2011 Cadillac CTS-V Racing Coupe Revealed

Cadillac will be unveiling its new CTS-V Coupe race car – which is set to take part in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT racing series this season – in Detroit at the 2010 North American International Auto Show next Monday.

The CTS-V Coupe will have to undergo plenty of modifications to meet up to the SCCA standards, but Cadillac has yet to announce what the changes for the future race car will include. Of course, the fact that the standard coupe gets a 556 HP V8 engine is reason enough for some teams to be shaking in their performance tires.

The sports car got some decent changes to its setup, like a carbon fiber body work, a ventilated hood, an aggressive diffuser, and a massive rear wing.





Press Release

CTS-V Coupe Race Car Photography

Cadillac announced today it will return to racing in 2011 with a race-prepared version of its CTS-V Coupe competing in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge, North America’s top production-based racecar series.

The move returns Cadillac to a series where it competed from 2004 to 2007. Competing in the GT Class with the CTS-V Sport Sedan, Cadillac captured the Manufacturer’s Championship in 2005 and 2007 and the Driver’s Championship in 2005.

Cadillac will field two teams in the upcoming SCCA World Challenge GT Class with a racecar based on the CTS-V Coupe. The CTS-V line, which also includes the CTS-V Sedan and CTS-V Wagon, was recently named to Car and Driver magazine’s 10 Best list for 2011.

“Returning to racing in the SCCA World Challenge is a great way to demonstrate the performance and capability of the CTS-V Coupe,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. “The racecars in this series are production based, which allows us to validate our performance against the best of our competitors on the track, and not just the showroom.”

Cadillac is working with Pratt & Miller, a New Hudson, Mich., engineering firm which specializes in motorsports, to develop the CTS-V Coupe racecar. While some of the production CTS-V components will be modified due to the unique demands of racing or to meet the SCCA series’ technical rules, every effort is taken to maintain as much production content as possible.

“The SCCA World Challenge lends itself well to a natural transfer of knowledge,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president for Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “The series will become a key test-bed for Cadillac. We anticipate using what we learn on the racetrack to ensure the V-Series stays on the cutting-edge of performance.”

The first event in the SCCA World Challenge is March 25-27 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Johnny O’Connell, a three-time GT1 champion in the America Le Mans Series, and Andy Pilgrim, who won the 2005 SCCA World Challenge GT class in a Cadillac, will be behind the wheel of the CTS-V racecars.

Introduced for the 2003 model year, the CTS-V has quickly earned a reputation among luxury sports car buyers. For the 2011 model year, Cadillac added the CTS-V Coupe and the CTS-V Sport Wagon to the CTS-V Sport Sedan, creating an impressive family of performance vehicles. The CTS-Vs feature Brembo brakes, a supercharged 6.2L V8 delivering 556 horsepower and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that can read and react to the road 1,000 times a second.

Started in 1944, the SCCA organizes and supports racing at all levels from amateur to professional. The World Challenge series is designed to provide teams, manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers a competitive production-based race series in which to prove their products. The races follow a 50-minute maximum time limit, with the number of laps and total distance determined by track configuration, lap times and race conditions.

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled the 2011 911 GT3 RSR,which will debut on Dec. 11 at the Porsche R&D center in Weissach, Germany.

The new 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR comes with a 4.0-litre, 6-cylinder boxer engine that now develops 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 rpm and 450 Nm of torque. The maximum rev range of the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR continues to be 9,400 rpm.

The transmission is a six-speed manual with sequential jaw-type shifting, a single-mass flywheel, hydraulic disengagement lever, a three-plate carbon-fiber clutch and a limited slip differential. The body consists mostly of steel but thanks to a series of weight saving modifications, the whole car tips the scales at just 2,689 pounds.

The 911 GT3 RSR also includes aero modifications, including a new front lip to increase downforce. The German automaker increased the size of the front wheels from 11 inches to 12 inches for better grip and less understeer.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup at the very top of Porsche Motorsport’s lineup and costs a mere EUR 410,000 plus country-specific value added tax. If you already own a GT3 RSR and want the extra power and aerodynamic mods, but don’t want to spend almost half a million euros on a new car, the modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Source: Porsche





Press Release

Debut for the 2011 version of the world's most successful GT race car


Stuttgart. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR takes off into the new motorsport season with extensive modifications. The 2011 version of the world's most successful GT race car celebrated its international premiere at the "Night of Champions" party held at the R&D Centre in Weissach to mark the end of the motorsport season. Priority in the further development of the GT3 RSR was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear, changes to the suspension kinematics and to the engine.

