With a new 2,0-liter turbo’d four delivering 228hp under its hood, the third-gen John Cooper Works (JCW) Hardtop is the most powerful production MINI ever.
It was officially unveiled today following an early leak Tuesday, and ahead of a world premiere at the 2015 Detroit motor show in mid-January.
The 2.0-liter four-pot has 20hp and 29 lb-ft (39Nm) more than the 1.6-liter turbo engine it replaces, producing a total of 228hp (231PS) between 5,200 and 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 236 lb-ft (320Nm) from 1 250 through to 4,800 rpm.
It’s paired to a standard six-speed manual that accelerates the three-door hatch to 60mph in 6.1 seconds (100km/h in 6.3 sec), or optionally, a 6-speed Steptronic automatic, in which case, it reaches 60mph in 5.9 seconds (100km/h in 6.1 sec). Top speed is 153mph or 246km/h regardless of transmission.
A re-tuned suspension that works together with a newly developed Brembo sports brake system, an electromechanical power steering and a series of electronic aids such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control, plus the optionally available Dynamic Damper Control, keep the handling in check.
Mini had already teased the car with a concept this year, so there’s no surprise in the looks department with the hotter JCW hatch getting a new front bumper – complete with a goatee, redesigned rear bumper with twin central pipes, a roof spoiler and standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch light alloy wheels,
The interior gets sculpted sport seats clothed with a model-specific upholstery in a quilted “Dinamica” fabric, aluminum pedals, sports steering wheel, anthracite roof liner, modified instrument panel graphics and Piano Black and red trim accents.
The JCW Cooper S model will go on sale early in the spring next year.
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