MINI has brought out a newer, hotter, more focused limited run version of their John Cooper Works hatch called the Challenge which takes inspiration from their MINI Challenge race car and is set to make its debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that it really is a limited run version, with only 100 units destined to roll off the production, and they’re all headed for sale solely in the UK.
It’s based on the same MINI JCW hot hatch you can buy right now and is powered by the same 170kW/320Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor which is good for a 6.3 second dash to 100km/h, but MINI has concentrated their efforts in making the JCW Challenge as good as it can be through the corners.
These changes amount to chassis, tyre and brake enhancements that are derived from components from the MINI Challenge racer or made by suppliers already involved in their motorsport efforts.
Visually, the new JCW Challenge comes standard with styling tweaks from the optional JCW Pro Accessories pack, giving it extra flared wheel arch extensions, larger rear spoiler, more pronounced front splitter, and larger front air intakes. Then there’s the JCW Pro exhaust system with active volume adjustment as well.
Its new wheels are lighter weight (saving 1.5kg in unsprung weight each) and wears stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber that also saves 1kg per tyre over the standard JCW.
There’s adjustable spring and dampers by UK-based suspension firm Nitron, uprated brakes with Mintex brake pads, and a Quaife limited-slip differential to more effectively put power down to the two driven wheels up front.
Inside the JCW Challenge, the cabin isn’t as pared down as could be expected in these track-focused versions. It still looks quite plush overall. However, the first noticeable detail would be the specific car’s build number on the passenger side, the omission of the MINI Connect infotainment and display, and the inclusion of the Carbon Black interior treatment and matching finish on the cloth/Alcantara seats.
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