Under the bonnet of the new MINI John Cooper Works is by far the sportiest version of the latest MINI engine generation. The top athlete's 4-cylinder spark ignition engine traditionally mounted transversely at the front benefits from current advancements in the areas of power delivery, running smoothness and efficiency derived from MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, combining these with performance characteristics which are unmistakably geared towards motor racing.
It draws its power from a capacity of 2.0 litres - an increase of 25 per cent over the engine in the predecessor model. The increase in output amounts to 10 per cent, while the maximum torque is 23 per cent higher than before.
The new engine was created on the basis of the 4-cylinder that was completely newly developed for the latest generation of the MINI Cooper S. It has turbocharging integrated in the exhaust manifold, direct injection with injectors arranged centrally between the valves, fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC as patented by the BMW Group and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). This technology package is combined with precisely selected modifications. As a result, the engine of the new MINI John Cooper Works guarantees efficient and reliable driving fun in day-to-day use as well as sporty power delivery for inspirational performance on the race track.
The turbocharging system integrated in the cast steel manifold makes for short ducting of the exhaust gas flow, thereby enabling an early and powerful response. What is more, the turbocharger developed specially for the new MINI John Cooper Works is made of particularly temperature-resilient material. It generates increased charge-air pressure for even, sporty power delivery across a wide engine speed range. The specific pistons are precisely harmonised with this, enabling compression reduction that is adapted to the high level of charge-air pressure. This design produces performance characteristics typical of a sports car: power delivery which sets in early on and is maintained continuously right through to a high load range. The engine of the new MINI John Cooper Works responds spontaneously to the smallest movements of the accelerator pedal. It develops its maximum torque of 320 Newton metres at just 1 250 rpm and puts this on stream over a range going up to 4 800 rpm. At 5 200 rpm the engine supplies its peak output of 170 kW/231 hp which is then maintained at a constant level up to 6 000 rpm.
The output bonus as compared to the MINI Cooper S is now higher than before at 30 kW, and the engine of the new MINI John Cooper Works is also exceptional in terms of its pulling power. Its thrust not only enables extremely spirited acceleration from standing but also highly dynamic interim sprints. The new MINI John Cooper Works completes the standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (automatic: 6.1 seconds), it takes just 5.6 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h and its maximum speed is 246 km/h.
Geared towards top performance in every way, the engine technology in the new MINI John Cooper Works is rounded off with a specific sports exhaust system. With its low level of exhaust back pressure it promotes spontaneous power delivery in the engine as well as generating the sound typical of the John Cooper Works models that underscores the engine's performance character with a highly emotional acoustic pattern across all load ranges.