Alongside the much-anticipated Clubman, Mini will show the Cooper Challenge race car at Frankfurt this year. As a track-only model (and one that will never set foot in the states,) the Challenge doesn't have the same real-world coolness factor of Mini's other debut, but it does at least look pretty mean.
Power comes from a 210-hp version of the Cooper S's inline 4, and this special model marks the first time that the Mini Challenge will use a limited-slip differential to help put the power to the pavement. In addition, the car produces more torque and weighs less than the first generation racer, so drivers in the series have plenty to get excited about.
FYI, LSD has been an option for the last several years.
Since mid 05 in fact
Sick car otherwise one of the best looking R56's I've seen. Mike
"Ferraris are serious cars for serious people who drive around wearing a serious expression. The Gallardo can do serious, too. It has Audi electrics and Audi engineering. But as you careen towards the next bend on a wave of extraordinary sound, half blinded by your own upholstery, you’ll be making the noise of a howler monkey and wishing you were naked" The one and only Jeremy Clarkson
Yep, does look good. I think I see where the LSD quote came from: "A limited-slip differential is featured for the first time on a MINI CHALLENGE racer, to further enhance traction through tight corners at high speed."
Sounds like they didn't have it on the race cars, only road cars.