The third-generation Mini Cooper was launched in late 2013 with a redesigned exterior, revised interior, and new four- and three-cylinder engines. Significantly larger than its predecessor, the new Mini arrived with improved roominess and practicality, enhanced fuel economy, and more options than ever before. Much like the second-generation model, the three-door hatchback was followed by a two-door convertible, the Clubman wagon, Countryman crossover, and the Paceman coupe. For the first time, the hatchback was also offered in a five-door configuration. The three-door Hatch, Convertible, Countryman, and Paceman models also received a performance-oriented John Cooper Works version.

Come 2016 and Mini is enhancing the Cooper lineup with a limited-edition model based on the John Cooper Works hatchback model. Dubbed JCW Challenge, it is described as a "genuinely credible trackday machine" and comes with quite an interesting development story. According to Mini, it was designed by a small group of employees that "had a dream to create a Mini to excel on a racing circuit, while maintaining perfectly usable manners on the public road."

The idea was reportedly developed outside the daily work schedule, before being extensively tested on a range of race tracks throughout the United Kingdom. The hatch received a handful of unique features inside and out and will make its public debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 23. Let's have a closer look at the brand's new track-oriented model below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge.

2016 Mini John Cooper Works Challenge

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mini John Cooper Works Challenge
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 228
  • Torque: 236
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge special

The JCW Challenge is easy to spot in a sea of standard JCW models thanks to its enlarged front air intakes, uniquely contoured wheel arch extensions, rear spoiler, and exclusive livery and graphics. All models are finished in White Silver paint with black graphics on the wheel arches, engine hood, roof, and side mirrors, with the latter featuring carbon-fiber caps.

The lightweight, 17-inch wheels are also unique to this model. Provided by Team Dynamics, these rims are a half-inch wider than standard and save 6 kg (about 13.2 pounds). The rollers feature a multi-spoke design, are finished in black, and hide silver break discs and red calipers.

Other highlights include standard adaptive LED headlamps and carbon-fiber exhaust pipes. The Challenge package is rounded off by a JCW Pro Aerokit, which includes lower front splitters, rear spoiler add-ons for the already large roof spoiler, a sportier rear diffuser, and rear splitters.

The car's interior is not as spectacular as the exterior, but there a few notable features to talk about. First, the hatch is equipped with sports seats and a sports steering wheel as standard equipment. The Dinamica/cloth upholstery is Carbon-Black with grey stripes, which gives the interior a race-like feeling. The dashboard and the door panels feature Piano Black trim, while the passenger-side dashboard fascia sports the car's build number in white. Added standard equipment compared to the regular JCW includes rear Park Distance Control, and Rain Sensor with Auto headlight activation.

Under the hood, the JCW Challenge comes with the standard 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet. But, unlike the stock John Cooper Works model, the Challenge is sold only with the six-speed manual transmission. In this configuration, the hatch hits 62 mph from a standing start in 6.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 153 mph.

While the drivetrain remained unchanged, the chassis received several upgrades. First on the list is a Nitron suspension system with adjustable dampers and titanium parts. Stopping power was also improved by means of a Mintex braking system with grooved and part-drilled 13-inch front discs and four-pot Brembo calipers. A Quaife limited-slip differential improves traction and gives the JCW motorsport-like throttle response. It's worth noting that all of the above are supplied by the same brands that created the Mini John Cooper Works racing car that competes in the top class of the U.K. Mini Challenge. Finally, the hatchback is fitted with super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

Production of the JCW Challenge is limited to only 100 units and pricing is set at £32,000 (about $45,400), with no options available. That's a £8,950 (about $12,700) premium over the stock John Cooper Works model. The limited-edition model won't be sold outside Britain.

Mini John Cooper Works

The third-generation Mini Hatch arrived in 2013. Originally launched as a three-door hatch, it was later offered, for the very first time, as a five-door version also. The third-gen car also marked the first time a modern Mini was sold with a three-cylinder engine. The base One trim gained a 1.2-liter unit, while the Cooper arrived with a 1.5-liter unit. A three-pot diesel was also added in the form of a 1.5-liter in both the One D and Cooper. The four-cylinder engine lineup was also revised, with the Cooper S and JCW models receiving a brand-new 2.0-liter mill. Other notable changes included the newly developed BMW UKL1 platform and the fact that the third-gen car is the largest and heaviest Mini ever developed.

Read our full review on the Mini John Cooper Works here.