PARIS — Almost lost in the hoopla around the Mini brand’s introduction of two oh-so-cute electric scooters at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday was the introduction of the hairy-chested, meat-eating Mini WRC Concept rally car.
The white-on-red (and black) WRC concept (with hundreds of sponsors decals) is sort of the answer to how far you can stretch the Mini concept, and still stay true to the marque’s iconic econobox styling. The WRC concept is based on the stretched Mini Countryman platform, and it is a real race car, intended to take on the likes of the Ford Fiesta RS in select World Rally Championship events next year. A full program is scheduled to begin in 2012. British champion Kris Meeke has been signed as a driver.
The Mini WRC has been prepared by rally masters, Prodrive, and features a performance enthusiast’s dream list of racing kit: A direct fuel-injection 1.6-liter Garrett turbocharged engine from BMW Motorsport, an Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox, AP Racing twin plate clutch, limited slip differentials for its full-time four-wheel-drive system, and Ohlins MacPherson strut suspension with three-way adjustable dampers. The engine’s horsepower output, for competitive reasons, is an unlisted number.
It has enough auxiliary lighting to light an airport runway, and enough aerodynamic tricks scattered throughout the body to be cleared itself for take-off.
The cockpit is pure business, with full roll cage, twin racing buckets, minimalist gauge clusters and no sign of the stock upholstery and dash – except for the signature center-mounted speedo.
The one downside about this exciting new concept is that it will not be made available to the public.
It’s for your own good.
It’s for your own good.
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