Mini has just unveiled its 2017 Mini John Cooper Works Rally, set to compete next year in a number of long-distance rallies starting with the famed Dakar.

The vehicle is based around the Countryman and has been co-developed by Mini alongside its motorsport partner X-raid and is a completely new racing car compared to the outgoing model. Alongside the Dakar, it aims to complete in the Silk Way Rally in 2017.

Powering the Mini John Cooper Works Rally is a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine from BMW modified to offer up 340 hp at 3,250 rpm and most impressively, 800 Nm of torque at 1,850 rpm. Mini says that the powertrain has been optimized by a new engine management system to reduce fuel consumption while still retaining its power at high altitude.

Alongside the engine, the racer includes a six-speed gearbox from Sadev, an AP Racing clutch, lockable and oil-cooled front and rear differentials with a Sadev centrifugal diff. There’s also an exhaust system from Akrapovic.

Hours upon hours have also been spent on honing the exterior to reduce air resistant and to make the car as aerodynamic as possible. It therefore retains the same dimensions as the previous rally car but includes some tweaks to reduce fuel consumption and provide enhanced cooling. Some of these upgrades include a larger roof-integrated air intake and a honeycomb structure of carbon fiber and Kevlar on the underside of the vehicle. The underside also includes three spare wheels and two hydraulic lifts which can be operated from the cockpit.

On the suspension side of things, the new Mini John Cooper Works Rally has been fitted with a system from Reiger Racing Suspension which incorporates two fully adjustable dampers on each wheel with a maximum travel of 250 mm each. There’s also six-piston brake calipers clamping down on ventilated, 320 mm steel discs.

According to senior vice president of Mini, Sebastian Mackensen, “MINI and X-raid, which is a legendary partnership [sic]. Together we have characterized the successful racing history of this famous British brand with four successive victories in the Dakar and the FIA Cross-Country World Cup from 2012 to 2015. Our desire is to work further in this direction and underline the authentic racing competence of John Cooper Works. With the completion of the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally, MINI is perfectly positioned to expand its sporting successes. “

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