2007 Link

“Wow.

Thats the first thing I thought when I saw that photo”… then I saw the back with that airplane wing… I vomited a little bit in my mouth…

drew Aug 14th, 2007 Link

that’s it.

i’m converted now.

give me a factory r56 with that kind of stance and you’ve just sold me a car…

TomB Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Gabe,

Can you post a hi-rez version of the interior photo?

Thanks

Doug Aug 14th, 2007 Link

The JCW factory car specs–if this is the basis–are promising. Very promising… But then… cost. I kinda wonder what BMW is going to do, since the upcoming 135i coupe in the US will have 300hp and all the driving dynamics you’d want in a smaller BMW. It will probably be about $40k.

Ian F Aug 14th, 2007 Link

I swear some of you guys didn’t even read the article…

It’s a race car… no it won’t be street legal… and the wing is designed to WORK, not look pretty…

Current Challenge teams will get their cars first. “Customer car” refers to other would-be racers or just well-healed folks who want a dedicated track car…

Often cars like this are made with no stamped VIN number so the car could never be registered for street use. Well legally, anyway… there are, of course, ways to get around anything if you are will to pay for it… ;)

snid Aug 14th, 2007 Link

photoshopped?

The front brakes look to be the same size (too small) as the rear brakes.

gokartride Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Nice car…and I agree, all business. Should make the Challenge series very interesting. Quite a car considering it’s coming from the factory!!

andreas Aug 14th, 2007 Link

MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.

MINI John Cooper Works Performance Motor:
Vierzylinder-Reihenmotor mit Twin-Scroll- Turbolader und Benzin-Direkteinspritzung,
vorn quer eingebaut Rennsport-Abgasanlage Hubraum: 1598 cm3
Leistung: 154 kW/210 PS
max. Drehmoment: 260 Nm (mit Overboost: 280 Nm)

KraftuÌˆbertragung: Frontantrieb, Sechsgang-Handschaltgetriebe

Fahrwerk: EinzelradaufhaÌˆngung, McPherson-Federbeine vorn, Zentrallenker-Hinterachse, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17 Zoll-Aluminiumfelgen (Borbet)
im MINI CHALLENGE Design, in Zug-Druckstufe
einstellbare StoÃŸdaÌˆmpfer (KW Automotive), verstellbare Federbein-Domstrebe vorn, Rennsport- Bremsanlage, rennspezifische ABS-Konfiguration, Sperrdifferenzial, Rennsport-Reifen (Dunlop)

Karosserie: John Cooper Works Aerodynamik Paket, verstellbarer HeckfluÌˆgel, Heckdiffusor, Luftdruck-Hebevorrichtung zur Beschleunigung des Reifenwechsel-Vorgangs

Fahrleistungen: Beschleunigung (0â€“100 km/h) in 6,1 Sekunden, HoÌˆchstgeschwindigkeit: 240 km/h, VerzoÌˆgerungswerte (100â€“0 km/h): 3,1 Sekunden bzw. 31 Meter

Sicherheit: eingeschweiÃŸter UÌˆberrollkaÌˆfig, Sechspunkt- Sicherheitsgurt, automatische FeuerloÌˆschanlage,
Rennsportsitz inklusive Head And Neck Support
(HANS)-System

Gewicht: max. 1150 Kilogramm (einschlieÃŸlich Fahrer)

(Bei den Technischen Daten handelt es sich um vorlaÌˆufige Werte.)

pbraun Aug 14th, 2007 Link

We need this series in the USA and Canada!

Timmee Aug 14th, 2007 Link

yum. those wheels. omg.

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Pretty sure the tear drops on the tailgate and hood are latches.

Will really look forward to seeing the first race with these new cars. Hope Mini learns a lot about what people are looking forward to on a factory JCW car. No way a eventual factory car will be that lowered though it does look sharp.

