Hot MINIs arrive but diesel on back burner

MINI has launched its hottest-ever factory models Down Under. Launched this week in Melbourne and currently hitting dealers, the MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works and MINI Clubman John Cooper Works are the most powerful and fastest factory-built MINIs to go on sale in Australia.

MINI claims the cars' mechanicals and 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engines were developed in parallel with the factory's motorsport models. To this end their modifications include a different turbocharger and new pistons and valves.

Pumping out 155kW and up to 280Nm (on overboost, 260Nm continuous), the John Cooper Works models also feature bespoke brakes and modified gearbox, suspension and inlet and exhaust systems. They roll on special 17-inch alloys and feature a recalibrated Dynamic Stability Control unit and a "unique" (says MINI!) Electronic Differential Lock Control which improves traction and drive when the DSC is turned off.

Based on the Chili variants, the cars also feature interior upgrades.

A new range of options are also available including cross-drilled discs, front suspension strut brace, sports suspension and a road-going version of the aero package that features on the MINI CHALLENGE racecars. Aftermarket add-ons include seats and dress-up items in addition to the normal panopoly of MINI customisation options.

The new R56 model John Cooper Works cars are built as 'turn-key' models in MINI's Oxford factory. In the previous-generation R53 Cooper S, the JCW modifications were initially offered as a dealer-fitted kit before going into series production.

We published pricing details on the new models in June.

MINI Australia says a 141kW JCW power upgrade kit will continue to be offered as an aftermarket item. This kit does not include the JCW-model-specific engine internals, however.

The John Cooper Works operation was started by the son of legendary MINI modifier, Mike Cooper. BMW brought the operation in-house during 2007. It now operates as almost a junior 'M division' to the main MINI brand.

"The arrival of the MINI John Cooper Works brand and two model variants in Australia is very exciting for MINI," said Justin Hocevar, MINI's Australian National Manager.

"The MINI John Cooper Works brand reinforces MINI's authenticity, providing enthusiastic sports drivers with the very fastest road-going models available, powered by the same engine that is used in the MINI CHALLENGE race series.

"This underlines the detail engineering that has been put into the MINI John Cooper Works engines -- that they have the durability to last a lifetime not just one race meeting," Hocevar said.

Meantime, MINI has effectively shelved plans to add the MINI D to its local line-up.

At Monday's JCW launch Hocevar told the Carsales Network: "We're facing two challenges with getting the diesel Down Under -- the success of the diesel model [sales] in Europe, and the success of our petrol models in Australia."

"We're still talking with our colleagues overseas but it's [MINI D] looking most unlikely at this point in time," he said.

According to Hocevar demand for the diesel in "mature European diesel markets" meant supplies of the turbodiesel Cooper are at a premium.

"When you consider the [added] cost of a diesel model, the added cost of the fuel and the efficiency of our new petrol engines, it makes the sums very hard for us," he said.

Hocevar stated, however, that from a "social responsibility" point of view a diesel model would still be welcomed by MINI Australia.