It has been some ten years since a Mini John Cooper Works last raced at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. This iconic race takes place at the famous Nordschleife, a track that today is still one of the most fearsome in the world. This year's edition of the race will take place from May, 26–29. And Mini has announced that with John Cooper Works once again, they will be entering the race, with the car entered by private team Bulldog Racing.
A Modified John Cooper Works
To enter the race, Mini will have a Mini John Cooper Works as its basis and under the hood is a very well-known engine. It's powered by a four-cylinder turbo engine, the same that's found in the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman. This will power the Nürburgring Mini with 306 hp and around 332 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic that features an integrated, mechanical differential lock. This has a locking effect of up to 70% to ensure the drive torque is then converted to performance without any losses.
What Mini Has Had To Change
A few changes are now made to the Mini John Cooper Works to make it ready for the race. A racing cage was specially developed for this model, and the volume of the fuel tank was increased to 100 liters. A few far-reaching interventions in aerodynamics are now applied too. This includes an adjustable rear wing, a completely covered underbody, rear diffuser and a front splitter too. Weight is further reduced via methods such as the Makrolon window panes, and a special model-specific race suspension is now on the car.
Further Changes To The Nürburgring Mini
There is more on offer with this Mini too. The new suspension has adjustable rebound and compression damping. All of the moving chassis and suspension parts are now replaced with reinforced Uniball bearings, and a pneumatic lifting unit is also installed. Mini worked on the sports exhaust system, adapting it with a racing catalytic converter. And finally, original BMW M Performance brake components are now installed on this Mini John Cooper Works. Bulldog Racing, located just a few miles from the Nürburgring, have developed this special Mini for the race, and it will get to show us what it can do in the month of May.
Source: Mini