Prodrive launches first RHD machine

Prodrive has built the world's first right hand drive car built to the latest regulations in the World Rally Championship.

The new MINI John Cooper Works WRC will be driven by Derek McGeechan at the Lurgan Park Rally next weekend, and has been fully homologated for use in any FIA accredited championship.

The new car has a unique bodyshell, with the roll cage modified to accommodate the steering support and a new RHD drive steering rack. The gear lever and hand brake have been relocated within the cockpit, while changing the steering position has also led to modifications to the wiring loom and seat brackets. Under the bonnet the car is the same except for the relocation of the electric water pump to accommodate the steering rack.

"The MINI WRC has proven very popular in Ireland and ever since we launch the MINI last year, there has been great demand for a right hand drive version," MINI WRC sales manager Steve Smith said. "It has taken a lot of work re-engineering the standard car to get to the finished fully FIA homologated car, but the result is everything we could have hoped for."

The right hand drive car is available at the same price as the left hand drive model used since MINI entered the WRC.