Mini takes on Porsche 911

See below for story update

Which is faster around a racetrack - a Mini or a Porsche?

The answer seems obvious but that hasn't stopped the president of Mini USA, Jim McDowell, throwing down the challenge to his counterpart at Porsche, Detlev von Platen. Meet at the Road Atlanta circuit (near Porsche's US headquarters in Georgia) on June 21 for a Mini Cooper S to take on a Porsche 911.

Both cars will be piloted by a professional driver selected by each company.

McDowell issued his challenge via a video on Mini's Facebook page and in a full-page ad in The New York Times.

It's worth pointing out at this point that McDowell is a former employee of Porsche USA, so there is a personal connection behind this duel.

He has declared that if Porsche beats Mini, he will wear a T-shirt declaring "We did not beat Porsche" at his next public appearance. But if the Mini triumphs, he'll be sporting a "We beat Porsche" tee.

Porsche is considering the challenge but wants to find out what sort of competition McDowell has in mind, as there is sure to be a twist to help Mini level the playing field.

9am 11/06/2010

UPDATE: Porsche has officially declined Mini's challenge this morning.

"While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we'll stick to racing the way we have over the decades," Detlev Von Platen wrote in an open letter.

"We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces."