MINI has exclaimed 'Hill Yeah!' at the prospect of the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, showing off its Dakar rally car on the hill and the latest road models on the company's stand. Having won the 15-day, cross-country Dakar Rally this year, the 1.16-mile (just under 1.9 kilometres) Goodwood hill course should present no problems to the 300hp MINI ALL4 Racing. Winning driver Nani Roma will be in the driving seat on Friday 27th June.
The rally car's road-going cousin, the revised MINI Countryman, will also be on display. Among the changes are new colours, including Jungle Green, and for the Cooper S model power is increased to 190hp. Making its first appearance in the UK is the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch concept; previewing the next generation of John Cooper Works models. The current JCW range of Roadster, Coupé and Paceman (in limited edition Frozen Black) will also be on show. MINI's new Hatch will also be on display; a blue LED arch will be positioned over the car to represent MINI Connected, the in-car connectivity system. It is reported that orders for the new Hatch are at the highest level since the brand was re-launched in 2001.
Anything else?
If you fancy something a bit more 'hands on' there will be three full-size MINI Hatch simulators for visitors to take a virtual drive up the Goodwood course. Prizes will be given to drivers who post the best times.