...in a Mini.





Hmmm... Anyone fancy their chances ?

(In the 1960s, the original Mini won the prestigious Monte Carlo rally three times.)

Don't like the look of this car - looks like some kind of pumped up version - It has lost that innocent Mini look ..........

Looks ? Looks ???

Looks at this...

BMW Prodrive Mini

0-60mph - 2.7 seconds
Top speed - 120mph (depending on gear ratios)
Engine - BMW Motorsport 1.6 litre turbo
Power - 300bhp
Drivetrain - 4 wheel drive
Weight - 1,200kg (FIA minimum weight limit)

Imagine that beast on the Tarmac....

Good on them. Be good to see someone other than Ford and Citroen in the top standings!
With Prodrive behind them they stand a good chance of mixing things up a bit.

Next lottery win allocated...


"It is possible to buy the modern rallying Mini too. It's road legal, and it's possible to enter the rally in it. Prodrive, which runs the rally team for BMW, sells the car and an aftercare package - with prices beginning around £400,000."

I think it's a smart move: I cannot think of another car that is so clearly attached to a gender - Minis are girly. Even more than a MX-5! I am sure that a cooper s JCW is a great car, but there is no way I would buy one. Mini tries to expand the product range - for example with the countryman which is not Mini at all anymore but easily Golf size... so they have to get rid of the girly image or they will lose easily 50% of market potential. What could make the car more manly than a WRC title? I just don't think it's that easy... BMW already made the experience that pumping a lot of money into a motorsport (F1 anyone?) does not guarantee success...

But those that have owned and driven them to their limit know full well that there is no finer sports car to be had. (Price/performance/handling , 2 seater, light, rear wheel drive)

Absolutely. After all is it a Lotus knock-off (with the Japanese virtue to actually work...). But you still look in it like you borrowed the wife's car...

Probably the only bad thing that can be said about it.

Not so much a knock off, just deeply inspired by Lotus.
Full credit to Lotus.

And this is what Mini will lose against:



The best driver in the best car... end of story.

Not so fast Tonto...

You mean Rally car. It's not a drivers car - it would be a bitch to drive.

Has it won any races ? Why is it the best ??