MINI WRC Countryman Gallery & Full Specification
(Hi-Res Gallery Added)
MINI has just released the first real photos and full specifications of the WRC Countryman. While there are no real surprises (if you know your WRC cars) it is noteworthy to see some of the details.
As we’ve reported MINI WRC was developed by Prodrive in accordance to the new FIA Super 2000 regulations on the basis of the MINI Countryman production model. However the engine is 100% BMW Motorsport. What we still don’t know is how closely (if at all) it’s related to factory the MINI/JCW powerplant.
Looking at the design of the car we see the JCW brand is used thoroughly and there are some new radical elements we hadn’t seen before. The car features the classic Red and White MINI rally livery from the 1960 but it’s clearly updated and modern in every way. Also evident are the pains MINI has gone through to keep the stock look of the WRC Countryman. It’s going to be very interesting to see how this not only looks next to the new Ford Fiesta and Citroen’s new DS3 rally cars.
Full Gallery (w/Renderings)
[nggallery id=41]
Hi-Res Gallery (Photos Only)
Specifications
Dimensions:
Length: 4,110 mm
Width: 1,820 mm
Weight: 1,200 kg (FIA minimum weight)
Engine:
BMW Motorsport 1,600 cc, direct injection petrol Garrett turbocharger – maximum boost 2.5 bar Dry sump
Transmission:
Permanent four wheel drive Gearbox: Xtrac 6-speed sequential
Clutch:
AP Racing sintered twin plate
Front differential:
Plated limited slip
Rear differential:
Plated limited slip
Steering:
Hydraulic power assisted
Chassis:
MINI Countryman bodyshell with Prodrive roll cage exceeding FIA regulations
Suspension:
Front: Prodrive Öhlins Macpherson strut, 3 way adjustable damper
Rear: Prodrive Öhlins Macpherson strut, 3 way adjustable damper
Wheels:
ATS wheels and Michelin tyres Gravel: 15†diameter Tarmac: 18†diameter
<p>So when will we see pics of it on the floor?</p>
37! Holley cuss, this is going to be a blast!! I might self-combust when MINI WRC rolls into Monte Carlo.
<p>I can’t wait until they’re racing again! I might have to schedule a trip to see some WRC action next year.</p>
<p>2.5 bar is about 36 psi. I wonder what the horsepower rating is.</p>
<p>I think the internet phrases of “Do Want!” & “Moar!” are appropriate here. Man, that looks gooooood. No wheel gap, love the rims, good stance & even the light rack is growing on me. What color is the paint though? Reminds me of that red that only the justas got.</p>
<p>I hope some semblance of the WRC shows up as an option package for the for-sale Countryman. I’d take one with that stance, and the rally light setup.</p>
<p>Ohhh Hawtness!!</p>
<p>I think the WRC countryman “see you in 2011” stickers should be put on the windows, or be able to purchase for all new countryman.</p>
<p>BAD ASS.</p>
<p>How many of the images are renderings? Why does it say BFG on some tires and Michelin on others? I like MINI’s and all but this car looks lumpy compared to the Fiesta WRC that was unveiled today in Paris.</p>
<p>@Rob – I’d guess that 6-9 are renders.</p>
<p>alpinamike–
How about See You in 2011 vinyl stickers for anyone? I know I’d sport one on my car. That would be a great form of advertising.</p>
<p>Please sir, may I have one.</p>
<p>Schweet ;-)</p>
<p>Friggin’ awesome. The Countryman makes even more sense now.</p>
<p>Just give me the lowered stance, the aero and rally lights and a five passenger bench and we’re a go!</p>
<p>That is one GREAT LOOKING RACE CAR! Can’t wait to the 2011 WRC season!</p>
<p>Ready to unveil.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Image doesn’t work, then like this.
<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5038766404_b36bf225b1_b.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5038766404_b36bf225b1_b.jpg</a></p>
<p>Hmm Where are the paddle shifters? Notice the way they molded the tach into the dash instead of mounting it on the steering column.</p>
<p>I love the JCW Surf Board on the front!</p>
<p>Is this a true BMW engine or is it the horrible joint ventue with puegeot?</p>
<p>I must admit his version is pretty sweet but @rob has a point about this compared to the Fiesta. The graphics are really nice.</p>
<p>Want the rims and the rear wing!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=22567" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=22567</a></p>
<p>If you could get a Countryman even somewhat close to this stance and trim, it would be a huge winner. But unfortunately, it will never happen.</p>
<p>@Rob, good point, given the fact that Michelin is the WRC’s tire sponsor for 2011.</p>
<p>Too bad those graphics will never see a race. Rally cars are moving bilboards for Sponsor logos. Sponsors pay the bills!</p>
<p>I want that wing and roof vent on a street Countryman…</p>
<p>Can you build a Countryman yet on the MINI USA configurator?</p>
<p>more images and story here
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-mini-countryman-wrc-looks-the-part/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-mini-countryman-wrc-looks-the-part/</a></p>
<p>Nice truck….</p>
<p>Agree re: comparison with Ford Fiesta WRC, which looks so much more aggressive & racy IMO. What really matters though is performance & dev’t potential. Prodrive certainly knows their stuff & Meeke is signed on, let’s hope Gronholm joins as a driver too.</p>
<p>There’s also something funky going on with the interior dash that looks incorrect to me. No way a driver will be able to look over to the center console area to see gear for example…it’s absolutely useless as a speedo on a street car, how can it be functional for a driver sliding around at 150+ kph with trees on both sides? I very much doubt that the dial will be retained on the gauge directly in front of the driver as shown on the interior image, instead changed to a digital display with key info like gear selection.</p>
<p>Love it!!
