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It's a very pricey Mini Challenge
14 August 2007
Mini will unveil a new track-oriented John Cooper Works Cooper S at the Frankfurt show this year, but don't get too excited - it's not road legal.
The Mini Challenge packs 210bhp and 192lb/ft of torque – an increase of 35bhp and 15lb ft over the standard Cooper S – and will do the 0-62mph sprint in 6.1 seconds.
Intended mainly for those wanting to take part in the Mini Challenge race series, the specialist Cooper S has to be imported from Germany by your local dealer, and will set you back £34,000 (€49,900).
Which seems more than extortionate for a Cooper S that offers a roll bar, a modified Works Aerodynamics kit, the same acceleration as a standard £19k Mazda 3 MPS, and which can't be driven on the road.
We're sure the Mini Challenge race series is good fun, but if you really need a race-ready hot hatch, we'd suggest you try the £20,500 Renault Clio Cup that Autocar drove in April.
Or alternately, buy yourself a road-legal Ariel Atom and drive it anywhere you like.
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