Timmee Aug 14th, 2007 Link

now why is the JCW badge on the lower grille all of a sudden?

phaedrus Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Vierzylinder-Reihenmotor mit Twin-Scroll- Turbolader und Benzin-Direkteinspritzung, vorn quer eingebaut Rennsport-Abgasanlage Hubraum: 1598 cm3 Leistung: 154 kW/210 PS max. Drehmoment: 260 Nm (mit Overboost: 280 Nm) KraftuÌˆbertragung: Frontantrieb, Sechsgang-Handschaltgetriebe Fahrwerk: EinzelradaufhaÌˆngung, McPherson-Federbeine vorn, Zentrallenker-Hinterachse, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17 Zoll-Aluminiumfelgen (Borbet) im MINI CHALLENGE Design, in Zug-Druckstufe einstellbare StoÃŸdaÌˆmpfer (KW Automotive), verstellbare Federbein-Domstrebe vorn, Rennsport- Bremsanlage, rennspezifische ABS-Konfiguration, Sperrdifferenzial, Rennsport-Reifen (Dunlop) Karosserie: John Cooper Works Aerodynamik Paket, verstellbarer HeckfluÌˆgel, Heckdiffusor, Luftdruck-Hebevorrichtung zur Beschleunigung des Reifenwechsel-Vorgangs Fahrleistungen: Beschleunigung (0â€“100 km/h) in 6,1 Sekunden, HoÌˆchstgeschwindigkeit: 240 km/h, VerzoÌˆgerungswerte (100â€“0 km/h): 3,1 Sekunden bzw. 31 Meter Sicherheit: eingeschweiÃŸter UÌˆberrollkaÌˆfig, Sechspunkt- Sicherheitsgurt, automatische FeuerloÌˆschanlage, Rennsportsitz inklusive Head And Neck Support (HANS)-System Gewicht: max. 1150 Kilogramm (einschlieÃŸlich Fahrer) (Bei den Technischen Daten handelt es sich um vorlaÌˆufige Werte.)

Ja. What he said :)

But seriously, though, like many above, this is the first R56 whose aesthetics have actually caught my attention.

But the performance figures, while impressive, don’t seem to match the eye-popping appearance. (Yet?)

b4mmy Aug 14th, 2007 Link

looks brilliant :)

GregW Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Those lucky Australians will get these cars for their series starting in 2008. New Zealand will be the year after. I would have thought that a series like this would be of interest to Canada and USA – a Can-Am series. As far as I know the instructions on where to mount the JCworks badge is in the fitting instructions and is on the lower air intake grille.

Chad Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Attack of the awful photoshop! Icky.

micah Aug 14th, 2007 Link

I’d race one (if I had an extra $60-70K that is)… :)

Any plans for a series in the states?

mytreesneedwater Aug 14th, 2007 Link

O.k I may have to mortgage my house now and that roll cage is bad AXX. But on to a lighter note we all want new MIni colors!!!!!!!!Come on everyone (even Gabe) let’s make this happen!! Lets spread it through the virtual world- We are sick of old Mini colors it’s time for some new colors!!Pepper white is gross and boring blue has got to go- Chili red not even on a yugo!!

Astro S Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Attack of the awful photoshop is right !!

Are any of the pic’s real?

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

A rouge translation of what Andreas said

CHALLENGE cause MINI John Cooper.

MINI John Cooper cause Performance motor: Vierzylinder-Reihenmotor with Twin-Scroll Turbolader and gasoline direct injection, ahead Rennsport-Abgasanlage Hubraum diagonally incorporated: 1598 CM3 achievements: 154 kW/210 HP max. Torque: 260 Nm (with Overboost: 280 Nm)

. Front wheel drive, Sechsgang-Handschaltgetriebe

Load work: McPherson-suspension struts ahead, headquarters handlebar-rear axle, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17 customs aluminum rims (Borbet) in the MINI CHALLENGE design, in train pressure step adjustable (KW of car subject), suspension strut-Domstrebe adjustable ahead, Rennsport- brake concern, ABS-configuration race specific, Sperrdifferenzial, race sport-tires (Dunlop)

Car body: John Cooper cause aerodynamics of package, adjustable Heckdiffusor, air pressure elevated device to the acceleration of the tire of change-process

Performances: Acceleration (0â€“100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds. 240 km/h, (100â€“0 km/h) : 3.1 Seconds and/or 31 meters

Security: support (HANS)-System tease shrink-wrapped Sechspunkt- security belt, automatic race sport seats inclusive Head And

Weight: max. 1150 Kilograms (including driver)

(In the technical data concerns it values).

