Mini’s most powerful production model ever, the 2015 John Cooper Works Hardtop, has officially debuted in Detroit, where the automaker also announced US pricing.
The 228hp (231PS) hot hatch goes on sale this spring in the United States with a $30,600 starting price (plus an $850 destination and handling fee). The most powerful engine ever installed in a Mini production model is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 228hp (231PS) between 5,200 and 6,000 rpm and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque from 1,250 to 4,800 rpm.
That is 20hp and 29lb-ft (39Nm) more than the 1.6-liter turbo engine it replaces, which means that the 2015 Mini JCW Hardtop is quicker than its predecessor, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.3 seconds (minus 0.2 seconds) with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
With the optional 6-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, the JCW needs just 6.1 seconds (minus 0.6 seconds) to reach 100 km/h from a standstill. Top speed is 153mph or 246km/h regardless of transmission.
Furthermore, fuel consumption and CO2 levels are reduced by approximately 20 percent with the automatic transmission, to 5.7 l/100 km (41.2 mpg US) and 133 g/km in the EU test cycle.
The car also features a sports exhaust, re-tuned suspension, newly developed Brembo sports brake system and a distinctive design that sets it apart from lesser Hardtop models: redesigned bumpers, twin central pipes, a roof spoiler and standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch light alloy wheels are the most obvious changes.
Inside, the 2015 Mini JCW Hardtop 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.
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