BMW-owned Mini is being linked to a return to the World Rally Championship with its upcoming 4x4 model.
According to Autocar magazine, the crossover, which is rumoured to be called the Countryman and due to go on sale next year, would be turned into a WRC contender for the 2011 season.
The Mini Countryman JCW will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, which will fall in line with proposed powerplants for future WRC cars.
Ex-rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, continues to work for BMW as an ambassador.
He told British publication Motorsport News, “The level of engineering is amazing and very diligent – they’re a company that doesn’t take shortcuts. Everything they do they do well. If there is aproblem they will throw more money at it until they get it right. Without the [BMW Sauber] Formula One project there could be more money to do that.
“People love the Mini and actually love the new Mini as well. It would be terrific to see Mini in the WRC. I’ve got the highest respect for the company and it would be magnificent for the glory days of rallying to return and for Mini to be a part of that.
“I’m kind of an ambassador for the company already. I drive a Mini on the road and I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t believe in the product. I love the car.”
(SportsProMedia)
According to Autocar magazine, the crossover, which is rumoured to be called the Countryman and due to go on sale next year, would be turned into a WRC contender for the 2011 season.
The Mini Countryman JCW will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, which will fall in line with proposed powerplants for future WRC cars.
Ex-rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, continues to work for BMW as an ambassador.
He told British publication Motorsport News, “The level of engineering is amazing and very diligent – they’re a company that doesn’t take shortcuts. Everything they do they do well. If there is aproblem they will throw more money at it until they get it right. Without the [BMW Sauber] Formula One project there could be more money to do that.
“People love the Mini and actually love the new Mini as well. It would be terrific to see Mini in the WRC. I’ve got the highest respect for the company and it would be magnificent for the glory days of rallying to return and for Mini to be a part of that.
“I’m kind of an ambassador for the company already. I drive a Mini on the road and I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t believe in the product. I love the car.”
(SportsProMedia)
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