You’ll have to be a very keen Mini fan to visually distinguish the Mini JCW Challenge from its lesser JCW model it’s based on, but thanks to its crazy exhaust note, you’ll have tο have a serious hearing problem not to notice it.
This is the UK-only, limited to just 100 examples, John Cooper Works Challenge, a special edition made by the same guys responsible for the latest Challenge racing car and is aimed to offer even more performance out of the regular JCW model.
Under the bonnet, there is still the same 228hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine from the regular JCW paired exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox. The transition from JCW to JCW Challenge is all about the chassis and tire enhancements.
The 17inch alloy wheels measure half-an-inch wider than before in order to be dressed with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s while they save 1.5kg of unsprung weight per corner. A proper Quaife limited-slip differential is there to tame the front axle while the suspension is a Nitron NTR R1 coilover unit, adjustable for bump, rebound and ride height.
But the real party piece is that exhaust; it’s a JCW Pro system with carbon tailpipes that can be controlled via Bluetooth in order to switch between Sport and Track modes. In fact, it’s so loud on the latter setting, it invalidates the car’s approval for usage on public roads.
There is only one catch in this whole awesome package and it’s the £32,000 price tag. With this amount of money, you’ll have to be a very keen Mini fan to buy one, that is if there is still any available. Carfection delivers their driving impressions of this sweet pocket rocket in their latest video linked below.