Automotive

A higher spec John Cooper Works? Mini rises to the Challenge

A higher spec John Cooper Works? Mini rises to the Challenge
The John Cooper Works Challenge is based on the latest John Cooper Works Hatch
The John Cooper Works Challenge is based on the latest John Cooper Works Hatch
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The John Cooper Works Challenge is based on the latest John Cooper Works Hatch
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The John Cooper Works Challenge is based on the latest John Cooper Works Hatch
The John Cooper Works Challenge kicks out 231 hp (172 kW)
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The John Cooper Works Challenge kicks out 231 hp (172 kW)
The John Cooper Works Challenge has a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.3-seconds
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The John Cooper Works Challenge has a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.3-seconds
The John Cooper Works Challenge has a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
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The John Cooper Works Challenge has a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
The John Cooper Works Challenge features the Pro Aerokit, that gives the Challenge lower front splitters, rear spoiler add-ons, a rear diffuser and rear splitters
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The John Cooper Works Challenge features the Pro Aerokit, that gives the Challenge lower front splitters, rear spoiler add-ons, a rear diffuser and rear splitters
The John Cooper Works Challenge has enlarged front air intakes for cooling
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The John Cooper Works Challenge has enlarged front air intakes for cooling
The John Cooper Works Challenge has contoured wheel arch extensions and a rear spoiler
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The John Cooper Works Challenge has contoured wheel arch extensions and a rear spoiler
The John Cooper Works Challenge sits on 17-in wheels that are 0.5-in (12.7 mm) wider than on the standard John Cooper Works Hatch
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The John Cooper Works Challenge sits on 17-in wheels that are 0.5-in (12.7 mm) wider than on the standard John Cooper Works Hatch
The John Cooper Works Challenge features a Pro exhaust that maximizes the output of spent gases
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The John Cooper Works Challenge features a Pro exhaust that maximizes the output of spent gases
The John Cooper Works Challenge has "super-sticky" Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
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The John Cooper Works Challenge has "super-sticky" Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
The John Cooper Works Challenge is painted in White Silver
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The John Cooper Works Challenge is painted in White Silver
Only 100 John Cooper Works Challenges will be made available
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Only 100 John Cooper Works Challenges will be made available
The John Cooper Works Challenge will cost £32,000 (US$45,400)
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will cost £32,000 (US$45,400)
The John Cooper Works Challenge will debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The John Cooper Works Challenge has the familiar logo on the inset of the doors
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The John Cooper Works Challenge has the familiar logo on the inset of the doors
The John Cooper Works Challenge will only be made available in the UK
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will only be made available in the UK
The John Cooper Works Challenge will be provided with recommended road and track settings
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will be provided with recommended road and track settings
The John Cooper Works Challenge will feature sports seats
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will feature sports seats
The John Cooper Works Challenge will have Carbon Black cloth upholstery
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will have Carbon Black cloth upholstery
The John Cooper Works Challenge will be powered by a 2.0-l four-cylinder engine
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The John Cooper Works Challenge will be powered by a 2.0-l four-cylinder engine
The John Cooper Works Challenge employs employs Nitron coilover spring and damper units for its suspension
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The John Cooper Works Challenge employs employs Nitron coilover spring and damper units for its suspension
View gallery - 21 images

As if the Mini's performance-focused John Cooper Works wasn't already fun enough, the carmaker has announced a new version developed with on-track driving in mind. The John Cooper Works (JCW) Challenge has adjustable suspension, high-grip tires, lightweight alloy wheels and improved braking.

The Challenge is still intended to be perfectly at home as a day-to-day runaround, but, having produced a car of such performance caliber in the JCW, Mini says it was keen to see just what might be possible in tailoring it for the track. The Challenge is based on the latest John Cooper Works Hatch, which is the most powerful Mini ever produced.

Powered by a 2.0-l four-cylinder engine, the Hatch kicks out 231 hp (172 kW) and 320 Nm (235 lb.ft) of torque, with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.3-seconds and a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h). As such, the development team decided it was content with the power and, instead, set about refining the chassis, suspension, tires and braking, among other features, borrowing from the Mini Challenge racing car along the way.

To begin with, the JCW Challenge has enlarged front air intakes for cooling, newly contoured wheel arch extensions and a rear spoiler. The JCW Pro Aerokit, which is an option for the standard model, gives the Challenge lower front splitters, rear spoiler add-ons, a rear diffuser and rear splitters, all aimed at improving the car's aerodynamic performance. A JCW Pro exhaust is fitted to maximize the output of spent gases.

The Challenge's suspension employs Nitron coilover spring and damper units, for which the bump, rebound and overall ride height can be adjusted. Recommended road and track settings are provided, but drivers can tune the suspension precisely as they see fit. Quaife automatic torque biasing limited slip differential provides improved traction by rerouting power away from a spinning front wheel during acceleration.

The John Cooper Works Challenge has a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
The John Cooper Works Challenge has a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).

Additional traction is also provided courtesy of "super-sticky" Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Mini says they provide high levels of grip, without causing any refinement issues, and will be fitted to the 17-in wheel of the standard John Cooper Works Hatch, albeit one that is 0.5-in (12.7 mm) wider.

To reign in the improved performance of the JCW Challenge, there are grooved and part-drilled 330-mm (13-in) front brake discs with four-pot (or four-piston) Brembo-developed calipers, along with specially developed brake pads. Mini says that this combination will deliver excellent on-track braking performance both on the track and on the road.

Every John Cooper Works Challenge is painted in White Silver. Inside, there are JCW sports seats, a sports steering wheel and Carbon Black cloth upholstery.

Only 100 John Cooper Works Challenges will be produced, all of which will be made available in the UK only. They will be priced at £32,000 (US$45,400) each and the car will debut at the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed from June 23 - 26.

Source: Mini

View gallery - 21 images
2 comments
2 comments
Gizmowiz
They could make it far far far faster if they just put in an EV drive train like the Tesla P90D !!
DonaldEspeut
MINI - Go electric or die!