The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 455 hp (355 kW) at 7,800 revs, five horsepower more than its predecessor. The power increase results from an engine management system which adapts even better to different fuel grades, as well as a redesigned exhaust system and a modified air intake housing. Moreover, the driveability of the famously efficient engine has undergone further improvements. Maximum revs remain unchanged at 9,400 rpm.

Clearly visible are the modifications to the front. A new front lip provides higher downforce at the front axle. The front wheels are now wider with the rims growing from 11 to 12 inches giving additional grip and less of an understeering tendency. The position of the rear wing and the shape of the wing mounting also underwent optimisation and were adapted to the new rear fairing with additional air outlet louvers. The rear lid was also redesigned for optimised air ducting. Like the 911 GT3 Cup and the GT3 R, the RSR has now been equipped with the LED rear lights taken from the latest 911 road-legal cars.

The 911 GT3 RSR joins the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup as the top model of Porsche Motorsport's product range. The successful long distance racer from Weissach can be ordered now at a price of 410,000 Euro plus country-specific value added tax. All 2011 modifications are available as a kit for GT3 RSR cars from the 2010 season.

Technical description Porsche GT3 RSR (2011 model year)
Engine
Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine; 3,996 cc; stroke 80.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 455 hp (335 kW) at 7,800 rpm; max. torque 450 Nm; air restrictors 2 x 28.6 mm; max. revs 9,400 rpm; four valve technology; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; fuel injection.

Transmission
Porsche six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger, single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential 45/65 percent.

Body
Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre FT3 safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; race seat (driver's side only) with flame retardant upholstery; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire extinguishing system.

Suspension
Front axle: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; power steering.
Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar. Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brake system
Brake system with balance bar control.
Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 380 mm diameter; racing brake pads.
Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner vented, 355 mm diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels
Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (12J x 18 ET 34); central bolt.
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5); central bolt.

Electrical system
Motec display with integrated data recording; multi-function display with integrated gearshift indicator; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 80 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight
1,220 kg

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302S

Ford has finally given in to requests to provide more details about the Mustang Boss 302S that it introduced earlier this month.

Based on the same basic set of features as the 2012 Mustang BOSS 302 production car, the 302S adds some highly effective and equally impractical for the street aero, including a very low, deep splitter and a large rear wing. The gearbox is a standard six-speed, while a T2 Torsen limited-slip diff and 3.73 gears send the power to the ground. The car is built to be competitive in several racing series.

Power for the new Ford Mustang Boss 302S comes from a Boss 5.0L 4-valve Ti-VCT V8 that produces 440-hp. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission, which transfers power to the rear-wheels through a T2 Torsen differential and 3.73 gears. The Boss 302S also features 2-way adjustable coil-over dampers and Ford Racing anti-roll bars in both the front and rear.

The Ford Mustang Boss 302s is also a lot lighter in comparison to the street legal version. The factory seam sealer, sound deadener and interior panels of the standard 302 have been removed from the Ford Mustang Boss 302s. The d Mustang Boss 302s also has a reinforced body, a 6 point FIA legal roll cage, a RECARO HANS Pro-Racer lightweight race seat, 6-point safety belt, quick release steering wheel and AIM data acquisition system with GPS. The aerodynamics of the Ford Mustang Boss 302s have been improved by the addition of a fiberglass heat extracting hood, adjustable front splitter and adjustable carbon fiber rear wing.

Production will be limited to an undisclosed amount and pricing starts at $79,000.





Press Release

FORD RACING'S BOSS 302S READY TO RACE IN ‘11

Dearborn, Mich. - It has been The Year of the Boss. This past year has seen the return of the Mustang BOSS 302R to track at Daytona International Speedway and the unveiling of the 2012 BOSS 302 production Mustang, and now Ford Racing announces the latest addition to its line of turn-key ready to race Mustangs-the BOSS 302S.

