Following on from its recent review of the MINI JCW Coupé Endurance, French motoring magazine Option Auto has returned to the track, this time in a MINI Challenge car.
The race series has been taking place across the globe since 2004 and features MINI John Cooper Works Challenge cars which are powered by the company’s 1.6 L four-cylinder unit fitted with a twin scroll turbocharger. Thanks to its recalibrated ECU, output is rated at 155 kW (208 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque, which increases to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) on overboost.
As well as a full roll cage and RECARO seat, each car is fitted with a John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit, adjustable rear wing, and rear diffuser. Chassis changes include Borbet MINI Challenge Design 17-inch alloy wheels, two-way KW adjustable dampers, adjustable front suspension turrets, upgraded brakes, racing ABS configuration and a limited slip differential.