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

“Rough” that is ;)

Gabe Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Is the suspension a preview of JCW car also, or just the engine?

The JCW Sport Suspension that was released to dealers this week is more likely a preview of what the JCW Stage II car will have.

Very interesting indeed. Would love to see all three modifications (Front brake ducts, rear diffuser, wing) to come with the factory JCW. With the addition of the rear diffuser wonder what they have done with the underside of the car.

I’ve found that Euro spec MCSs already have underside panels similar to the GP where US version do not. Why.. I have no idea.

The front spoiler lip looks larger too and thank god it does not have those stupid turn-buckles on it.

What’s a turn-buckle? If you’re talking about the front airdam that gets lower in front of the wheels on the JCW aero-kit, that’s an aero trick that BMW uses on most of their M products in place of a less than road-worthy front splitter.

This is the first R56 that has actually looked good to me, there is hopeâ€¦

That’s kind of an odd thing to say as this car is basically a MCS with the JCW kit aero-kit that has been available since last winter. Obviously the meaty rubber and extreme lowered suspension are nice touches but the combination would present some real clearance and comfort issues on public roads.

gabe – you have to come back to germany in 2008, to make another taxi-ride with chris in the new challenge mini!

Tell me when and where ;)

I would like to know when we you should expect the JCW Stage II in US. Also, is the JCW Stage II will resemble somewhat the Mini JCW Challenge? I read somewhere (may be here -Motoringfile-) that it would be close to 220 hp and 0-60MPH under 6 sec. Is it true?

Don’t mean to come off wrong… but please take look at some of our previous JCW articles for these answers. They are there and they’re easy to find.

Has anyone heard anything about a MINI Challenge series in the US? I would be very interested.

Again answers are on the site. There’s even a link to a related article within this post.

“Private customers not competing in the MINI Challenge series can expect deliveries of cars from June 2008.” Is this going to be street legal?

Answers are on the site elsewhere and in this case in this very article.

I swear some of you guys didnâ€™t even read the articleâ€¦

It’s amazing how few people actually read the entire article before commenting isn’t it? My favorite are the semi-nasty emails or comments we’ll get when we don’t answer questions that have been answered countless times already.

The front brakes look to be the same size (too small) as the rear brakes.

As with most automotive photography these days, these images are heavily processed. They’re best viewed from a distance.

As far as I know the instructions on where to mount the JCworks badge is in the fitting instructions and is on the lower air intake grille.

This is not true for the R56 “Stage I” dealer installed kit about to be released. The correct location (as indicated by MINI) is right side of the upper grille.

BTW how about that wicked rear JCW badge placement? I may just go this route as it’ll finally give me a good reason to lose that God-forsaken “S” logo.

Nigel Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Gabe admit it……. This JCW Challenge R56 S is the best looking R56 I have ever seen. Lowering the car makes a huge difference visually and simply enhances the lines of the car. You can’t tell me the 4X4 ride height of the stock car is aesthetically pleasing to the eye because it isn’t. And that lowering the car will have an impact in ride quality and would pose a challenge in public roads is simply…well unsubstantiated opinions.

If you lower your car, you’ll come to appreciate what many of us have been saying here.

Gabe Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Gabe admit itâ€¦â€¦. This JCW Challenge R56 S is the best looking R56 I have ever seen. If you lower your car, youâ€™ll come to appreciate what many of us have been saying here.

Frank – Why do you need my affirmation? I’ve been saying the same thing since day one and I’ve written about it countless times. It was the same situation on the R53 – the stock ride height just wasn’t entirely aggressive. The R56 ride is the same but it’s magnified by the greater space in the wheel wells (allowing for more travel). Naturally the race car looks better slammed. Do you want me to say it as an asterisk in every single comment so you can remember?

gokartride Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Some people sure like their cars lowered!!!

Drill Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Great, as if I needed ANOTHER reason to look forward to the Frankfurt Auto Show, lol.

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Gabe “Iâ€™ve found that Euro spec MCSs already have underside panels similar to the GP where US version do not. Why.. I have no idea.”

