A NEW race-bred MINI is about to hit UK streets as a strictly limited edition model.

Called the MINI John Cooper Works Challenge, it is based on the fiery MINI JCW Hatch variant but adds some upgrades to make it more track focused.

The Challenge bit refers to the racing series that has been running since 2002.

And with that in mind the MINI development team in Oxford has worked with the racing car's key suppliers to ensure the newcomer ‘delivers bespoke track performance to levels never before seen in the small hot hatch class'.

Limited to a maximum of 100 cars, the model features a unique colour combination and graphics, genuine MINI JCW Pro Accessories, and is available in one fixed specification only with a tab of £32,000.

The new special edition uses the latest MINI John Cooper Works Hatch as its basis - itself the most potent MINI ever produced - and is powered by a 2.0-litre twin turbo engine developing 231bhp.

It uses a six-speed manual transmission, can scorch from 0-62mph in 6.3-seconds, has a top speed of 153mph, yet can return 42.2mpg with C02 emissions of 155g/km.

Bespoke styling includes enlarged air intakes at the front for increased cooling, contoured wheel arch extensions and a rear spoiler, while the cabin features John Cooper Works sports seats and sports steering wheel.

Satisfied with the car's degree of power, the engineering team concentrated more on the Challenge model's chassis, tyres and braking.

So the car is supplied with recommended settings for both road and track driving, the damper units offering adjustment through numerous ‘clicks', though owners can choose to experiment with their own settings to tune the car to their own tastes.

And it comes shod with 17-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, original equipment for a host of high-performance cars, plus grooved and part-drilled 330mm front disc brakes with four-pot Brembo-developed calipers.

The new John Cooper Works Challenge also uses the MINI JCW Pro Accessories like splitters and spoiler add-ons already available for John Cooper Works Hatch.

Every Challenge model is painted in White Silver, can be readily identifiable by a bespoke graphics package, black roof and mirror caps and also has the alloy wheels finished in black.