High-Performance MINIs

The name John Cooper has been associated with high-performance MINIs for more than 40 years and current MINI owners can purchase John Cooper Works performance parts and accessories from a MINI dealer. But the two new models making their North American debut mark the first time that a John Cooper Works addition is available directly from the factory after John Cooper Works was merged into MINI.

In both hardtop and Clubman versions, the John Cooper Works editions are powered by a high-performance version of the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection. Producing 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, the MINI John Cooper Works will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds with the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman right behind at 6.5 seconds.

Complementing the significantly upgraded engine, both John Cooper Works models will also be equipped with an array of race-bred equipment including high-performance brakes, sports suspension, a low-back-pressure exhaust system, a specially-modified 6-speed manual transmission and exclusive 17-inch light alloy rims with high-performance tires.

The electrically-assisted power steering is tuned to the high-performance level and the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporates Dynamic Traction control for the first time in a MINI. A feature of DSC unique to the John Cooper Works models is Electronic Differential Lock that is activated in DSC-off mode. A sport button changes both the steering and the throttle to a more responsive sport mode.

Inside, the MINI John Cooper Works adds features to appeal to a motorsports enthusiast, including a leather-covered sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Piano Black trim and a 160 mph speedometer.

The level of personalization expected from MINI continues with the John Cooper Works versions with ten available paint colors for the body, plus the option of the roof painted in white, black or body color for the hardtop or silver, black or body color for the Clubman. For the interior there are 10 different upholstery choices with a variety of colors, materials and patterns. The standard Piano Black interior trim can be replaced with Fluid Silver or Carbon.

Many of the components of the MINI John Cooper Works were developed for the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE race car that was also displayed at the New York Show. The drivetrain, the exclusive light-alloy wheels, the upgraded brakes, the new exhaust system and the modified six-speed manual gearbox are all the same in the race car and the production car. No details of when and where the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE will race were announced.