The MINI CHALLENGE will return next year pitting a line-up of identical race-bred MINI’s against one another in a grueling one-make race series.

At the heart of these cars lies a 154 kW John Cooper Works engine which is boosted by a twin-scroll turbo-charger rather than the previous supercharger. Whilst it may produce the same maximum output as the 2007 generation race car, the advantage is in the increased torque and the mid-range response.

The new race car has a maximum torque of 280 Nm (up from 245 Nm in the 2007 car), thanks to the unique Overboost function. Overall weight has also been reduced by a meaningful 30 kg to a maximum of 1,150 kg (including driver allowance), while improved aerodynamics all round and numerous detail modifications to the chassis and suspension complete the line up of changes designed to add more smiles per lap.

“We know that, internationally, the 2007 MINI CHALLENGE series have seen some extremely tight and competitive racing, but in 2008 we move into a different league.”

Now in its fourth year internationally, the MINI CHALLENGE has become one of the most successful and popular one-make series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Holland have hit the headlines all over Europe and boast massive followings of fans at the track and on TV.