Building on the successful race history of the BOSS302, Ford Racing is providing Mustang enthusiasts an affordable way to road race with the introduction of the Mustang BOSS 302S. The limited production BOSS 302S will be the third competition car in Ford Motor Company's history to be built at a Ford production facility and made available for racers to purchase through authorized Ford Racing dealers. The Mustang FR500S was the first race car built on a modern Ford production line followed by the NHRA legal FR500CJ, a.k.a. Cobra Jet.

"Ford Racing is excited to add an additional turn-key ready to race car to our stable, which includes the highly successful FR500C, FR500S, BOSS 302R and Cobra Jet," said Mark Wilson, Engineering Manager Ford Racing. "The enthusiasts who purchase the BOSS 302S will be competitive in both the World Challenge GTS and the NASA American Iron Series. We look forward to adding their names to the BOSS 302's racing history."

The 440-hp Ford Mustang BOSS 302S was developed by Ford Racing engineers, and will be built at Auto Alliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich., the home of the Mustang.

The car is based on the street legal 2012 Mustang BOSS 302. The Mustang BOSS 302S is powered by a Boss 5.0-liter 4-valve Ti-VCT V-8 engine and includes a 6-speed transmission sourced directly from the BOSS 302 parts bin. Power is transferred to the rear wheels, via a T2 Torsen differential and 3.73 gears. The BOSS 302S suspension features two-way adjustable coil-over dampers and Ford Racing anti-roll bars in both the front and rear.

The BOSS 302S uni-body starts as a Mustang body-in-white, to reduce weight, the factory seam sealer, sound deadener and interior panels are deleted prior to body build. In addition to body reinforcement, a 6-point Federation Internationale de L'Automobile legal roll cage is installed for driver safety and chassis rigidity. The interior features a Recaro Head and Neck Support system Pro-Racer lightweight race seat, 6-point safety belt, quick release steering wheel and AiM data acquisition system with Global Positioning System.

BOSS 302S aerodynamic updates include a unique fiberglass heat extracting hood, adjustable front splitter and adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. A retro styled BOSS 302 graphics package is included with each car and mimics the graphics from the original 1969 BOSS 302 program.

Production is scheduled the second quarter of 2011 and orders may be placed at Ford dealers that participate in the Ford Racing Performance Parts program by ordering part number FR500-B302S (performance white paint) or M-FR500-B302SO (orange paint). MSRP for the BOSS 302S is $79,000.00.

X-Raid MINI ALL4 Racing revealed for Dakar

The German off-road X-raid Team has just announced it will run the new MINI All4 Racing car in the annual Dakar Rally, which now runs in South America, rather than on the traditional continent of Africa, due to security concerns.

The project was first discussed in 2009 and the competitive debut of MINI All4 Racing will be in the hands of the French rally crew of Guerlain Chicherit and co-driver Michel Périn in January’s 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile.

The new Dakar racer is powered by the same twin-turbo diesel engine as in the 2011-specification BMW X3 CC, developing 315 PS (232 kW) and 710 Nm of torque. The MINI All4 will replace an outgoing 2010 BMW X3CC.

The Mini benefits from larger air intakes, a one-piece bonnet and a revised and improved ventilation system using a front air intake and a roof intake. Visibility inside the Mini All4 Racing is not on a par with the BMW X3 CC and entry and exit of the vehicle for the occupants is slightly more difficult, but Quandt is delighted with general improvements nonetheless.

The skin of the Mini, for example, can be changed within less than 30 minutes. The BMW X3 CC was developed over a period of five years and all this development has been utilised by the "Mini All4 Racing". The new car runs fully within the 2010 regulations and should be competitive from the outset.


Press Release

MONSTER ENERGY X-RAID TEAM UNVEILS MINI ALL4 RACING FOR WORLD DEBUT ON GRUELLING 2011 DAKAR RALLY IN SOUTH AMERICA

• New MINI All4 Racing unveiled after 90 days from start of project

• Chicherit and Périn set to drive new MINI All4 Racing

• Magna-Steyr, Heggemann and Faster boost MINI project

• TÜV Rheinland to support Monster Energy X-raid Team

TREBUR (Germany) - The X-raid Team unveiled an exciting new cross-country motor sport programme to run and develop the MINI All4 Racing in international competition.

