BMW mini john cooper (2011)

MINI performance is to be taken to new levels with the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, a MINI Cooper S built specifically for track use and ready to race. Set for its first public appearance at the forthcoming IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, deliveries of the new car will take place from spring 2008.

Key characteristics of the new car include a higher top speed, increased torque, faster acceleration and optimised traction. Performance figures are detailed in the attached document.

Power enhancements are at the core of the striking CHALLENGE car's modifications. As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard MINI Cooper S engine receives modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system.

Numerous chassis and suspension tweaks add to what is a finely-tuned racing package. The new suspension system features adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed specifically for motorsport. A six-speed manual gearbox transmits power to 17" front wheels made by Borbet and shod with exclusive new racing tyres manufactured by Dunlop.

Body revisions based on the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit, currently available from all MINI dealers, are key features of the CHALLENGE car's set-up. To generate increased downforce at higher speeds, CHALLENGE car owners can expect a new adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and performance front spoiler. The new braking system performs exceptionally. Large four-piston calipers mean the car can go from 62 - 0mph in just 3.1 seconds. A race-specific ABS configuration and an air-pressure elevating system complete the product modifications, which together equate to a vehicle 30kg lighter than the previous CHALLENGE car.

Safety measures perfect the array of MINI CHALLENGE car features. A roll cage welded firmly to the body of the car houses RECARO bucket seats combined with a six-point safety belt, along with the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system used in Formula 1 cars.

Although the car is designed for race participation, private owners may find owning a MINI CHALLENGE car a compelling prospect. However, the car will not be licensed for public roads and as such is expected to maintain its appeal among racing enthusiasts.

The MINI Challenge race series is fast gaining presence and popularity around the world. Since 2004, Challenge races have been staged in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and New Zealand. In 2008, MINI Australia will also hold a Challenge competition.

Race teams will receive the first MINI CHALLENGE cars from March 2008. Private customers not competing in the MINI Challenge series can expect deliveries of cars from June 2008. An order form for the car can be downloaded from 11 September 2007 and the expectedNew Toyota Land Cruiser uses an extensively revised version of the front independent double wishbone and rear four-link rigid suspension system that was used in its predecessor model, retuned for greater ride comfort and better steering feel.

At the front a long wheel stroke has been retained and the shock absorbers and springs have been optimised. The shocks themselves are larger than before. The lower arm and knuckle have been reinforced and all the bushings have been retuned. To achieve better handling stability, the roll steer ratio has been modified from five to eight degrees.

At the rear the long wheel stroke has been enhanced with optimised springs and shock absorbers, with, again, larger shocks adopted. Bushings have been retuned and the axle housing has been reinforced for added strength and durability.

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System

The new, electrically modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), fitted to LC4 and LC5 models, optimises the effect of the front and rear anti-roll bars for better on and off-road performance (see Off-road Performance section below for further details).

On-road the system works to minimise body roll, improve steering response and absorb the effects of driving over poor road surfaces.

Individual hydraulic cylinders are fitted to the anti-roll bars, each with an upper and lower chamber. The front and rear upper chambers and front and rear lower chambers are connected to each other by separate hydraulic lines, each containing an accumulator.

As the vehicle begins to roll in a turn, equal wheel forces occur on the outer wheels. As a result, the fluid in the hydraulic lines remains still, holding the front and rear cylinder pistons in place, so the anti-roll bars suppress the suspension stroke and body roll is reduced.

On rough surfaces, however, a slightly uneven force is experienced between the front and rear wheels. In this case, the electrically controlled accumulator valves rapidly open and close to absorb the movement of fluid in the hydraulic lines. This dampens vibrations by absorbing bumps in the road surface, making for a more comfortable ride.

Adaptive Variable Suspension

An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is fitted to LC5 models, allowing the driver to fine-tune the Land Cruiser's ride characteristics. Three settings are available, controlled by a switch on the centre console: Normal mode for everyday driving; Comfort mode for extra comfort when cruising; and Sport mode for better body control and precise steering response when cornering.

AVS automatically adjusts suspension performance at all four wheels independently, monitoring data from numerous sensors to continuously optimise the damping force of each shock absorber by activating the appropriate actuator.

Wo price is €49,900 inc. VAT.