Maybe a good point to remember the next time your exchanging emails with some of your contacts at Mini. Seems more than a little silly to offer different aero pieces. Can’t imagine it does anything to the crash worthiness. Maybe its just all about the cost to product these parts for the US. Depending on the kit they develop for the factory JCW I will be doing a major exhaustive search of components from Europe. I was very excited to see the undercarriage panels in some of the previous shots and very put out that they aren’t on the current kit. I also think the diffuser would look much better than the current design, although I think the current one looks decent.

Would love to pursue the race version but without a series in the States it would put you into a very tough class which has a lot of better cars in it. Going to be a tough wait to watch and see what they do with the factory JCW. Still holding the #1 delivery spot at my dealership, so you might say more than a little eager.

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Hands down the most interesting info in the story

“As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard MINI Cooper S engine receives modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system”

Twin-scroll turbo – wishing hard that they would have gone for a twin turbo.

Air intake – Will the mail slot finally have a purpose

Electronic sensors – lots of possibilities here.

MINI Fireman Aug 14th, 2007 Link

BTW how about that wicked rear JCW badge placement? I may just go this route as itâ€™ll finally give me a good reason to lose that God-forsaken “S” logo.

So shave it already. ;D

Some people sure like their cars lowered!!!

Stance is EVERYTHING. :D

Let’s hope much of this makes it into the street version. I second the new colors mantra, but first bring back Jet Black.

lavardera Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Whatâ€™s a turn-buckle? If youâ€™re talking about the front airdam that gets lower in front of the wheels

A turn-buckle is a piece of adjustable hardware used like this:

mini w/splitter

I’m just saying that I’m glad they did not give the Mini challenge car this kind of treatment with the splitter and hardware, since it seems to be popular with some Mini owners. This jumped the shark when they put it on the nascar car-of-tomorrow…

eto Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Is there any way we can get some high-res versions of these pics?

Chris Aug 14th, 2007 Link

eto…high-res versions of the images are located at the very bottom of the article. They look like this:

Front View / Side View / Rear View

The high-res images make great desktop wallpaper.

BTW, the R56 is awesome, and this makes me want one even more. Now if I only knew what color to get!

Jon Aug 14th, 2007 Link

Eto did you see the extra large links at the bottom of the article? There is one of the front, side, and rear.

Darren Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Wow! Thats one seriously cool Mini.

I hope that some of the features will be taken over to the factory Works car or at the very least available as options. And yes, bring back Jet black!!!

eto Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Thanks for pointing out my oversight, Chris and Jon! :)

dark06mcs Aug 15th, 2007 Link

well, if you believe those german “specs” it still says 1598 cc, guess they didnt bore it out like some people thought

lavardera Aug 15th, 2007 Link

The side vents are unique as well – chrome, no S

Charlie Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Gabe, Any indication of the “US version” being priced differently than the UK/Europe one at 49,900 Euros? That amount translates to $67,000 right now. You have to wonder where the extra $30k is coming from….other than being profit.

Philip Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Ha, it’s so nice to be a Frankfurter (not a Wiener!).

Can wait to see the car here at the Motor Show in September.

Mark (Ohio) Aug 15th, 2007 Link

I really like the graphics they used on this car. I’ve never seen a side number kit like this, very cool! I just like how it all ties together, the viper stripes even the stickers. Kudos to the design team!

Jon Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Race suspension would be my bet for a large bit of the cost, would guess there isn’t a large bit of profit on these cars. Interior race components would add up, anyways I doubt that Mini is doing anything with its pricing outside of selling it for the cost of the components and any additional time and effort to support the cars when their out.

BG Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Do you know what the wheel and tire sizes are?

DanC Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Will those wheels made by Borbet fit the R53? Will they be available as an accessory?

Siddhartha Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Here’s the spec MINI we’ve been waiing for.

MINI USA, where’s OUR series?? Doesn’t the fact that the Challenge is so popular in the rest of the world arouse any interest in you guys?

I personally know 10 guys in California who have cobbled together Mini race cars/track cars out of aftermarket parts and taught themselves how to drive them fast. Wouldn’t you like to see them duke it out at Sears Point or Laguna Seca? I know I would . . . heck, I’d be in one!

