Mini JCW Coupe Endurance racer hits the track

Mini is taking its latest toy to the Nürburgring. The 2012 Mini Coupe has been outfitted with John Cooper Works Endurance regalia in preparation for entry into this year's Nürburgring 24 Hours. Under the hood, a race-prepped, 250-horsepower version of the same forced-induction four-pot found behind the headlights of the company's JCW models kicks at the front tires.

Aggressive aero work and a full rash of safety kit separate this beast from the one that buyers will be able to nab from their local Mini dealers soon. Mini hasn't gone into too many details as to what other sorts of tricks the company has implemented on its newest model.

Listening to the two-door bark its way around the test track, we can't wait to see how the car does in competition. Look for it to square off against the rest of the field the weekend of June 23-26. Hit the jump to check out a few videos of the JCW Endurance in action.