[suhaas307]

The Challenge:



Mini has launched a Facebook campaign where they are challenging Porsche to a race. Mini Cooper S vs. Porsche 911 Carrera S at the Road Atlanta course. The event is suppose to take place on June 21st, that’s of course if Porsche shows up. We are talking about 172 hp Cooper S vs. 385 hp 911 Carrera S. Common sense says that it’s not a fair race, but surely a good publicity for Mini. Just a little reminder, that Porsche has most racing victories of any manufacturers out there – over 28,000! Below in the video, Mini USA president Jim McDowell talks about the whole deal and what he personally will do if they either lose or win the race. Will Porsche accept the challenge? Very likely not, but we’ll see soon.

YouTube - MINI Cooper S vs Porsche 911 Carrera S

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The Response:


Earlier, Mini USA president Jim McDowell challenged Porsche to a race at the Road Atlanta course on June 21st. The race was suppose to be between a 172 hp Mini Cooper S vs. 385 hp Porsche 911 Carrera S. Clearly just a publicity stunt not a real race as Mini has no chance against the 911, unless there are some tricks involved.

Porsche’s answer? Some thought Porsche will just ignore this whole Mini campaign, but no. Below we have the official response from Detlev Von Platen President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America.

Dear Jim,
Imagine our surprise to discover our former employee, now the head of Mini, has challenged us to a head-to-head race. As you surely know, Porsche has a long history of racing success, with more than 28,000 wins over the last 60 years. In our early days, we pitted ourselves against the giants, so we’ve been in your shoes.
But as you also know, Porsche doesn’t race for fame, stunts or publicity. We race to challenge ourselves; we race to push sports car technology; we race to translate every win on the track to our cars on the road. If you need a reminder of our intent, please take a look at this short video:


YouTube - Racing. Not posing.



While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we’ll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces. We also invite you to any of the thousands of tracks around the world where Porsche owners compete each weekend.
Good luck with your race at Road Atlanta on June 21; we hope you enjoy the day.
Sincerely,
Detlev Von Platen President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America

[avishar]

You know,after you see challenges like these somehow you feel good,that car manufacturers still have that spirit of competition.Competition not on the balance sheets but on the race track,where its just pure driving!

BTW does the Mini even have a chance of beating the porsche.I know its light and pretty good handling for the Cooper but still.

[echo77]

LOL. Mini *may* have a chance if the porsche has to make 2 laps for every lap done by the Mini.

[toiingg]

I likes the Porsche car wash !!

[predatorwheelz]

I'm a bit surprised, frankly. The Mini makes 172 bhp and weighs about 1215 kgs. Thats 141bhp/tonne.The Porsche makes 385 bhp from 1420 kgs. Thats 271 bhp/tonne!

Also, I'm sure the Porsche would have a better state of suspension to take it around a ring.

What is Mini smoking these days?

[arjunrudra]

wow thats one awesome comeback from Porsche. Loved the way he challeged the Mini's tot he real races.
Anyways dying to see what the result of the race is going to be !

[bivin]

the porsche doesnt stand chance!! have you seen the new GT3 RS?? its an absolute disaster. Porsche is all talk and no play.. the Mini is gonna win even with a 2 year old behind the wheel.. see for yourselves!!

YouTube - FERDINAND GT3 RS - The World`s slowest Porsche

Cheers!!

[suhaas307]

Last week Mini challenged Porsche to a race at Road Atlanta. Porsche responded with a clear message that they don’t race for fame, stunts or publicity, and welcomed Mini to Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces. Looks like Mini still wants to continue their marketing campaign(what else can you call this), by releasing a new Video where Mini USA president Jim McDowell re-challenges Porsche. There’s no way Porsche can take this seriously and for some reason, I they won’t even bother answering this time.


Video:

YouTube - MINI Response to Porsche

Source: Video: Jim McDowell re-challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta | ThisWeekinMotors.com

[Cyrus43]

This is the Most Hilarious thing I have EVER seen!! Awesome!! Pure and simply AWESOME!

[Maverick1977]

This is a very good strategic move by Mini to get into the eyes of people who are considering a Porsche. They know very well that a person who is even considering buying a Porsche has enough money to afford a Mini and might consider the same as his 2nd car. It will not even be surpising if both the companies are involved in this marketing gimmick.
Its a very innovative & different way of advertising your products. Both guys know their strengths & have highlighted the same. The race is just a sidekick.
Good strategy by both Co.

[stanjohn123]

For those of you who did not know, Mini Cooper had recently challenged Porsche to a race on June 24th this month(Mini Cooper S vs Porsche 911 carrera S). Call it crazy or whatever you want to but Porsche sadly declined the offer which was even crazier.

Anyways guess who decided to take Porsche 911's place. The new kid on the block Hyundai's genesis coupe. The Genesis coupe has proven to be a worthy Muscle sports coupe and has thoroughly beaten Camaro and dodge challenger in the sports car front. Will it be able to take out the mini cooper who might really have something under their sleeves or else they'd have never challenge Porsche in the first place.

Source : Hyundai's Challenge :Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta — Autoblog

Mini's Challenge to Porsche :Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911? — Autoblog

Mini Challenge declined by Porsche:Followup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video] — Autoblog

[avishar]

Mini must be thinking "now where did this come from?"

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by avishar

Mini must be thinking "now where did this come from?"

They wanted to be compared to Porsche! Now they risk being compared (and may be even, beaten ) by Hyundai!

[echo77]

I didn't know the name was pronounced as "Hun-Day". Have been calling it "Hyoon-daaiy" all this while

[AbhiJ]

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