Cory Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Maybe MINI can be convinced to make this car road-legal. On the right track?

Jon Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Don’t get me wrong I love this car, but next question just how many people here are willing to spend over 60k on a road legal Mini. I for one would not. I have little problem with a 35-40k decked out Mini but 20k extra, nope. If there was a established race here in the states like the Challenge I would seriously think about this car for the track but if I am spending 60k on a street car it wouldn’t be a Mini

Siddhartha Aug 15th, 2007 Link

It’s just a matter of personal choice, Jon.

Personally, I have invested over $60K in my JCW MCS track car.

So to answer your question: at least one.

Siddhartha Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Cory:

Why make it road legal?? It’s a dedicated track car not unlike the Lotus Sport Exige Cup Car. It is what it is. Trailer it to the track and flog it. Yippeee!

dickdavid Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Thanks for the high res pics for my desktop! Looks awesome!

Gabe Aug 15th, 2007 Link

That amount translates to $67,000 right now. You have to wonder where the extra $30k is coming fromâ€¦.other than being profit.

While I’m sure MINI isn’t losing money on this car, they aren’t making it hand over fist. The price difference is due to reverse economies of scale combined with pricey components and the fact that these cars are produced mostly be hand.

Any indication of the “US version” being priced differently than the UK/Europe one at 49,900 Euros?

This was answered in an article about the car earlier this summer.

MINI USA, whereâ€™s OUR series?? Doesnâ€™t the fact that the Challenge is so popular in the rest of the world arouse any interest in you guys?

There are several reasons that it just doesn’t work in this country. For one, the people willing to spend $70k on a track car typically don’t want a MINI. Secondly there just isn’t a huge interest in one-make racing series in this country. It’s a sad fact but the NASCAR-ization of US racing has drained much of the money and interest out of these type of series.

Jon Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Siddhartha would love to see the stats on your track car and some photo’s. Sounds like you have a barn stormer.

eto Aug 15th, 2007 Link

There are several reasons that it just doesnâ€™t work in this country. For one, the people willing to spend $70k on a track car typically donâ€™t want a MINI. Secondly there just isnâ€™t a huge interest in one-make racing series in this country. Itâ€™s a sad fact but the NASCAR-ization of US racing has drained much of the money and interest out of these type of series.

Mazda has done well with the Miata/MX-5 cup series. I think the price of admission is a good bit less than 60k, though. The series was televised on Speed Channel. From what I’ve seen of interviews with MINIUSA execs, they won’t be supporting major race series, which would be necessary for a MINI cup series to succeed.

Gabe Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Mazda has done well with the Miata/MX-5 cup series. I think the price of admission is a good bit less than 60k, though.

You’re absolutely right. However (as you point out) the price of entry is substantially lower and thus the opportunity to get large (regionally based) fields in much higher.

coobah Aug 16th, 2007 Link

I love it!! I agree, it finally makes me want an R56, or whatever they will call it. That rear wing is SICK! It is a twin-tier jobby, not attached at the sides like the GP, but at the top. If the diffuser is available for the 09 JCW, I am getting one, no questions.

I totally agree about the color selection from Mini though, we need more choices. Bring back silk green, and EB.

coobah Aug 16th, 2007 Link

I meant to add, I would like to see a photochop look of this car with some black R105s!!! Anyone help with that request?

micah Aug 16th, 2007 Link

Mazda has done well with the Miata/MX-5 cup series. I think the price of admission is a good bit less than 60k, though.

The price for building a MX-5 cup car is darn close to what MINI will be charging, and personally I’d much rather race the MINI. You can build a spec Miata for significantly less, but even the top guys in that class are paying upwards of $50K for “cheater” spec cars with engines made from matched components (B&B is not allowed, but people will always stretch the rules to the nth degreee).

Compared to the entry price of $250K or more for a competitive Speed World Challenge car, and the MINI actually starts to sound like a bargain. Don’t get me worng, I can’t afford the spec MINI, but given its components and the labor that goes into building a dialed, reliable, safe race car, the price is not obscene.

If you wanna go race regionally for the least amount of money, a series like spec e30, spec 944, spec Miata, Honda Challenge is probably the way to go…

micah Aug 16th, 2007 Link

Itâ€™s a sad fact but the NASCAR-ization of US racing has drained much of the money and interest out of these type of series.

