• The Turbocharged racing version of the new Mini JCW Coupe 1.6 ltr inline four cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and 243 foot-pounds of torque.

The Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance, a racing version of next years 2012 Mini Coupe, debuts this weekend at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

The JCW Coupe Endurance draws on the company’s motorsports experience in the Mini Challenge sprint racing series. The car has a stiffer racing suspension with adjustable shocks, plus a roll cage welded to the body, a sport bucket seat with six-point safety belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system, as well as an integrated pneumatic jack for quick tire changes.

A John Cooper Works Aerodynamics package bundles a front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing.

Under the skin, a specially tuned version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in the production JCW Coupe makes 250 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is just over 149 mph.

The standard future 2012 range-topping Mini John Cooper Works Coupe gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Mini said the 208-horsepower engine enables 0-60 acceleration in 6.1 seconds, with speed topping out at 149 mph. That makes the JCW Coupe the “fastest-accelerating Mini ever (with) the highest top speed,” the company said.