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A go-faster Mini based on the Cooper S and built especially for track racing is expected to make its first appearance here in the 2008/09 Mini Challenge series.
The new car is 30kg lighter than the Mini Challenge series models and comes with a higher top speed, increased torque, faster acceleration and optimised traction.
It will be unveiled at next month's Frankfurt motor show and go into production in Europe next March in time for Mini Challenge events in Europe.
The track-focused variant of the R56 range will cost ¬49,900 ($100,000) in Europe. It will not be licensed for public roads.
As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard 1.6-litre Mini Cooper S engine picks up modifications to pistons, air filter, air intake, exhaust and engine management system.
Mini engineers have tweaked the chassis and suspension to go with the engine's added oomph. The suspension set-up features adjustable dampers from specialist KW Automotive.
The new engine produces 156kW (210bhp) and 260Nm of torque - or a maximum of 280Nm with overboost. A six-speed manual gearbox sends power to 17-inch front wheels made by Borbet and shod with exclusive new Dunlop racing tyres.
Mini says the Challenge race car sprints from zero to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 241km/h. Race-specific brakes bring the car to a halt from 100km/h in 3.1 seconds.
Body revisions are based on the aerodynamic kit from John Cooper Works.
These include an adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and performance front spoiler.
Inside is a roll cage, Recaro bucket seats equipped with a Formula One-style head-and-neck support system, and a six-point race harness. The Mini Challenge series began in 2004 in Germany, followed by The Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. New Zealand kicked off its seven-round Mini Challenge series last November.
Australia starts its series next year.
