MINI Countryman WRC Undergoing Testing

(September 13, 2010 5:00 am )
MINI Countryman WRC

Debuts next years

By Michael Gauthier
September 13, 2010 5:00 am
Filed Under: European, MINI, Motorsport, Spy Photos

MINI's return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) is inching closer as Prodrive has completed the first round of testing on a specially-prepared Countryman.

The initial shakedown focused on tarmac performance, but future tests will be conducted on gravel. According to David Lapworth, Prodrive's technical director, "As with any totally new car, it is vital to take time to ensure all the systems are working as intended before embarking on a weeklong gravel test."

Set to debut next year, the Countryman WRC is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. While specifications haven't been released, the BMW Motorsport engine is fully compliant with FIA Super2000 regulations.

Source: Prodrive

Press Release (Click to expand)

MINI Countryman WRC completes shakedown

The new MINI Countryman World Rally Car has successfully completed its shakedown phase at Prodrive's private proving ground in Warwickshire.

This initial part of the car's test and development programme took place with the engineering team driving the car over four days, primarily on tarmac, but also including several kilometres on loose surfaces and Prodrive's low grip facility. The car will now travel to Portugal for a week of testing on gravel.

"As with any totally new car, it is vital to take time to ensure all the systems are working as intended before embarking on a week long gravel test," said David Lapworth, Prodrive technical director.

This first test car is running with an interim body and aero package, while design of the final World Rally Car bodywork is underway.