The new Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) will make its first public appearance at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, which takes place on June 1 and 2.
Details about the new car are limited, but Mini has announced it will feature a twin-power turbo engine, likely a development of the 2.0-liter unit from the previous JCW model. The old model’s engine produced 227bhp, so a slight increase in power is expected.
The car will be entered into the endurance race by Bulldog Racing, a private racing team from Nürburg, competing in the SP 3T category.
The road version of the car won’t be unveiled until the autumn, but the racing version, called the Mini John Cooper Works Pro, will provide an early look at its design.
Even with its camouflage, which pays homage to the classic red-and-white rally Minis of the 1960s, key design elements like chunkier bumpers and a rear spoiler are visible.
In tribute to Mini’s 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo victory, the racecar will feature a ’37’ logo, to celebrate the new milestone.
The competition version will debut in the N24’s first practice sessions starting on May 30. Bulldog Racing will also enter an older manual JCW model in the race.
Bulldog Racing will field the new Mini John Cooper Works Pro #317 and a black Mini John Cooper Works #474 with manual transmission, which secured a podium finish in last year’s race in the VT-2 category.
Mini says the new JCW will be available in gasoline and all-electric versions.
