Mini will preview the high-performance John Cooper Works version of the 2015 Hatch with a pre-production study that will debut at next month’s Detroit Auto Show. Even though it’s called the Mini John Cooper Works Concept, what you see in the photos is actually what the production JCW version will look like.
The pre-production study features an exclusive Bright Highways Grey paintjob, red color accents, a bespoke aerodynamic package and 18-inch JCW light-alloy wheels with a new design.
The philosophy behind the JCW moniker has remained the same: a sporty, go-kart driving experience made possible by an “ultra-high-performance powertrain and chassis technology”, in Mini’s own words.
There are no details about the engine, but the Mini JCW should be powered by a souped-up version of the new 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline engine that will motivate the Cooper S model. Output should exceed the 208hp of the current Mini JCW and possibly that of the Mini JCW GP special edition model, which boasted 215hp.
The concept’s styling certainly suggest the presence of a powerful engine, as it features large air intakes taking the place of the fog lights, plus a scoop and a bulge in the bonnet. The aero kit includes specially contoured side skirts and a rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element, as well as a roof spoiler and additional body components designed to channel air efficiently around the C-pillars for optimized aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
Other distinctive elements are the LED headlights and a black surround for the front grille rounding out the exterior updates.
More details about the new Mini JCW’s performance are expected at next month’s Detroit Auto Show.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
