Most Powerful Customer Mini Breaks Cover at Nordschleife
The fastest ever road-going Mini is currently being thrashed round one of the most challenging road circuits in the world ahead of its production launch next year.
Factory drivers in a lightly disguised Mini John Cooper Works GP are attempting to break the Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record held by its predecessor of 8 minutes 23 seconds and the prototype had its first official viewing by race fans attending the circuit’s 24-hour endurance race on the weekend. Technical details of the car, whose production in 2020 will be limited to 3,000 models, are sparse beyond the factory stating its four-cylinder 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine will boast more than 300bhp.
What is clear from pictures is that it will sport a large roof mounted wing to aid downforce as part of an extensive aerodynamic bodywork package. Other features evident are wide open air intakes, large light alloy wheels and sculpted front and rear aprons.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
