Blast-off for ultimate Cooper

Ignore the decals and Recaro sports seats on this race series MINI, and what have you got? The closest thing yet to official pictures of the John Coo­per Works edition of the new MkII car.

The model seen here makes its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s officially named the John Cooper Works Challenge, and is a Cooper S that has been completely revamped for track use.

Although the same 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine sits under the bonnet, it’s been heavily modified. Power is up from 175bhp to 210bhp, and an overboost facility increases torque from 260Nm to 280Nm. The 0-62mph sprint time is down from 7.1 seconds to 6.1 seconds, while the top speed goes up from 140mph to 149mph.

Other upgrades include all-new motorsport-tuned suspension, large four-piston brake calipers, a welded roll cage and six-point safety harness. The Challenge also features an adjustable rooftop spoiler, rear diffuser and lower front airdam.

The official John Cooper Works edition – featuring many of these components as stan­dard – goes on sale next spring. The car seen here isn’t road legal, and is for use in the Mini Challenge race series, which starts in March. However, track-day enthusiasts can buy one from next June for £33,700. If you can’t wait that long, Cooper S owners can opt for the maker’s new John Cooper Works tuning kit. At £1,095, it’s a fraction of the cost, but should still offer enough thrills to keep enthusiasts happy.

Tweaks to the engine management system and a sports exhaust boost power by 17bhp to 192bhp. The result is a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and a 144mph maximum speed.