Mini WRC (2011) [Reviews]

Visitors to the 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris (FR) can expect special treatment: the new MINI WRC, competing in the FIA ​​World Rally in 2011, will receive its world premiere at the show the car in the world. In addition, Kris Meeke (GB) has been confirmed as one of the riders who will contest the championship with this car brand new rally.

MINI WRC, powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, has recently received a baptism of fire, releasing a self-care test at the beginning of the meeting of the Prodrive track. The company began the development of the car in 2009, and the concept of the MINI WRC exhibition in Paris. "The Paris Motor Show is the ideal stage on which to launch the WRC MINI," said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of BMW AG responsible for sales and marketing. "In response to our opinion that the MINI returns to rallying in the first year was very positive. FIA World Rally Championship is the manifestation of Pinnacle, which makes it an ideal platform to show the competitive spirit of our brand. IsRunning Develop program car, and preparations for the World Championships are in full swing. Countryman MINI production model has provided an ideal base a new challenger to the World Cup. "

In the World Rally Championship 2011 will see the new MINI WRC competition in six of 13 scheduled rounds, with MINI competing throughout the 2012 season. Prodrive also plans to ask the client versions of the independent teams for the championship.

Collection point is virtually unexplored for the MINI. In the past, such popular motorsport firmly shaped the image of the brand. MINI Cooper S was a legend thanks to his many victories in the Monte Carlo Rally. The European Rally Championship, has also been successful MINI notch standard. "Mini boasts a tradition of success in the rally," said Dr. WolfgangArmbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI. "Interest in motor sport in the current generation of MINI customers is massive. WRC is a great communication platform for MINI Countryman which is based MINI WRC. "

Prodrive, an operation of motor sports experience, was chosen as a partner in the quest for continued success of the MINI brand. The company, founded by David Richards, is considered one of the most respected and successful rally. "This project is an opportunity very passionate," Richards believes. "MINI is a cult brand that has left a lasting impression in his previous campaigns Motorsport. We're both very happy and proud to be on board as a partner in the return to the mini meeting. Our goal is to use 2011 as a year of preparation The experience of raising that they are fully competitive from the start of next season. But we must not underestimate the task ahead, and we face stiff competition on the road, but our focus is firmly on winning the World Championship again with MINI. "

Prodrive was founded in 1984 and has established itself as one of the leading motorsport teams independently. Currently, it employs over 500 employees, the company is located in Banbury (GB). Other successes, Prodrive has now won six World Rally Championship five British Touring Car titles and made three-class win in France, Le Mans 24 Hour classic.

Kris Meeke has confirmed the first rider to compete in mini Prodrive WRC. Rally ace Dungannon (GB), the first time in the limelight when he won the British Rally Championship Junior in 2002. Numerous wins and titles would follow. With the support of his longtime mentor and former world rally champion, the late Colin McRae (GB), Meeke was able to establish himself tosuccessfully rally scene. Northern Ireland has celebrated the latest success of last year when he won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

MINI Countryman model is the youngest and also the first MINI to be equipped with an all-wheel drive. Therefore, this model provided the logical basis for a derivative of rally competition. Countryman Lighthouse MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, complemented not only by a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also fully variable valve management - it offers by far the best balance between engine power and fuel consumption in its class. The engine produces an impressive 135 kW / 184 hp and accelerates the MINI Cooper S Countryman 0 to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds.

As part of the concept of minimalism, a number of fuels and emission reduction standard features and / or in appropriate combinations, including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start / Stop, Display crossing point and operation based needs auxiliary components.

All Countryman MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D Countryman is available as an option permanent four-wheel drive MINI All4 with electro-hydraulic differential placed directly into the distribution varies from front to back is an infinite process. In normal driving conditions, up to 50 percent of engine power goes to the rear wheels in extreme conditions up to 100 percent, offering a new, agile, high-adhesion release typical of MINI.

The heart of the CMR is the MINI BMW Motorsport-developed 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine Di can be used not only in the WRC, but also in other leagues to run to the FIA ​​rules Super2000. Power transfer is via an Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox. For his tour on the rally scene, frame Mini Countryman was equipped with a ROPS developed by Prodrive, which exceed the strict safety requirements of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).