Mini returns to top-flight motorsport to field a radical track-prepared version of the range-topping Mini JCW GP hot hatch at next month’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
The race car was created by Bulldog Racing, based near parent company Mini BMW’s Nürburgring engineering center, and it will be fitted with M Performance brakes (a first for a Mini), as well as a range of brakes. Other track-focused upgrades – most obviously a dramatic new aero package that includes an adjustable rear spoiler, fully wrapped underbody, rear diffuser and new front splitter.
Bulldog, which only started the project in September, also added a racing cage, a 100-liter fuel tank suitable for endurance racing and bespoke racing suspension.
Up front, the same 302bhp turbocharged four-cylinder as the road-going JCW GP is still connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and mechanical limited-slip differential, but a new racing exhaust system is installed.
Bulldog says the car pays homage to Mini’s racing history with a red and white color scheme inspired by the company’s 1960s rally racers.
It is not yet known whether the race car will inspire a special edition for the road.
The team hopes that this special JCW will bring it to the podium of the 50th edition of the mythical event, which will take place from May 26 to 29. He last raced at the 2012 event.
This year the races will be held on the Grand Prix circuit of the track and the Nordschleife in a 15.77 mile loop. The line-up of the pilots has not yet been announced.
Mini has a successful history in competitive racing, primarily in rallying in the WRC and Dakar – the latter with six overall wins over the past 10 years.
As it pushes for motorsport glory in its combustion racers, Mini is also working on electrifying its performance division, revealing in 2020 official photos of an electric JCW GPE prototype.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-19 14:59:15