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MINI reportedly on its way to the World Rally Championship

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mini reportedly on its way to the world rally championship picture

So what if Porsche beat them in their own competition; MINI’s not exactly the type of brand that just lays down to anybody. Now, they’re looking at embarking on their next challenge, and this one’s an absolute doozy.

According to a report by Autosport, MINI, together with Prodrive, will be announcing a World Rally Championship program. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to translate that: MINI is headed to the WRC!

Details are limited and still pending an announcement, which is expected to be done this week, but word from Autosport has it that MINI’s first WRC offering will be based on the new Countryman and has already been in the pipeline for quite some time now at Prodrive’s Banbury headquarters. The MINI WRC Countryman will also undergo its first testing pretty soon and, according to David Lapworth, Prodrive’s technical director, “When we start testing on our rally car development program, it will be intensive. We still have a good timescale to work towards for testing and we’re happy with where we’re at.”

MINI’s WRC debut will most likely happen at the middle of the 2011 season where it is expected to miss the fist four races and will be launched sometime in May, possibly ahead of the Rally Italy.

Source:Autosport

10 comments

10 comments: MINI reportedly on its way to the World Rally Championship

Colby_Brian (404)
Posted on
02.10.2011 @ 23:13

The lengthy standard-equipment list includes the full JCW aero body kit, as well as a multifunction sport steering wheel, automatic climate control, park distance control, navigation system, fog lamps and driving lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and a Harman Kardon audio system.

Ashton_Blake (345)
Posted on
02.10.2011 @ 22:53

How does car will torque on WRC if its heavy? I don’t think that MINI has a weight that will miss their opportunity to win.

inigo_montoya (912)
Posted on
11.30.2010 @ 00:12

cool but isn’t that the mini is quite heavy? the material they used are very rigid unlike the JDMS.

cyrus_parca (681)
Posted on
10.15.2010 @ 00:57

I just threw up in my mouth a little. Talk about tacky. Reminds me of some of the "totally radical" hot wheels cars I used to own as a kid.

russ_sales (347)
Posted on
10.12.2010 @ 23:34

It seems to me that this would be bigger and more top-heavy than most of its competition on the WRC circuit. It might be "competitive" but i doubt it will win much.

Andress (1346)
Posted on
09.2.2010 @ 21:12

cool, it bet this will be an exciting to watch. i really love how the mini perform on the track. it handles well and impressive suspension.

sammy_james (747)
Posted on
07.27.2010 @ 21:38

MINI reportedly on its way to the World Rally Championship COMMENT:The mini crossover is an interesting test case for the american market (if it’s coming).