05 Mar 08
New-generation John Cooper Works-tuned Minis are coming: now factory-built, the JCW Cooper S hatch and Clubman go on sale this summer.
Power output from the direct-injection 1.6-litre engine is upped to 211bhp, thanks to a larger turbocharger, larger air intake pipe, and modified air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst.
The pistons are reinforced, cylinder head strengthened, and head gasket, intake valves and valve seat rings have been improved.
The compression ratio has been reduced, as in the similarly-modified John Cooper Challenge race cars, and the six-speed manual gearbox strengthened.
The engine's torque output is now 192lb ft, with an extra 15lb ft of torque available on temporary overboost.
Top speed is 148mph: the JCW hatch does 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and returns 40.9mpg and 165g/km of carbon dioxide, and the Clubman's figures are 6.8 seconds, 40.4mpg and 167g/km. Both versions meet the Euro 5 emissions standards (2009).
Specifically-tuned sports suspension is fitted, but customers can have the car lowered by a further 10mm.
The JCW cars get larger brake discs - 17-inch and ventilated up front, 16-inch to the rear - and uprated red callipers.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) - a system that allows a certain amount of controlled slip on the front wheels to give a little wheel-spinning fun - is standard, but it can be deactivated if the driver chooses.
Cornering brake control, an electronic differential lock, stability control and hill start assist are also standard-fit systems.
Other electronic trickery includes a different selectable mode (activated by the Sport button in front of the gearstick) for more dynamic throttle and steering responses.
The JCW package includes an upgraded 10-speaker sound system with eight-channel amplifier, different instruments - including a speedo showing up to 160mph - and a leather sports steering wheel, air conditioning, piano black trim and an anthracite roof-lining.
There are exclusive-to-the-JCW 17-inch cross-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, and John Cooper Works logos on the boot, grille, wheels and door trim.
Production begins at Cowley in July, and prices start from £20,500 (JCW hatch) and £21,700 (JCW Clubman).
Related links
Review: Mini Cooper (2006-)
Review: Mini Clubman (2007-)
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
