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]
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue