These are the first videos with MINI Countryman WRC, caught on tape during a test session in Ponta de Lima, Portugal. It seems that the tests will carry on until Friday, and the pilot behind the wheel is Markko Martin.
MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed by Prodrive, in close cooperation with MINI, is based on the production model. The powerful heart of the racing car is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport.
The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which stipulate the use of turbo engines with 1,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies. The result is a significant 25 per cent reduction in overall costs.
This first test car is running with an interim body and aero package, while design of the final World Rally Car bodywork is underway.
[Source: RallyAzores]
Author: Gabriela
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/09/15/first ... shakedown/