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Prodrive will run Mini's forthcoming Crossover 4x4 in the World Rally Championship, according to reports.

Although there has been no official confirmation of the deal, Prodrive technical director David Lapworth has admitted that the team has a deal to run cars for a manufacturer new to the WRC - and that it will be increasingly difficult to keep the identity of the cars secret in the coming months.

The launch of the Mini Crossover is currently scheduled for next March's Geneva moto...Read the full article

 If the 4wd was a low ride height for the road version and so sporty, it could be a good competitor the Golf R, EVO, WRX STI etc. as a lower cost alternative. How far can they take the 1.6T engine i wonder. But WRC cars have 2.0T engines so i wonder if that will be a new mini engine then?

 

 

WRC going 1.6T (or 2.0 n/a, was up in the air until recently and can't remember what was decided) from 2011 and category for 2011 cars in 2010.

 I just found an FIA quote:

"The date for introduction of the 1600cc turbo engine for the WRC car has been brought forward to 2011 to bring it in line with the engine used in the cars on sale to the public."

 

Very convenient for the 2011 mini 4wd entry. I look forward to this regulation change, it should see some new entries to the sport and more WRC versions of road cars, the mini being one obviously. This could open the way to Peugeot 207, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa (if they have the money) WRC cars.

These cars are all large in size  now and suited to being the full WRC spec competitive 4wd class cars.

 

I'm guessing they will still be 300bhp cars. So i expect some monster 1.6  engines.