Mini's latest go-fast model, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Cabrio, has broken cover in Australia.
Priced from $56,900, the MINI JCW Cabrio is powered by a fettled 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs an impressive 155kW, up from the normal 128kW of power.
Peak torque has risen from 240Nm to 260Nm and can even reach 280Nm for short periods of time, thanks to the overboost turbo function.
With almost 100kW of power per litre of displacement, the MINI JCW Cabrio is a fierce little drop top, able to dispatch the zero to 100km/h dash in just 6.9 seconds.
It is the fastest drop top model MINI has ever sold in Australia and is "one of the fastest accelerating open top vehicles on the road under $100,000" according to the BMW-owned brand.
"It's certainly been a big year for MINI with the release of the MINI Cooper D, the 50th anniversary, an all new Cabrio and now another member is being added to the growing MINI family," said Justin Hocevar, National Manager for the MINI marque.
"The MINI John Cooper Works brand continues to reinforce MINI's authenticity, providing enthusiastic sports drivers a range of vehicles powered by the very same engine that's used in the MINI CHALLENGE race series," added Hocevar.
More than a quarter of all MINI Cooper S models sold in Australia have the JCW badges, giving Australia some of the highest penetration figures for the high performance models.
"The John Cooper Works represents the pinnacle of the MINI range and customers are choosing them in greater and greater numbers due to the level of performance, specification and value the car offers. It is a car you simply must drive to truly appreciate its appeal," said Hocevar.
Only a six-speed manual gearbox is offered, but fuel consumption is still very low, with the JCW Cabrio using 7.1L/100km on the combined city/highway cycle.
Unique 17-inch alloy wheels, plus JCW brakes, exhaust pipes, badging and a 260km/h speedometer highlight the JCW Cabrio from the outside.
Inside, the standard features list spans sports seats with leather inserts, tinted windows, bonnet stripes, automatic climate control, the unique Always open timer, and a Harmon Kardon HiFi stereo system.
MINI also has an extensive customisation scheme, allowing each MINI JCW to have a unique look and feel.
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