MINI has carried a passion for motor racing in its genes for 55 years and this is expressed more intensely than ever before in the extreme driving fun offered by the latest generation. The tradition-steeped premium car manufacturer now launches the current edition of the top athlete in the small car segment - the new MINI John Cooper Works. The exceptional standing of the new MINI John Cooper Works is due to the most powerful engine ever installed in one of the brand's serial production models, suspension technology refined with racing expertise and model-specific design features which not only optimise the car's aerodynamic features but also underscore its exclusive charisma. With its irresistible temperament and enthralling performance figures, it outperforms the sportiest variants of the new MINI just as strikingly as it does the predecessor model with the John Cooper Works logo on the radiator grille.
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.
Power transmission to the front wheels is effected as standard via a 6-speed manual transmission which has been adapted in detail to the engine's performance characteristics. The transmission itself, likewise entirely newly developed for the latest model generation, is characterised by low weight, short shift travel and optimised acoustic and vibrational characteristics, as well as providing an innovation which comes into play particularly impressively when the new MINI John Cooper Works is driven in sporty style. A gear sensor allows active engine speed adaptation. When changing gear, the engine speed can be automatically adapted to the rotational speed of the input shaft for the gear selected. This ensures jerk-free clutch engagement, thereby enhancing comfort when shifting down a gear.
Together with the hallmark brand concept comprising front-wheel drive, a low centre of gravity, short overhangs, wide track and rigid body structure, the suspension technology has undergone extensive further development for the latest generation of the MINI so as to provide the perfect basis for thrilling race feeling. The new MINI John Cooper Works is fitted as standard with a sports suspension and benefits from the well-established design principle of a single-joint spring strut axle at front and a multilink rear axle which is unique within the competitive environment, as well as optimised details geared towards particularly high engine and driving performance figures.
The body design of the new MINI John Cooper Works underscores the performance-oriented yet exclusive character of the top athlete in the small car segment. The front section has strikingly large air inlets which indicate the high cooling requirements of the engine, its ancillary units and the brakes and thereby instantly revealing the car's outstanding performance qualities. The model-specific cooling concept of the new MINI John Cooper Works also comprises additional air inlets in the outer areas of the front apron so as to ensure the ideal operating temperature is maintained even in race track conditions. These take up the space provided in the new MINI for fog lamps and guarantee an air supply to additional external cooling units that regulate the temperature level of the ancillary units and brakes.
Due to the increased dimensions as compared to the predecessor model, the new MINI John Cooper Works offers tangibly optimised space on the four seats. The luggage compartment now has a capacity of 211 litres. The additional functions and the new display and operating concept are combined with specific design features in the style of John Cooper Works, thereby enhancing the intense performance experience this car offers.