This is the 2017 JCW Rally, the Mini’s Dakar contender built with their long-time rally partner X-raid. Based on the new Mini Countryman, the JCW rally is nothing like the stock car. Not even the body shell.
The JCW Rally gets a straight-six 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine from the BMW 530d. The oil-burner develops 340bhp of power at 3250rpm and a massive 800Nm of torque from 1850rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed Sadev gearbox, AP racing clutch, front and rear diff-locks and a custom made exhaust from Akrapovic.
The 250mm travel Reiger struts ensure the JCW rally can take on any terrain thrown at it and the increased ground clearance will ensure it doesn’t bottom out. The centre of gravity has been lowered over last year’s car with the three spare wheels going under the car. It gets a real bash-plate a thick sump guard and an underbody metal cover to keep the flying rocks at bay.
The Countryman body has undergone wind-tunnel testing to reduce drag and improve the top speed up to 185kmph. The bonnet has been lowered for a better view out of the windscreen. The wider body is made out of Kevlar and carbon fibre and fitted on the tubular space frame chassis to keep the weight minimum.