The project was first discussed in the summer of 2009 and the competitive debut of the new MINI All4 Racing will be in the hands of the French rally crew of Guerlain Chicherit and co-driver Michel Périn in January's 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile. The event starts in Buenos Aires on New Year's Day and finishes in the Argentine capital on Sunday, January 16th, 2011.

The new MINI All4 Racing will form part of X-raid's seven-car Dakar team - the largest ever entered by a team in the 33-year history of the world's most famous off-road rally - and the third of three vehicles running on the event under the Monster Energy X-raid Team banner.

X-raid team director Sven Quandt began looking at the feasibility of the project in 2009 and held initial discussions with automotive engineering and manufacturing company Magna Steyr and BMW to see whether the new model was a realistic replacement for the BMW/MINI X3 CC - which has earned the

Trebur-based team three successive FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rally titles since 2008.

Quandt received the green light for the new project from BMW in June 2010 and Magna Steyr gave their full approval on September 24th. Initial plans for the new project were discussed at length throughout October in Graz, Austria.

The MINI Design team and Magna have managed the design of the vehicle. Quandt and engineer Martin Ertl, a former X-raid staff engineer who also manages a Formula 3 racing team, have overseen the new project on behalf of X-raid.

Construction of the new MINI All4 Racing cross-country rally car began in November and has continued into December. The car will be put through a first series of tests in France on December 13/14th. It will then be transported by airfreight to South America for final preparations for scrutineering in Buenos Aires at the end of the month.

The MINI will be powered by variable twin-turbo diesel engine that is fitted to the 2011-specification BMW X3 CC and built in Steyr the same place as the MINI and BMW diesel engines are made. The power unit delivers in the region of 315hp and 710Nm of torque. This is an increase compared to the output of the 2010-specification BMW X3 CCs used on the Dakar Rally to seal fourth and fifth places last January.

"This is a major development in cross-country rallying and something of which we are very excited," admitted Quandt. "There has been a very short time between the decision to go ahead and the roll out for the next Dakar, but we are confident that the new MINI All4 Racing will be competitive out of the ‘box.
www.x-raid.de
"Compared to the BMW X3CC, the MINI will be characterised by improved handling as the overall length is shorter and it is lower. We have also been able to improve on many other smaller details, such as the relocation of smaller components to lower the centre of gravity."

The MINI benefits from larger air intakes, a one-piece bonnet and a revised and improved ventilation system using a front air intake and a roof intake. Visibility inside the MINI All4 Racing is not on a par with the BMW X3 CC and entry and exit of the vehicle for the occupants is slightly more difficult, but Quandt is delighted with general improvements nonetheless.

Quandt confirms that the MINI All4 Racing is 10 cm shorter than the BMW X3 CC, about 3 cm lower than its predecessor and has a 10 cm reduced rear overhang when compared to the BMW.

Magna Steyr under the project lead of Hermann Pecnik has been responsible for concept design, the technical drawings and calculations, as well as the production data and compliance with stringent FIA regulations governing cross-country motor sport

The frame and chassis components were designed by Büren-based Heggemann Autosport GmbH and Faster worked on the complete carbon-kevlar body and provided Magna-Steyr with assistance on the construction of the MINI.

Quandt reckons that the MINI All4 Racing is more service friendly than the X3 CC, as all the body panels can be removed within minutes to give easier access to important mechanical components. The skin of the MINI, for example, can be changed within less than 30 minutes.

The BMW X3 CC was developed over a period of five years and all this development has been utilised by the MINI All4 Racing. The new car runs fully within the 2010 regulations and should be competitive from the outset.

The X-raid team has also confirmed that TÜV Rheinland is to support the three-car Monster Energy X-raid Team entries for Chicherit, Stéphane Peterhansel and Portugal's Ricardo Leal De Santos on the 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile. Colognebased TÜV Rheinland is a leading global provider of technical, testing and assessment services, has 490 locations in 61 countries and a workforce of 14,500. The company has a long history in the automotive industry and is further leading in automobile inspection, a service provided as well in Germany as in Chile, Argentina, Spain, France and Lituvia.

"The X-raid concept of the MINI fits very good to TÜV Rheinland, therefore we are glad to support the team in the 2011 Dakar. A lot of our 2,000 staff members in South America are highly interested in the Dakar", says Caio da Silva, TÜV Rheinland Chief Regional Officer South America.