I wasn’t sure I would ever see a Prodrive creation that I liked more than their Ferrari 550 from a few years back, but they have done it!
This is simply amazing, and with Prodrive involved, it should be a contender, maybe not straight away, but in time it will be competitive.
Good Stuff MINI!!!!</p>
<p>@ Micah, if you watch Ken Block’s Gymkhana 3 his Ford Fiesta shows the center of the dash with the tach being in front of the driver. However, gear selection in Block’s Fiesta was digital.</p>
<p>WOW!</p>
<p>Time to get busy Todd!!!</p>
<p>I love how far back that seating position is. Talk about shifting weight!</p>
<p>@Dean Corey
The shifter is that tall rod next to the right hand knuckles when when the hand is placed on the steering wheel.</p>
<p>I’m looking forward to seeing it race!</p>
<p>I just found my new wallpaper!</p>
<p>and I am at a loss as to the comparisons with the fiesta.</p>
<p>just awful. enough mean/badass vehicle outhere as it is. What is this madmax obsession? Minis up until now very small fun sport quwarky cars… if you want badass, get a Meanmeanmean Dodge Charger…</p>
<p>Can’t wait to see this car in action during the Rally of New Zealand round in 2011.
It’s a pity USA petrolheads are a bit more enthusiastic about International Rally events instead of watching saloon cars drive flat out in an oval circuit.</p>
<blockquote>Dean Cory Sep 30th, 2010 Link
Is this a true BMW engine or is it the horrible joint ventue with puegeot?
</blockquote>
<p>I don’t think you know what involvement puegot has with the engine if you label it a horrible joint venture. (hint – it’s very little)</p>
<p>alpinamike– How about See You in 2011 vinyl stickers for anyone? I know I’d sport one on my car. That would be a great form of advertising.</p>
<p><strong>Yes the sticker is a must for all owners! I am sure gabe already has a motoring badge for that, or Todd is making more up as we speak</strong></p>
<p>To bad we won’t get to see it race. Sadly there is no coverage of the WRC in North America. Thank goodness for torrents.</p>
<p>Happy Motoring,
Jack</p>
<p>f-… hot</p>
<p>Wish they would have made a 4wd Cooper for WRC instead…this seems like way too much…too much blubber compared to the way that Mini won Monte Carlo back in the 60’s. Seems like Bimmer just wants to sell Countrymans really really bad. Call me when the factory puts a Cooper WRC-spec on the tarmac…</p>
<p>Any HP Ratings? This vehicle is hot. Rewgardless of what the others are offering I like the fact that this is different.</p>
<p>Let us now all fold our hands and pray for all that is good and wonderful in the universe that we will see a JCW version that even vaguely resembles this car, and preferably available at our local dealerships anytime in the near future. Amen.</p>
<p>Love it !!!!</p>
<p>Tres jolie automobile!</p>
<p>Saw the car today, but my point and shoot wasn’t working well. Saw more photos on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-mini-countryman-wrc-looks-the-part/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-mini-countryman-wrc-looks-the-part/</a> and <a href="http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/10/01/ultimate-photo-gallery-mini-countryman-wrc/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/10/01/ultimate-photo-gallery-mini-countryman-wrc/</a></p>
<p>Looks good Gabe. Minor typo in the second sentence, inside the paren: “you’re” should be “your” I believe.</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>-Morgan</p>
<p>When can I buy one?!</p>
<p>Bravo on the graphics! Looks great.</p>
<p>Wow, I used to want some 1 series M thing BMW was working on, but I can barely remember it after seeing this car. Me want want want!</p>
<p>The engine will be shared with the Citroen DS3 rally car. As per regulations, the power is limited to 300hp.</p>
<p>It can be yours for only $250,000 USD, complete with spares.</p>
<p>Well, Ideally it would be as someone else said. Most of the exterior looks and streetable. ;)</p>
<p>BMW Motorsport 1,600 cc, direct injection petrol Garrett turbocharger = Prince ???</p>