2017 MINI John Cooper Works Rally - Images, Specifications and Information

Exemplary engine performance in terms of response, power // torque delivery and ultimate reliability is provided by a BMW Group TwinPower Turbo Six-Cylinder Diesel engine. Designed with endurance competition in mind, the 2993 cc dry sump engine produces 340hp @ 3250 rpm, and torque of approx. 800 Nm @ 1850 rpm with the regulatory 38mm air restrictor in place.

The use of the BMW Group Twin Power Turbo Technology is an obvious choice for the MINI John Cooper Works Rally within the BMW Group engines' family. The powerful and torque-laden engine is race proven unit that has captured MINI many major victories. Delivering peak performance at low rpm contributes to its renown reliability and is ideal for all terrain conditions from uphill, rocky trails to wide open WRC-like stone covered tracks. Its tractability is also an advantage on desert sands. Low fuel consumption of a race-tuned diesel engine is also an important consideration.

Improved fuel consumption also comes with the use of new engine management mapping. Many hours of testing has realised even greater potential in racing conditions especially at altitude.

The 2017 Dakar Rally will take in Bolivian mountain sections approx. 3,000 metres above sea level. Reduced oxygen content at such heights not only dramatically affects the way a body and mind works, but also the way an engine breathes and can severely hamper engine performance. To fully realise engine performance at all times, the new engine mapping ensures the retention of the MINI John Cooper Works Rally's drivability and performance.

The MINI John Cooper Works Rally retains the highly regarded ALL4 racing driveline to place it within the 4x4 racing category that has seen MINI Motorsport dominate cross-country rally competition in recent years.

The driveline features an AP Racing clutch combined with a six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox. Lockable, oil-cooled Xtrac front and rear diffs with a central SADEV unit to deliver maximum engine performance at all times regardless of the terrain and racing conditions.

Also helping to stir the blood of MINI Motorsport and MINI John Cooper Works fans will be the exhaust tone of the MINI John Cooper Works Rally. The Akrapovic exhaust is a new design with rear outlet.

The cabin interior has been renewed. A carbon fibre dashboard area consists of three sections: driver, central and co-driver info units displaying essential info. The driver has selected gear display and LED readout for RPM and gear ratio shift alert. Speed, oil pressure, fluid temperatures and electronic functions are displayed on the central dashboard to enable both crew members to view. All navigational systems are located on the co-driver's dashboard.

Ongoing test and development work is paramount to racing success. The new MINI John Cooper Works Rally is presently undergoing final testing ahead of the 2017 Dakar Rally - the ultimate in long distance cross-country endurance rallies - and will be the focus of X-raid staff and MINI engineers throughout its lifetime.

Talking about the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally, Sebastian Mackensen, Senior Vice President MINI, said:

"MINI and X-raid is a legendary partnership. Together we have shaped today's rich sporting heritage of this famous British brand with the four victories in a row at the Dakar and of the FIA Cross Country World Cup from 2012 to 2015 and we wish to continue in the same direction and prove the authentic racing competence of John Cooper Works. With the realisation of the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally, MINI is perfectly placed to extend its sporting achievements."

"Introducing the famed MINI John Cooper Works sub-brand within the exciting arenas of rally raid, cross-county rally and the endurance challenges of the Dakar Rally and Silk Way Rally seals MINI's commitment to this spectacular and compelling motorsport. This racing spirit will always be a part of MINI's genes and products.

"The competitive debut of the MINI John Cooper Works Rally at the 2017 Dakar Rally is a tough debut indeed. The Dakar Rally is the epitome of long-distance rally, where the competitive stress placed on man and machine is like no other but perfectly represents the sporting spirit of MINI Motorsport and the John Cooper Works sub-brand."

X-raid is motorsport partner to MINI and pivotal to its modern day racing success by providing the necessary race support. Sven Quandt, CEO, X-raid said at the reveal of the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally:

"The all-new MINI John Cooper Works Rally is obviously great; is completely different to the predecessor model we built upon and developed; it's a car based on thorough development as well in the wind tunnel. We have achieved better aerodynamics from this and, along with other new features; we have improved performance from this car.

"One of the advantages of wind tunnel development is a higher top speed and better acceleration from 140 km/h upwards - these were crucial areas for improvement. The centre of gravity has gone down substantially - we placed about 50 kilos downwards by some 50 centimetres in the centre of the car, which helps the handling and makes the car much more comfortable over all types of terrain, and aids the handling on a rally track with lots of corners. In all: a comprehensive new and exciting package."
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