“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” has become less applicable nowadays, as the race-to-road connection becomes more tenuous with the majority of modern cars. The Goodwood-bound MINI John Cooper Works Challenge, though, looks to retain more of that spirit, with the help of some of its fellow British suppliers.
Starting with the John Cooper Works variant of the MINI as its base, it employs that car’s standard powertrain, which is rated at 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque. However, in the case of the JCW Challenge, it isn’t about how fast it goes but rather how it goes fast; key alterations have been about improving its roadholding.
UK suspension company Nitron supplies the spring and damper coilover units which allow adjustment of its compression, rebound and ride height settings, which include recommended settings for road and for track.
Helping the JCW Challenge put its power down through the front wheels is a Quaife auto torque-biasing limited-slip differential, while Mintex brake pads help improve deceleration. New 17-inch alloy wheels which are now 0.5-inch wider help overall agility – each wheel is said to reduce unsprung weight by 2.5 kg.
Exterior-wise, the front end receives enlarged air intakes, the wheel arch extensions are tweaked and the tailgate gains a roof spoiler. These items are part of the JCW accessories pack, which can also be specified on the standard John Cooper Works model.
Inside, there are Carbon Black fabric seats while the passenger side of the dash displays the build number of this model. Limited to 100 units, the JCW Challenge is finished in White Silver paint, black roof and a graphics package.
GALLERY: Standard MINI John Cooper Works
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