Paris Motor Show was the host of the world premiere of the MINI Countryman WRC. The return of the MINI to WRC was celebrated in big style by the Oxford-based company and FIA’s boss Jean Todt was also present at the official unveiling.
MINI WRC is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine. The power transmission takes place via an Xtrac 6-speed, sequential gearbox. For its outings on the rally stages, the MINI Countryman chassis has been fitted with a roll cage developed by Prodrive, which exceeds the strict safety.
The company began development of the car in 2009, and it is a joint project with Prodrive.
Kris Meeke has been confirmed as the first driver to compete for Prodrive in the MINI WRC. As always, we bring you a comprehensive photo gallery of one of the most exciting MINI vehicles.
Design of the rear spoiler is awful.
That spoiler certainly looks weird, but I don’t think that it’s a mere ricer’s dream spoiler. I believe that it is a functional piece of equipment. Could I be mistaken?
It just looks plain stupid. The ‘lightbar’ on the hood looks rediculous. Alas for those that can’t afford a BMW…here you go.
That woohoo comment is… well, most normal people understands. This wrc car must be priced beyond most commercially available cars.
I really like the way this countryman mini looks, will there be a mass produced or short run lookalike and specced up countryman version? I’d remove the rear spoiler of course.