MINI's john cooper works buggy + rally vehicles ready for dakar 2018

MINI + X-raid enter the final preparation phase for the dakar rally 2018 with the presentation of their racing cars. in addition to the further advanced version of the all-wheel drive MINI ‘john cooper works rally’, which, at its debut appearance, came in sixth overall at the 2017 dakar rally, the rear-wheel drive ‘john cooper works buggy’ will head into the opening stage of the rally event’s 40th edition.

MINI john cooper works rally
all images © MINI

the MINI ‘john cooper works buggy’ features a specially designed tubular steel frame that provides maximum protection for driver and passenger in extreme situations. a specifically designed body made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and kevlar is stretched over the frame. the authentic buggy-look exterior has been designed in collaboration with MINI design and aerodynamically optimized. thew ‘buggy’ is powered by a 340 hp 3.0 liter diesel engine, with a maximum torque of 800 Nm. the transmission and drivetrain as well as the engine’s turbocharging technology, have been completely built from scratch for the rally.

MINI john cooper works buggy

the new ‘buggy’ has already undergone an intensive test programme which took it over different types of rally terrain in hungary and morocco.

‘during this time the buggy never had to stop once due to a technical problem, which is really quite remarkable,’ reports team manager sven quandt. he continues, ‘despite all the euphoria, we must definitely not forget the mini john cooper works rally. there are tracks and types of terrain where an all-wheel drive has advantages. what is more, our car is extremely reliable.’