I just read an article about a company that outfitted a Mini with an AWD system, and it got me thinking about the Mini in rallying, and how cool that would be. Mini going back to it's roots. I think the Mini's design, short wheelbase and tires pushed far out the corners, really has an advantage over the competition. BMW should really look into this.

Apart from that though, the thought of being able to buy an AWD, 2.0L Turbo, 300 or so HP Mini is just...

P.S. for those who have no idea what I'm talking about. WRC regulations state that in order for your car to compete it must be based on a car that is sold to the general public. It also states that the maximum engine size allowed is 2.0L, and it cannot exceed 300 BHP. So all the cars that compete in the WRC have a street cousin with the same basic configuration. AWD, 2.0L turbo engine, and 300 HP. And if BMW decided to enter the WRC there would have to be a Mini with roughly those numbers.

 

I'd love to see that, with Colin McRae driving. But unfortunately that isn't going to happen. What a hoot it would be. In fact Suzuki is going to do a full program in 2008.

 

The MINI is too short for the regs, but it would be sweet!

 

"The MINI is too short for the regs, but it would be sweet!"

What about the Clubman?

 

Their are no regulations about minimum size. The MINI just doesn't have a viable platform right now.

 

I wonder if there's a lack of interest from the Germans as the only WRC car based in Germany that I can think of is Vauxhall-everything else is Japanese, French or Euro Ford but dominated by the Japanese in numbers.

 

I'd guess that the lack of interest by them is the millions of dollars it would cost to develop, build & run a WRC program.

 

Is there a hi-res of this photo. Well, Hi-res enough for computer wallpaper?

 

That would be great but you know what else would nice, if we could actually see the WRC program again like we did a couple years ago Enough with the NECKCAR programming already! How many shows do you need to talk about cars going around in a circle I used to look forward to Sunday night @11:00 p.m. EST on Speed where they'd have the 2 hour WRC race coverage, why did they take this off of the air?!



Sorry about the rant and BTW, Nickey Grist is the man

 

The fact is that Speed didn't want to pay the enormous amount of money the FIA wanted to get the rights to air it in the states. FIA is trying to force everyone to have to buy their pay per view the coverage.

 

what's the keep privateers from entering?

 

Size regulations.

 

I don't think the cost would bother BMW all that much as they are very involved in many other areas of motorsport. I don't think they feel they have much to learn or gain from WRC like they do with DTM, F1, LeMans GT's,etc. Unfortunatly the MCS would fit in the WRC slot well, kind of bring back the ralley legacy of the late 60's. I don't think 300hp would be any trouble or bumping it to 2.0 (but they don't have too) I would think that making the AWD system from the 3 series adapt to the Mini chassis would be difficult but not impossible. I'm sure a wide body kit would be involved and increased ride height and a huge wing, splitter, etc but the aftermarket already has most of this already.

 

Privateers still need a developed platform, which BMW doesn't have at this point. They buy the chassis and the power train from a factory team, and the rest of the stuff they have to buy/develop themselves.

BTW if you like WRC don't buy the crappy wrc.com coverage. It's a waste of money.

http://www.motorsport-torrents.info/

 

There are no minimum size req's for the cars. Check out the official rules here.

MINI/BMW just does not have a viable platform right now to be competitive.

 

Rawk strikes again with great pics.

 

I could dig it.

Problem is, here in the USA, nobody wants to build grandstands out in the middle of nowhere, much less find someone to drive so many miles out there to sell beer to the crowd. My point? There aren't enough Americans out here to support WRC. I've worked several rallies, and it's not gaining popularity like stupid Drifting (grandstands and beer factor).

BTW: Hyundai's cars never came with awd, but the rally cars do.

 

In the USA rally is & most likely aways will be an underground sport. Getting permission to use public roads has always been a problem for organizers & isn't getting any easier. I've spectated, worked, crewed, organized & had the privilege to even compete in Pro Rally's. IMO the last thing rally needs are drunken spectators. If you try & run in a stadium to cater to the masses....well it's not a rally anymore.