BMW planning "extreme" next-generation MINI racecar
An all new MINI Mk2 racecar is reported to be under development by BMW for a new one-design racing series to start in 2008. 4Car reports that the new racer will be "more extreme" than the racing versions of the current MINI Cooper S, and built strictly for racing. The Mk2 racecar sounds like it will follow in the wheeltracks of BMW's other factory racers, like the BMW 120d and Z4 M Coupe, with more sophisticated aerodynamics, including a rear diffuser. The car will not be street-legal, with the interior completely stripped down to seat, instruments and a roll cage. Like BMW's other customer racecars, the car will be ready to race, complete with a fire control system and car-to-pit radio system. We're guessing that the racecar will use a version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine from the new Cooper S.
Good news for U.S. racers - BMW will be setting up a MINI motorsports division in the U.S. to provide organized support for customers interested in racing the new MINI.
The racing MINI is intended to compete in a new BMW-sponsored international one-design series, with championships planned for Asia and North America.
[Source: 4Car]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
naggs 6:04PM (7/27/2006)
there needs to be a performance model above the S. the new model is softer, they need one to restore the edge and it would be nice to not charge 10 grand for 20 hp, less sound deadning and no rear seats.
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Luis Longo 6:37PM (7/27/2006)
I'm scared, what do they mean by extreme?
Luis Pichardo Auto Journalist.
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pablo 7:32PM (7/27/2006)
Umm... the new one is not supposed to be "softer" in any way. In fact it has more hp (175) and more torque (175), lower down in the rpms than the outgoing model. It's also supposed to be about 180lbs lighter. There have been no announcements about the JCW package for the new car yet, but with an easy to tune turbo, it is expected to be a real beast. Also, the only car with no rear seats was the extremely limited edition GP car, which also was not sold at $10 grand above an equally optioned car. If you need to get your facts straight about the current and new MINIs check out http://www.motoringfile.com
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naggs 8:12PM (7/27/2006)
really pablo, according to YOUR LINK
"Update: Something funky is going on here. The first official release of technical data on the new car suggests that it has actually gotten 10kg heavier. If this is the case then I was led awry by a couple of very high level sources. Who now owe me some serious beer…
"
if you want to get your facts straight go here
http://www.suckitnoob.edu
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doglet 8:18PM (7/27/2006)
the review of the car on that site said
"it's quieter and more relaxed at high speeds, cruising smoothly in sixth gear: it'll be more restful for longer journeys, especially with the softer-sprung standard suspension set-up."
sounds like a softer car to me.
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notharry 8:33PM (7/27/2006)
"Umm... the new one is not supposed to be "softer" in any way."
thats clearly wrong
"It's also supposed to be about 180lbs lighter. "
also wrong
"Also, the only car with no rear seats was the extremely limited edition GP car, which also was not sold at $10 grand above an equally optioned car."
the mini gp sells for $31,150 thats about 6 grand more than a cooper works. there is no equally optioned car. all the weight reduction and stiffining of the suspension should be a no cost option. does it really cost more to put in stiffer shocks and springs? not at all. the GP is about the biggest ripoff in automotive history.
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shreddin 10:52PM (7/27/2006)
Mk1 is overall a nicer looking car...
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groov 11:31PM (7/27/2006)
Don't worry guys, Mini gets it. You can bet that there will be a whole slew of performance versions coming after they launch the Mk2.
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pablo 2:18AM (7/28/2006)
Wow. All that I was trying to do was inform you about the current speculation about the new MINI. As of when I last read that link, it still had the 180lbs reduction. You may also notice I said "not supposed to be any softer" and "supposed to be lighter". I did not claim any of this was fact, just pointing out what the rumors are/were at the time. If you're all pissy over the "get your facts straight thing" it dealt more with the shot at the GP.
YOU on the other hand stated, "the new model is softer" - which unless you've driven it, sounds like a made up fact to me. Someone who actually drove the car said,
--"The engine feels more refined than the Tritec units, and the car feels more controlled all the way from cruising up to the extremes. It's still very much a fun car, but it seems a little more nonchalant when going about its thrill ride business. Not quite so desperate to please, but more solid, and all the more assuring for it."--
I didn't really read softer in there, but that's just one review. Solid, more assuring, thrill ride... (http://mini2.com/article385-mini2-world-exclusive-2nd-generation-mini-cooper-s-test-drive-report.html)
Also, notharry I don't understand why you say that first statement is clearly wrong. No proof there so, disregarded. The next statement I made was saying that others have given the impression that the car will be lighter. I'm not wrong there, they were. Finally, any MINI Cooper S can be fitted with a number of JCW items such as the engine kit, the suspension kit, wheels, big brake kit, etc. Therefore, the GP which has a fairly high level of standard equipment, plus an exclusive aerodynamic body kit (which includes underbody work), the JCW engine and suspension kits, and the weight saving measures, is not supposed to be a "super-economical" deal. It's a special car for people who want the uniqueness and performance. Anyone could get a Cooper S with enough options to cost much more than the GP. The "biggest rip off in automotive history" thing is a laugh.
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karlInSanDiego 11:59AM (7/28/2006)
Yeah, you're right the new Mini will totally suck and Mini is a sucky company, and blah blah blah. Now get out of my way so I can put my order in for a NEW MK2 with a KICK ASS ENGINE, better mileage, and more fun than all of the lard-assed long wheelbased penile implants from Detroit (Neon SRT-4 excluded). I'll meet you in the future if you can get there at $6.00 a gallon.
-kARL
Oh and you try getting 1000 (GP's) special edition units with specialized parts built for less than $6000 markup and see if you keep your job. They're assembled by Bertone. Not saying it makes them better, but that doesn't come cheap. RUF, ZR-1, Westfalia, Alpina, - they're not free?
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Roger Traynor 6:56AM (7/31/2006)
Just a quick question?
Has anyone put an old racing Mini angainst a BMW racing mini on a track? Obviously they would need to be nominally match (power to weight, not BHP to BHP as the proper Mini weighs way less than the Beemer). I'd love to see a side by side writeup.
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