MINI Countryman Rally Car Earns Respect in Early Outings

PEABODY, MA (10/31/2011)(readMedia)-- The MINI Cooper's performance in the Monte Carlo rallies of the 1960s helped solidify the brand as a go-to name for driving excellence, and this year MINI returned to the international rally racing stage with two John Cooper Works World Rally Championship (WRC) cars. Specially prepared versions of the 2011 MINI Countryman available at dealerships, the MINI John Cooper Works WRC vehicles have picked up some impressive finishes during their limited participation in the 2011 WRC as they prepare to take on the full schedule in 2012.

The MINI WRC Team finished in sixth place in its first rally at the Rally d'Italia Sardegna in May, and has since racked up four top-five finishes. Last month, MINI WRC driver Dani Sordo took second place at the Rallye de France Alsace, and the team is currently preparing to wrap up the 2011 WRC season in MINI's home country at the Wales Rally GB from Nov. 10 through Nov. 13.

"With its rally success, the MINI Countryman has proven it has the chops to race with the big boys," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Greater Boston MINI dealer MINI of Peabody. "The team's ability points to the racing DNA present in every MINI vehicle, which is why Massachusetts drivers like them so much. They're a blast to drive, whether you're on a race track, a highway or a country road."

Following MINI's success in the WRC, it is anticipated that production models of the MINI Countryman may also soon get a John Cooper Works package, as a specially equipped test model was spotted this summer on the Nurburgring by staff at Motor Authority. Another industry publication, UK-based Autocar, recently reported that Prodrive, the developer of the MINI Countryman-based WRC rally car, has also been working a road-ready, high-performance Countryman whose features may one day make it to MINI dealerships.

John Cooper Works MINI models are named in honor of John Cooper, the man who first brought MINI into racing in 1961. As the fastest modern MINI trims available to buyers, John Cooper Works packages are currently available for the MINI Cooper, Clubman, Convertible and Coupe. All John Cooper Works MINIs get a revised suspension with stiffer springs, sway bars and shock absorbers, as well as larger brakes that are more than up to the task of taming the high speeds that these pint-size race cars are capable of reaching.

While upgraded brakes and suspensions make John Cooper Works models especially reliable in the corners, it is the powerful turbocharged engine that makes them addictive accelerators, reaching 208 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque in current models. Motor Authority has reported that a John Cooper Works Countryman could reach up to 225 horsepower, making it the most powerful production MINI.

"Numbers don't really do the John Cooper Works MINIs justice," Cabot noted. "While the stat sheet is impressive, these cars need to be experienced first-hand for people to really understand just how quick and nimble they can be. A John Cooper Works Countryman would be a hit with Massachusetts drivers who want the capability of a Countryman with the racing pedigree of MINI."

About MINI of Peabody:

Since 2002, MINI of Peabody has been the leading source for new and used MINI vehicles in Northern New England. Their dedication to professional, friendly customer service allowed them to win the 2009 MINI Motoring Cup, a national award presented to the dealership that has the highest sales and customer satisfaction. Their new location in Peabody offers a state-of-the art service center and an expanded selection of MINI parts and accessories. See their MINI inventory or schedule a service appointment at www.minipeabody.com, call (877) 212-9727, like them on at www.facebook.com/miniofpeabody or visit their new showroom at 209 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, Mass.