No matter who takes over the Nürburgring track after its major stakeholder, the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, filed for bankruptcy this week, automakers will continue to use the fabled circuit to hone their cars, just as MINI is doing with the Paceman Cooper S model.
In regards to the three-door crossover’s name, MINI chief executive Kay Segler recently confirmed that the coupe version of the Countryman will be dubbed “Paceman” adding that it will go on sale next year.
The Paceman has remained true to the concept model we saw at the at last year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit boasting a sleeker roofline and a different design than the Countryman from the windshield rearwards.
The Paceman will be offered with the more powerful engines in the Countryman lineup such as the 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol delivering 181hp and up to 192 lb-ft (259Nm) in the Cooper S and 215hp (218PS) and 207 lb-ft (280Nm) of peak torque in the all-wheel drive John Cooper Works models.
Video Credits: YouTube
Hat tip to Sam for the video find!
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