The BMW X-raid team's vast array of equipment is now making its way to South America to arrive in good time for scrutineering and documentation in Buenos Aires on December 30th-31st.

Seven race cars, two race trucks (one MAN and a Kamaz), eight service trucks, six assistance vehicles, two press cars and a team of around 80 people make X-raid's challenge for honours in the 2011 Dakar Rally the biggest in the team's history.

Audi of America to Show at SEMA for First Time

Audi of America has announced that they will be making their first ever appearance at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This will be the first time Audi will be present at the SEMA show where it will unveil a very special vehicle. Audi will present at SEMA 2010 the STaSIS Engineering Audi R8 Spyder which features a huge power increase over the standard model. The custom made STaSIS Audi R8 Spyder is powered by the standard 5.2 FSI V10 engine that has received a massive supercharger system that takes the output up to 710 hp.

The Audi TTS Autonomous Pikes Peak is a project Audi developed with Stanford University and Sun Microsystems to create a self-driving car to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The car features a drive-by-wire technology with an algorithmic process which can steer the car up the mountain on its own.

In addition to After Sales products, the six-vehicle display will feature the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak, and the Audi R8 Custom Spyder by STaSIS Engineering equipped with a supercharged engine (5.2 FSIV10 - 710 HP).




Press Release

Audi of America to Show at SEMA for First Time

• New Audi After Sales products and technology to be unveiled
• Audi Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak demo planned for Nov. 2
• Audi vehicles, plus R8 Custom Spyder by STaSIS Engineering to be shown

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America today announced that it will exhibit -- for the first time ever -- at the SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, Nov. 2-5, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"We're thrilled to be a part of the SEMA experience, and look forward to turning heads with our vehicles, demonstrations, and a sophisticated lineup of After Sales and electronics products that enhance connectivity and entertainment," said David Tait, Audi's lead After Sales executive and spokesman on the SEMA project.

"We think Audi owners will be delighted to learn about our new technologies that will enable them, in cooperation with Audi dealers, to personalize their Audi vehicles in exciting and interesting new ways. Our show cars will represent the pinnacle of what owners can do with an Audi, and unleash a variety of opportunities for our vendors, as well."

In addition to After Sales products, the six-vehicle display will feature the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak, and the Audi R8 Custom Spyder by STaSIS Engineering equipped with a supercharged engine (5.2 FSIV10 - 710 HP).

A demonstration of the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak is planned for Tues., Nov. 2, at 3:40 pm, just outside the North Hall. (More details to follow.)

The exhibit will also be equipped with special, extreme sports Audi gear.

"Let's just say we'll have a few distinctive, concept items on the stand that definitely won't disappoint the unique SEMA audience," he added.

A full complement of Audi of America / After Sales news and information will be distributed during the show, and posted on www.audiusanews.com

In addition to a record vehicles sales year, Audi After Sales has expanded its portfolio of Genuine Audi Accessories offerings leading to an all-time record sales year in both its parts and accessory business within the U.S.

September 2010 sales of Audi cars and SUVs marked the sixth record month of 2010, and also represented the best third quarter ever in Audi U.S. sales history. The September results keep the German luxury automaker on track to set a vehicle sales record in the U.S. by year end. The existing annual sales record for Audi in the U.S. is 93,506 vehicles sold in 2007.

The Audi of America SEMA exhibit will be located in the Mobile Electronics Area of the Las VegasConvention Center's North Hall, Booth 11245.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 275 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

SOURCE Audi of America

CONTACT: Audi of America Communications: Jeff Kuhlman, Tel.: +1-703-364-7423, Mob.: +1-248-622-3703, jeff.kuhlman@audi.com, or Brad Stertz, Tel.: +1-703-364-7440, Mob.: +1-703-344-1320, brad.stertz@audi.com; Rohatynski-Harlow Public Relations: Tel.: +1-517-579-0789; Joe Rohatynski, Mob.: +1-313-378-6570, joe@joepr.com, or Marc Harlow, Mob.: +1-810-599-2558, marc@harlowpr.com

Web Site: http://www.audiusanews.com

Paris Debuts: MINI Countryman WRC

MINI has unveiled the new MINI WRC debuted at the Paris Auto Show. The new MINI WRC, which will contest the FIA World Rally Championship from 2011, will receive its world premiere at this international motor show. In addition, Kris Meeke (GB) has been confirmed as one of the drivers who will contest the championship with this brand new rally car.

