Racing car celebrates earth premiere in 24-hr race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Press Release: Motor sport is in the MINI genes. And at present the carmaker is set to add together a new chapter to its racing heritage with the inflow of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance. The newly developed racer will line up at this yr's 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public in autumn 2011.

With the participation of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance, the Nürburgring 24-60 minutes race will be staging an automotive globe premiere for the first fourth dimension in its history. At the same fourth dimension, the farthermost demands of the classic endurance consequence ensure the new MINI model volition be given a baptism of fire.

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MINI's declared aim in inbound the Nürburgring 24-hr race is to feel the adventure of the "Greenish Hell", equally the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is affectionately known. And the brand has called, amid other things, on the feel gained over many years of MINI Challenge sprint racing in the development of its new racing car for this unique event.

A pure-bred racing set-upwards will equip the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance for a full day lapping the combined Nordschleife/K Prix circuit at race speed. Providing the power is a particularly-tuned version of the series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine. The 1.6-litre 4-cylinder unit – which boasts a twin-curlicue turbocharger and petrol direct injection – delivers 250 hp, and the Overboost function pushes summit torque upwardly to 330 Newton metres. Superlative speed is in excess of 240 km/h.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance sees the make's customary go-kart feeling taken to a whole new level. The stiff race suspension ensures impressive roadholding and gives the commuter constant, direct feedback from the road surface. Adjustable stupor absorber units allow the break gear up-up to be adapted to fluctuating track atmospheric condition, a feature that will come in peculiarly handy at the Nordschleife.

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The more steeply raked windscreen of the car's flat coupé silhouette sets information technology apart clearly from the Hatch and helps to minimise aerodynamic drag, which the drivers volition acknowledge with a smile on the circuit's long straights.
The John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package farther enhances the Coupé'due south already supreme handling; the forepart spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimising the residue between the forepart and rear axle.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance achieves an exceptionally high level of safety thanks to features including a coil muzzle welded to the torso and a sports bucket seat with vi-point safe belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system. When it comes to active safety, the car adopts the proven braking system with Race ABS from MINI Claiming
racing and adds a peculiarly tuned DSC dynamic command system, too optimised for the race rail. Plus, in the interests of safety – and rapid pit stops – the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance is kitted out with an integrated pneumatic jack.

Technical data – MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance

Engine – Tuned version of series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine with adapted engine direction. Four-cylinder in-line engine (front/transverse-mounted) with twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. Racing frazzle system
Displacement – ane,598 cc
Output – Approx. 184 kW / approx. 250 hp
Max. torque – Approx. 330 Nm (incl. Overboost)
Tiptop speed – > 240 km/h
Power transfer – Forepart-wheel bulldoze, sequential 6-speed gearbox with electronic differential lock
Suspension – Independent race suspension (KW Suspension) with adjustable compression and rebound, adaptable front end strut brace
Tyres – Racing tyres (Dunlop) / slicks: 215/45 R17, wets: 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing rims (Borbet)
Body – John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adaptable rear fly, rear diffuser acc. to regulations, pneumatic jack
Safety – MINI Challenge braking organization with Race ABS, race-tuned DSC, welded-in roll muzzle, half dozen-point safety belt, racing seat (Recaro) with HANS arrangement, main switch concept with electronically controlled burn down extinguishing equipment
Interior – Racing steering wheel (Sparco), Drive Data Brandish with shift display
Weight – 965 kg
Wheelbase – 2,467 mm
Tank capacity – 100 litres

[Source: BMW]