Born for the "Green Hell" adventure: The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance. Racing car celebrates world premiere in 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Motor sport is in the MINI genes. And now the carmaker is set to add a new chapter to its racing heritage with the arrival of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance. The newly developed racer will line up at this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public in autumn 2011.
 
Baptism of Fire

With the participation of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance, the Nürburgring 24-hour race will be staging an automotive world premiere for the first time in its history. At the same time, the extreme demands of the classic endurance event ensure the new MINI model will be given a baptism of fire.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit – which boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection – delivers 250 hp, and the Overboost function pushes peak torque up to 330 Newton metres. Top speed is in excess of 240 km/h.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance sees the brand’s customary go-kart feeling taken to a whole new level. The stiff race suspension ensures impressive roadholding and gives the driver constant, direct feedback from the road surface. Adjustable shock absorber units allow the suspension set-up to be adapted to fluctuating track conditions, a feature that will come in particularly handy at the Nordschleife.

Supreme Handling
 
The more steeply raked windscreen of the car’s flat coupé silhouette sets it apart clearly from the Hatch and helps to minimise aerodynamic drag. The John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package further enhances the Coupé’s already supreme handling; the front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimising the balance between the front and rear axle.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance achieves an exceptionally high level of safety thanks to features including a roll cage welded to the body and a sports bucket seat with six-point safety belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system. When it comes to active safety, the car adopts the proven braking system with Race ABS from MINI Challenge racing and adds a specially tuned DSC dynamic control system, likewise optimised for the race track. Plus, in the interests of safety – and rapid pit stops – the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance is kitted out with an integrated pneumatic jack.

Here at Williams MINI we are really excited about the New MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance as well as the rest of the New MINI Coupé range and we hope it does well at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit!

Williams MINI is the largest authorised MINI dealer group in the North West with dealerships in Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester, Rochdale and Stockport. To find out more about the New MINI Coupé, our range of current offers, or stock of Approved Used MINIs, click here to contact your nearest Williams MINI dealership.

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