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By EWAN KENNEDY
8 February 2010
Now here's something to challenge the eyes. The
race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition (the name
is almost as long as the car!) has just been released onto to
Australian roads.
Those who have been to major car race meetings in Australia in
recent years will have enjoyed the close cut and thrust of the
MINI Challenge race series. Now you can drive a car that looks
just like the real thing and use it legally on the road. The MINI
John Cooper Challenge Edition is close to the racing car both in
appearance and performance.
That's because the racing regulations for the MINI Challenge are
deliberately tough and permit a minimum of modifications. That's
in an attempt to keep costs under control. Well sort of under
control, because there's certainly no such thing as cheap car
racing. The tough regulations mean the racing MINIs are close to
the road cars in their specification, relying on detailed
optimisation by those fettling them to try and give one car an
edge over the others.
The John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is only sold in Australia.
It has the following features over the standard MINI John Cooper
Works model: an aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and
side aprons, carbon spoiler, aluminium cross brace, Alcantara and
carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob
with Alcantara shroud, handbrake lever with Alcantara surround.
And, of course, unique Challenge Edition badging.
The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the
same engine as the race cars. It produces 155kW from its
twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre. Torque is strong,
normally it's set at a maximum of 260 Nm of torque, but it can be
brought up to 280 Nm for a few seconds if you trample the throttle
and bring in the Overboost) function. The result is a hot little
MINI that goes from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
The Challenge Edition is available with all new hardtop, Clubman
or Cabrio models. Representing over $7000 worth of value, the
Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a
$2500 option.
The 2010 MINI Challenge racing season begins in March with the
category’s debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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