Rallying has been part of MINI since the early days and the legend of Paddy Hopkirk and Monte Carlo Rally. But these guys have proven they are nothing if not flexible, meaning they are not that strict in what form of rallying they take part in. So after enjoying a good time at long-distance events such as Dakar and Silk Way rallies they are now going to try their luck in the world cross-country events with this, the new MINI JCW Rally.
Looking completely beasty, the MINI JCW (John Cooper Works) Rally is based on the Countryman has proven itself to be a good rally car at various event and in various guises, so they thought their entry into the new field should be with something that has already achieved something and not a new and untested model. MINI JCW Rally is developed jointly, and is being tested by, the car maker’s motorsport partner X-raid.
The areas where the Countryman needed modification in order to become a cross-country contender include aerodynamics, thermal management, engine mapping, center of gravity, chassis frame design, and weight distribution. The car’s dressed in a suit of Kevlar and carbon supported by a tubular steel chassis and four fully adjustable suspension units and large brakes with 6-piston calipers.
Powering the MINI JCW Rally is a BMW TwinPower Turbo Six-Cylinder Diesel engine with 340 hp and a huge 800 Nm of torque. Naturally, the car also gets the MINI Motorsport-tuned ALL4 four-wheel-drive system, and it works in tandem with an AP Racing clutch combined with a six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox, and lockable oil-cooled Xtrac front and rear diffs with a central SADEV unit. It rides on BF Goodrich 245/80R 16 tires and has a 385 liter fuel tank.
