The 228hp (231PS) Mini John Cooper Works may be the most powerful production vehicle built by the BMW-owned brand, but if more hardcore stuff is what you’re after, the Mini Challenge Gen 3 race car is the correct answer.
With a curb weight of 1,065 kg (2,347 lbs) and up to 275hp and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque produced by the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this is an all-out racing car that competes in the Mini Challenge series in the UK, in a newly-created category called Gen 3. The new category was created because the production Mini Cooper S has gone from a 1.6-liter engine to a 2.0-liter unit.
The Mini Challenge Gen 3 is also fitted with a Quaife sequential gearbox, Tran X limited slip differential, sticky race tyres and a big rear wing, among many other upgrades. The result is by far the most exciting Mini to drive. Scroll down to find out what kind of thrills it offers to the driver from XCar’s video.