The MINI WRC, powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine, recently received a baptism of fire, acquitting itself well during initial testing at Prodrive’s rally track. The company commenced development of the car in 2009, and a concept of the MINI WRC will be displayed in Paris.

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.

Source: MINI




Press Release

Paris.Visitors to the 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris (FR) can look forward to a special treat: The new MINI WRC, which will contest the FIA World Rally Championship from 2011, will receive its world premiere at this international motor show. In addition, Kris Meeke (GB) has been confirmed as one of the drivers who will contest the championship with this brand new rally car.

The MINI WRC, powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine, recently received a baptism of fire, acquitting itself well during initial testing at Prodrive's rally track. The company commenced development of the car in 2009, and a concept of the MINI WRC will be displayed in Paris. "The Paris Motor Show is the perfect stage, on which to launch our MINI WRC," says Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing. "The response to our announcement that MINI will return to the world of rallying next year was very positive. The FIA World Rally Championship is the pinnacle of rallying, making it the ideal platform for demonstrating the competitive spirit of our brand. The development of the car isrunning on schedule, and the preparations for the world championship are in full swing. The MINI Countryman production model provided the ideal basis for our new world championship challenger."

The 2011 World Rally Championship will see the new MINI WRC contesting in six of 13 scheduled rounds, with MINI competing in the full 2012 season. In addition, Prodrive plans to make available customer versions to independent teams for use in the championship.

Rallying is hardly unchartered territory for MINI. In the past this popular motor sporting genre decisively shaped the image of the brand. The MINI Cooper S became a true legend through its numerous victories on Rally Monte Carlo. The European Rally Championship, too, saw MINI notch up serial successes. "MINI can look back on a successful tradition in rallying," says Dr WolfgangArmbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI. "The interest in motorsport among the present generation of MINI customers is massive. The WRC provides an excellent communications platform for the MINI Countryman,upon which the MINI WRC is based."

Prodrive, an experienced motorsport operation, was chosen as the partner in the quest to continue MINI's success story. The company, founded by David Richards, is viewed as one of the most respected and successful in rallying. "This project is a truly passionate opportunity," believes Richards. "MINI is a cult brand which left a lasting impression during its previous motorsport campaigns. We are both extremely happy and proud to be on board as a partner when MINI returns to rallying. We aim to use 2011 as a preparatory year, amassing experience in order to ensure we are fully competitive from the start of the following season. But let's not underestimate the task ahead of us nor the stiff competition we will face on the way, however our target is firmly set on winning the World Championship title again with MINI."

Prodrive was founded in 1984, and has established itself as one of motorsport's leading independent teams. Currently employing over 500 staff, the company is based in Banbury (GB). Among other successes, Prodrive has to date won six World Rally Championships, five British Touring Car titles, and scored three class victories in France's classic Le Mans 24 Hours.

Kris Meeke has been confirmed as the first driver to compete for Prodrive in the MINI WRC. The rally ace from Dungannon (GB) first came to prominence when he won the British Junior Rally Championship in 2002. Numerous victories and titles were to follow. With support from his long-term mentor and former rally world champion, the late Colin McRae (GB), Meeke has been able tosuccessfully establish himself on the rally scene. The Northern Irishman celebrated his most recent success last year, when he won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

The MINI Countryman is the youngest MINI model and also the first to be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. Therefore this model provided the logical basis for a competitive rally derivative. The flagship MINI Cooper S Countryman is powered by a 1,6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, supplemented not only by a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also fullyvariable valve management - so offering by far the best relationship between engine power and fuel consumption in its class. The engine produces an impressive 135 kW / 184 bhp, and accelerates the MINI Cooper S Countryman from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.

As part of the MINIMALISM concept, a range of fuel- and emission-reducing features are fitted as standard and/or in appropriate combinations, including Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components.

All MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are optionally available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, with an electro-hydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels; under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of the agile handling so typical of MINI.

The heart of the MINI WRC is the BMW Motorsport-developed 1.6 litre, fourcylinder Di turbo-charged engine which can be deployed not only in the WRC, but also in other championships running to the FIA's Super2000 regulations. 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.