Mini has created a hardcore new rally vehicle – the John Cooper Works Buggy – which has been assigned the arduous task of competing in the 2018 Dakar Rally.
The all-new competition model, co-developed with longstanding Mini rally partner X-Raid, eschews the all-wheel-drive layout of the incumbent Mini John Cooper Works Rally (pictured bottom) for a rear-drive system. Rear-wheel-drive cars, while sacrificing ultimate traction in some parts of the rally’s near-8850km route through South America, are allowed, according to the event’s regulations, to run with larger wheels and higher ground clearance.
These technical advantages (as well as the weight saving possible with a two-wheel-drive car) have convinced Mini to develop the new Buggy with the intention of winning the Dakar Rally, which takes place between January 6-20, 2018 and tasks entrants from Peru to Argentina with racing.
Like the JCW model, the Buggy uses a 3.9-litre straight-six diesel engine with BMW’s Twinpower Turbo technology. The unit delivers 340hp and 800Nm of torque to the wheels. The Buggy also uses a tubular steel frame with bodywork made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic and Kevlar.
Mini and X-Raid have already tested the Buggy on varying off-road terrain in Hungary and Morocco, during which time team manager Sven Quandt said: “The car never had to stop once due to a technical problem, which is really quite remarkable”.
Despite the Buggy’s target to win the event, Mini believes its all-wheel-drive JCW Rally still stands a chance. It finished sixth in this year’s race, but the 2018 model has received a new chassis and enhanced suspension travel. “There are tracks and types of terrain where an all-wheel-drive car has advantages,” added Quandt of the JCW Rally. “What's more, our car is extremely reliable.”
Mini last won the Dakar Rally in 2015, the last of a four-year winning streak for the brand. Peugeot won the 2017 event with the 3008 DKR, and the French brand will return for 2018 with nine-time World Rally Championship champion Sébastien Loeb in its line-up.
The 2018 event, the 40th Dakar Rally to be held, is expected to be Peugeot’s last. Loeb’s second place in 2017 marked his best finish at the rally to date.