MINI John Cooper Works gets green light

Extreme driving, fun and exclusive charisma, based on technology for engine, suspension and aerodynamics derived directly from motor racing, as well as model-specific design features for the exterior and interior, and greater differentiation from the Mini 3-door highlights the new model’s individual character.

It features the most powerful engine ever fitted in a serial production model of the British premium brand – 2.0 litre four-cylinder spark ignition engine, developed based on well-established racing expertise and drawing on the latest generation of power units, with Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology with output increased to 170kW that results in performance-orientated power delivery. And it also has a highly emotional sound due to the specific design of pistons, turbocharger and exhaust system.

The maximum torque is increased by 23% to 320Nm and the car runs a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a six-speed Steptronic sports transmission available as an option. This means a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds with the manual transmission, or 6.1 second with the automatic.

Suspension technology precisely harmonise with the power and performance characteristics of the engine, along with a newly developed Brembo sports brake system and exclusive 17-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloy wheels; electromechanical power steering with Servotronic; Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control, Electronic Differential Lock Contro and Performance Control; and Dynamic Damper Control that is optionally available.

You get an aerodynamically optimised body design that features a model-specific front apron with large cooling air inlets, which also occupy the space allocated to the fog lamps in the Mini 3-door; a distinctive side sill and rear apron design; and a John Cooper Works rear spoiler.

The unmistakable appearance continues due to model-specific design and equipment features, such as LED headlamps with white direction indicators; wheel arch surround with distinctive contours; radiator grille; side scuttles and tailgate with John Cooper Works label; sports exhaust system with special tailpipes; and a new Rebel Green body paint finish, available exclusively for the new Mini John Cooper Works.

Characteristic sports car flair in the interior means exclusive John Cooper Works sports seats in Dinamica fabric with integrated headrests, along with John Cooper Works entry sills; a steering wheel with multifunctional buttons and shift paddles, in conjunction with the six-speed Steptronic sports transmission and a gear or selector lever; cockpit displays; central instrument display and car key in model-specific design; pedals and driver footrest in stainless steel; and an anthracite roof liner.

Standard safety fittings include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, three-point automatic belts on all seats, Isofix children’s seat attachment at the rear and, optionally, also on the front passenger seat.

The Mini John Cooper Works will go on sale in South Africa in the second quarter of 2015. Local specs will be finalised closer to the launch date.