After a decade of non-participation, Mini has officially announced the intention to return to the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. A special Mini JCW three-door hatchback will be built for the endurance race (watch the video for the stock version).
The first start is scheduled on May 25. The hot hatch will be competing in the SP3T category, which limits useful engine displacement to 2 liters, among other things.
Compared to the stock Cooper, the racecar has a new front splitter and rear diffuser, as well as an impressively sized rear wing. The underside is completely sealed, and the glass all around is lightweight. There is an integrated roll cage in the cabin along with only one OMP seat for the driver.
The racing team enlarged the fuel tank to 100 liters and added an air jack for quick wheel replacement in emergencies. Rounding off modifications in the chassis area are a set of adjustable racing shocks and BMW M Performance brakes.
Little has been said about the engine so far. In its stock form, the car comes equipped with a turbo four-cylinder rated at 306 PS (300 hp / 224 kW) and 450 Nm (336 lb-ft) of torque. Mini mentioned that the stock Steptronic eight-speed auto transmission would be getting a manual diff lock, and a purpose-built catalytic exhaust would be installed.
Building the Mini racer took seven months. The company has partnered up with the Bulldog Racing team for the race. It remains open whether it plans to participate in any other races after the ‘Ring.