The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33538
A s this issue goes to press, The Monster Energy X-raid Team is campaigning a MINI All4 Racing vehicle in this year’s 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile international rally. Although similar in appearance to the MINI WRC car, the X-Raid vehicle has been separately developed, with help from Magna-Steyr and MINI Design. And unlike the WRC car, the MINI All4 racer is powered by a 315hp variable twin-turbo diesel out of a 2011 spec BMW X3 CC . “The first short test drive was exciting for me and the team and also quite promising,” enthused driver Guerlain Chicherit. “I’m really looking forward to racing it. With the powerful engine and unique handling characteristics of the MINI All4 Racing, we have an excellent chance to do well in the 2011 Dakar.” X-raid team director Sven Quandt is also delighted after the rollout of the new model: “Our team has succeeded, despite the very short development time. We have a vehicle off the ground, which will be competitive.” “The MINI All4 Racing offers exceptional handling, greater ease of service,” Quandt continued, “and, thanks to our cooperation with BMW Motoren GmbH on the engine side, we have increased engine performance and efficiency.” After the somewhat unusual unveiling in snowy conditions, the MINI All4 Racing underwent extensive testing in France on December 13th-14th. Where Chicherit and his, French co-driver Michel Périn put the car through its paces in preparation for the start of the race in Buenos Aires. The new MINI All4 Racing will form part of X-raid’s seven-car Dakar team – the largest ever entered by a team in the 33-year history of the world’s most famous off-road rally – seven race cars, two race trucks (one MAN and a Kamaz), eight service trucks, six assistance vehicles, two press cars and a team of around 80 people make this year’s effort the biggest in the X-raid team history. The use of the all-new MINI All4 Racing offers a photos courtesy Monster Energy X-Raid Team significant change for the team. “Compared to the BMW X3CC, previously raced, the MINI will be characterised by improved handling as the overall length is shorter and it is lower, says Quandt.The MINI also benefits from larger air intakes, a one-piece bonnet and a revised and improved ventilation system using a front air intake and a roof intake. Visibility inside the MINI All4 Racing is not on a par with the BMW X3 CC and entry and exit of the vehicle for the occupants is slightly more difficult, but Quandt is delighted with general improvements nonetheless. Co-driver Michel Perin (left) and driver Guerlain Chicherit. Issue 30 MC2 Magazine 23 X-raid Enters MINI All4 In Personal Dakar