The new-gen Mini John Cooper Works edition is not entirely ready yet, but it’s getting there, as you can see for yourself in these fresh pictures from the Nürburgring racetrack where the British firm’s (German?) engineers are testing a barely disguised prototype.
The car has the same front bumper treatment and now, even similar looking alloy wheels and roof spoiler as the JCW Concept that was displayed at this year’s Detroit auto show, but it’s still lacking the JCW-specific rear bumper and side skirts that will adorn the production model.
While Mini hasn’t talked about the sport hatchback’s powertrain, we’ve heard that it will come with a tuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 petrol engine found in the Cooper S, boosted from 189hp (192PS) to around 230-horses.
On the tester, you can see the larger performance brakes that will work together with a more aggressive suspension and steering system setup to offer improved handling and feel over the Cooper S.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
PHOTO GALLERY