Sad indeed, the amount of $ for grassroots racing in the States relative to the strength of our car culture is pathetic. In contrast, look at many European countries and others like Australia/NZ — they have numerous top level motorsports series like F1, MotoGP, WRC, DTM, Aussie touring car, etc. in addition to more grassroots, smaller, well-supported, sponsored series like MINI Challenge.

lavardera Aug 16th, 2007 Link

Nascar… have you ever seen one of their runs on a road course? Lumbering those big american “sedans” around real curves…

GregW Aug 16th, 2007 Link

Now here’s a dream…. The Indy 500 is being revamped and all cars will be MINI Coopers. Hmmm… didn’t John Cooper bring his F1 rear drive car to race at Indy and cause a stir and revolution?

Siddhartha Aug 16th, 2007 Link

Jon Aug 15th, 2007 Link

Siddhartha would love to see the stats on your track car and some photoâ€™s. Sounds like you have a barn stormer.

The only stat that matters is a 2:06 time around Thunderhill, which set the Time Trials Class D record in May 2007.

Check out the process here:

http://www.motoringunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5177

tsukiji Aug 16th, 2007 Link

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE car may never come to the US because, unfortunately, MINIUSA doesn’t have enough money to support it. MINIUSA barely has enough money to send a sandwich-board guy to Hot Import Nights, much less to support competitive motorsports.

Jon Aug 16th, 2007 Link

Looks good Siddhartha!

Think you pointed out my one problem with this race car. No car I have ever driven is perfect, modify..modify..modify is my history. Starting with a 65k base Mini to modify isn’t likely, sure do look forward to my future factory JCW.

engine 58 Aug 17th, 2007 Link

they should come to sebring and homestead. i would go to both. also the car is awesome i just hope we can get some of that cool stuff !

Nigel Aug 17th, 2007 Link

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE car may never come to the US because, unfortunately, MINIUSA doesnâ€™t have enough money to support it. MINIUSA barely has enough money to send a sandwich-board guy to Hot Import Nights, much less to support competitive motorsports

Really?

MINIUSA seems to have enough cash to send people on free trips to Europe (from the US), to cover their top tier events, like MINI UNITED.

MINIUSA is most certainly not a cash strapped operation.

Gabe Aug 17th, 2007 Link

MINIUSA seems to have enough cash to send people on free trips to Europe (from the US), to cover their top tier events, like MINI UNITED.

Wow you’re right Frank. Flying a couple journalists to Europe on $800 plane tickets is surely about equal to a multi-million dollar national race series. Yeah, what’s stopping them!!!!

MINIUSA is most certainly not a cash strapped operation.

Man you really ended the argument there. “Most certainly” is obviously better than “most” and “certainly” on their own. Nothing else needs to be said does it?

Jon Aug 17th, 2007 Link

The fact is from any business’s view it all falls down to cost analysis.

I am sure MiniUSA has looked at this many times and asked the same question. Would a Mini race series in the United States costs offset an improvement of the brand image or sales. Although I would love a Mini spec race, but I happen to agree with their decision to date.

Charlie Aug 18th, 2007 Link

Let’s differentiate between a MINI Challenge Series coming to the USA vs the MINI Challenge car being sold in the USA. I vote to bring the car over here for sale to individuals to race in whatever series it will qualify for!

Siddhartha Aug 18th, 2007 Link

I’m with Charlie. And then we’ll take it to Newfie and do the Rally!

Jon Aug 18th, 2007 Link

I agree that they should bring the car to the States, still a tad expensive when its going to be in a tough division that I am not sure how competitive it would be. Still a very exciting car and one that would be a blast to take around the track.

CandaceMichelle Dec 31st, 2007 Link

hey guys i love my mini its great ppl should really take them for a spin i got mine when i turned 16 and im currently 17 and still lovin it mine is turbo charged so i really get to have some fun in it!! it was fixed up with the british flags and stuff when i got it and im about to start makin my engine parts chrome i cant wait to get thru with it its gonna be nice!! any suggestions let me know!!

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