JCW MINIs due August
MINI's performance arm, John Cooper Works, has relaunched with two new max-power modelsJohn Cooper Works is a small firm that has been in the business of providing upgraded components for the BMW-owned MINI range since the beginning. The company was named after the man who put his name to the original BMC Mini sports models of the 1960s.
BMW acquired John Cooper Works at the end of 2006, to partner the company's MINI marque in the same way that AMG partners Mercedes-Benz.
It's been a while, but JCW has now announced two high-performance models which will carry the company's made-over branding, to go on sale locally in August.
The two cars are based on the R56 model MINI Cooper hatch and the recently released MINI Clubman (more here). Named MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, both vehicles will be fitted with a high-performance engine based on the standard Cooper S turbo motor, developing 155kW of power.
This engine is shared with the MINI Challenge racing cars that run locally (in support races for the V8 Supercars, more here) and overseas. With its overboost feature, the engine can produce 280Nm of torque between 2000 and 5300rpm, but the normal torque peak is 260NM between 1850 and 5600rpm.
The hatch has been timed at 6.5 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and the Clubman version is a little slower, at 6.8 seconds. Despite the cars' potent performance, fuel consumption is as low as 6.9L/100km for the MINI John Cooper Works, or 7.0L/100km for the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.
The engine drives through a six-speed manual box to the front wheels via an electronically controlled differential. Sports suspension lowered by 10mm and featuring firmer anti-roll bars is matched to 17-inch alloy wheels of a unique 'cross-spoke' design with 205/45 WR17 run-flat tyres.
Standard features include a leather-bound three-spoke steering wheel, Piano Black interior trim, an MP3-compatible CD audio system and a 260km/h speedometer. As for other MINI models, the JCW variants are highly customisable with an enormous range of options and accessories.
"We are very excited that these red-hot models will be coming to Australia at the same time as our MINI CHALLENGE series will be showcasing MINI handling and performance prowess at iconic race tracks around Australia", said Justin Hocevar, National Manager MINI.
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