MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance takes on the "Green Hell"

MINI has thrown its newest offspring into the toughest endurance race in the world, giving it a baptism of fire which should prove its sporting credentials beyond any doubt.

MINI used its experience gained over many years of MINI Challenge sprint racing, in the development of its new racing car for this unique event and this will be the first time the new MINI Coupe has been seen in public. No pressure then..

The Car

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit – which boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection – delivers 246 bhp, and the Overboost function pushes peak torque up to 330 Newton metres. Top speed is in excess of 150 mph.

The stiff race suspension is said to provide impressive road-holding and gives the driver constant, direct feedback from the road surface. Adjustable shock absorber units allow the suspension set-up to be adapted to fluctuating track conditions, a feature that will come in particularly handy at the Nordschleife.

The more steeply raked windscreen of the car’s flat coupé silhouette sets it apart clearly from the Hatch and helps to minimise aerodynamic drag, which will help the coupe reach its 150 mph top speed on the long Döttinger Höhe straight.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance is a one-off production for this years N24 event, however MINI Motorsport has set up a Customer Racing programme which is likely to see it if offer the car to privateer race teams in 2012.

To follow the car’s progress throughout the 24 hours, pay a visit to www.minimotorsport.com and follow MINI Motorsport on Facebook and Twitter.

Here’s what MINI had to say in their announcement a few days ago..

On 25th and 26th June, MINI will face the ultimate challenge. Everything about the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is unique: the strain on man and machine, the enthusiasm of the 200,000 fans at the circuit, and the pride felt by all those involved when they see the chequered flag. This race is the toughest test in international motorsport.

Racing fans from around the world will be there again this year, as MINI lines up at the “Eifel Rollercoaster” to take on iconic sections like Pflanzgarten, the Caroussel or Döttinger Höhe at race speed while adding the next chapter of storied MINI appearances in the “Green Hell”.

One thing is already certain: MINI fans can expect something spectacular at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Not only is MINI sending a strong and ambitious team to the largest endurance race in the world, but the car will also cause a stir.

At a Glance

	MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance
Engine	tuned MINI John Cooper Works engine series custom engine management, four-cylinder inline engine with Twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection, fitted across the front, racing exhaust system
Displacement	1,598 cm3
Power	about 184 kW / 250 hp
Max Torque	about 330 Nm (including overboost)
Top Speed	240 km / h
Transmission	front-wheel drive, sequential 6-speed manual gearbox with electronic differential lock
Suspension	train and rebound adjustable Racing suspension(KW suspension), Independent suspension, adjustable spring strut front strut brace
Tyres	racing tires (Dunlop) / 215/45 R17 slicks, Rain tires 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing wheels (Borbet)
Body	John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adjustable rear wing, rear diffuser acc. Regulations, air pressure lifting device
Security	MINI Challenge brake system with Racing-racing-specific ABS, DSC, welded-in roll cage, six-point Seat belt, racing seat (Recaro) including HANS system, Emergency concept with electronically controlled fire extinguishing system
Interior	racing wheel (Sparco), Drive-Data display with shift indicator
Weight	965 kg
Wheelbase	2467 mm
Fuel-tank volume	100 litres

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