Key Takeaways
- Mini hints at an off-road-oriented Countryman model in the near future.
- Historical success with the Countryman in rally racing makes this move logical.
- Off-road model may be previewed by a concept.
Mini may break into some uncharted territory, according to Michael Peyton, Vice President of Mini of the Americas. What territory, you might ask? How about a new off-road-focused model? CarBuzz had a chance to speak with Peyton at Mini Takes the States, an owner-focused road rally that crosses multiple states on a scenic road trip.
This event draws a wide spectrum of Mini owners, ranging from owners who tune their GP models for track use to adventure seekers who lift the Mini Countryman for off-road use. When asked why the brand has never catered to the latter by offering a more rugged vehicle from the factory, Peyton responded by hinting, “You might see an off-road Countryman soon.” It’s unclear if Peyton was referring to a fully-fledged production model or a concept, but this is exciting news regardless. At present, Mini offers several body styles but none with a truly rugged outlook.
An Off-Road Countryman Makes Sense
The production Countryman has never been heavily touted as an off-roader, but it does have some pedigree in this arena. The Mini John Cooper Works WRC is a Countryman-based rally car that has raced since 2011, winning the 2013 Spanish Rally Championship, Czech Rally Championship, and more.
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And though it didn’t come directly from the factory, the Mini Countryman Powered by X-raid debuted in 2020 as a Dakar-inspired aftermarket upgrade with a 1.6-inch lift, beefed up suspension, and upgraded wheels and tires. The X-raid was never sold in the US, but something like it could play well in this market.
How To Build And Name It
If Ford can turn the Mustang Mach-E into a rally car, Mini can do the same with the Countryman. If Mini were to build an off-road Countryman, here is exactly what we would want to see from it. This will be a specialty model, so it should use the JCW model as a base, powered by Mini’s most powered turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. It will need a one- to two-inch lift, softer suspension with more travel, and preferably the same Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires used on the Mach-E Rally.
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Visually, we’d love to see some additional lights mounted on the front or on the roof, making it look like a proper rally car. Mini knows how to make interesting decals, so that area should be covered. All that’s left is to give it a name. We highly suggest something provocative and animal-based, learning from the success of products like the Raptor, Bronco, TRX, and Bison. Name it after the brand’s mascot, Spike, a bulldog. Countryman Bulldog has a nice ring to it, evoking a sense of toughness and cuteness in one vehicle. Bulldog Racing is also the name of a private Mini race team in Germany, but the brand has only borrowed the name for a special edition JCW Cooper.
News Summary:
- Mini’s Most Hardcore Countryman Won’t Be What You Think
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