- The John Cooper Works version of the petrol-powered Mini promises greater thrills
- Two prototypes will participate in the 24-hour Nurburgring race this June
- Power will come from an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter engine which can optionally be paired with a manual transmission
If you’re underwhelmed by the lack of power boost in the John Cooper Works trim of the fully electric Mini Cooper SE, you’ll be happy to know that a proper ICE-powered hot hatch is on its way and will have a manual option. Lightly camouflaged prototypes of the new Mini John Cooper Works will participate in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring before a Fall 2024 market launch.
The official photos give us the best look yet on the upcoming Mini JCW, which is effectively a facelifted version of the outgoing hot hatch. Despite sharing the same interior and some exterior styling cues, the ICE and EV versions of the Mini are based on different underpinnings.
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The JCW-specific bodykit looks slightly more aggressive compared to its predecessor, featuring a redesigned octagonal grille and bumper intakes. Other differences from lesser Mini Cooper models include the gloss black splitter, fender flairs, side skirts, an extended rear spoiler, and an oversized diffuser at the back.
The pictured prototype is called “MINI John Cooper Works PRO” and is specially prepared for endurance racing. In this context, features like the Pirelli P Zero slicks on white 17-inch alloy wheels, the centrally-mounted exhaust pipe, and the quick-release hood pins won’t be carried over to the roadgoing version.
The Mini Design Team penned the red and white camouflage wrap with the outlines of famous tracks as a tribute to the classic racing Minis of the ’60s. As for the “37” stickers on the greenhouse, they are reminiscent of the Mini Cooper S victory at the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo.
The new JCW comes fitted with the Mini Twin-Power Turbo powertrain which is most likely a reworked version of the existing turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit. Mini didn’t give away any specifications but said that the new generation will “push the boundaries of speed and agility”. This makes us believe that the powertrain will produce more than the 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of the outgoing model.
Mini also confirmed it will keep offering the option between an automatic and a manual transmission, sending power to the front axle. As the flagship of the range, the new Mini JCW is also expected to feature a revised chassis setup and stronger brakes.
Mini will race two JCW models at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring that will take place on June 1-2 this year. The red and white car with the #317 number will compete in the SP 3T category with the Bulldog Racing team. There will also be a black #474 car fitted with a manual transmission that will enter the VT-2 category.
