(June 26, 2011) MUNICH — Motor sport is in the MINI genes.

And now the carmaker has added a new chapter to its racing heritage with the arrival of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance. The newly developed racer lined up this weekend at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public this fall.



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

MINI’s declared aim in entering the Nürburgring 24-hour race is to experience the adventure of the “Green Hell,” as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is affectionately known. And the brand has called, among other things, on the experience gained over many years of MINI Challenge sprint racing in the development of its new racing car for this unique event.

A pure-bred racing set-up equipped the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance for a full day lapping the combined Nordschleife/Grand Prix circuit at race speed. Providing the power is a specially-tuned version of the series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit — which boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection — delivers 250  horsepower, and top speed in excess of 149 miles per hour.

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.

The more steeply raked windshield of the car’s flat coupé silhouette sets it apart clearly from the Hatch and helps to minimize aerodynamic drag, which the drivers will acknowledge with a smile on the circuit’s long straights.

The John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package further enhances the Coupé’s handling; the front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimizing the balance between the front and rear axle.