Mini John Cooper Works Rally Racer Unveiled; Boasts 340 Horsepower

Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3

The Mini John Cooper Works Rally car will participate in Dakar 2017 and Silk Way Rally; powered by a BMW 3.0L turbo six-cylinder diesel engine

Mini has unveiled the John Cooper Works Rally racer for the Dakar 2017. The rally car is based on the Mini Countryman and ready to accept the challenge of rough and patchy terrains. This car also participates in the 2017 Silk Way Rally alongside the Dakar 2017, which is scheduled to happen in January next year. The rally route for Dakar 2017 includes Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay.

The Mini John Cooper Works Rally car sits on a tubular frame chassis, which is approved by the Federation of International Automobiles (FIA). It has been designed to take on the rough terrains and for that, it uses a robust body. The car gets plenty of modifications which ensure aerodynamic efficiency, enhanced cooling and lower fuel consumption.

Mini John Cooper Works Rally

Also read: India-Bound 2017 Mini Countryman Flaunts at LA Auto Show

Compared to the regular Mini Countryman, the rally edition comes wider and its bonnet has been lowered to provide better visibility to the driver. It sports large roof integrated air intake, honeycomb structure made of carbon fiber and Kevlar on the underbody. Also it gets three spare wheels and the third wheel has been shifted to the underbody from boot, which lowers the car’s centre of gravity. This car also has two hydraulic lifts, which can be operated from the cockpit.

For power, the Mini JCW rally car uses a BMW developed 3.0-litre turbocharged, six-cylinder engine under the hood. This engine is capable to churn out 340 hp of peak power at 3,250 rpm and enormous 800 Nm of peak torque at 1,850 rpm. Mini claims, the powertrain has been optimized by a new engine management system. It helps in retaining power at high altitude and reduces fuel consumption. The car can run at a top speed of 183 kmph.

Mini John Cooper Works Rally 1

Also read: Mini Cooper S Carbon Edition Launched in India at Rs 39.9 Lakh

For braking duty, the Mini JCW rally car uses 320 mm steel disc brakes, while the suspension duty is done by Reiger Racing suspension set-up. Mini also claims, the vehicle has gone through rigorous testing in air tunnel and now the JCW rally car is in its final testing phase.

Mini John Cooper Works Rally 2

Also read: First Ever Mini Plug-In Hybrid Previewed