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The next time someone calls my Cooper S “cute” I think I’ll commit a felony. While I understand the sentiment, it misses most of what a MINI is.
At the New York Auto Show Jim McDowell, Vice President – Marketing, MINI USA introduced the John Cooper Works MINI to North America with a reminder that MINI has racing in it’s blood, including Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964, 1965, 1967. John Cooper has been synonymous with the high-performance MINIs for forty years. Earlier this year, MINI acquired John Cooper Works JCW as a sub brand of MINI.

Both JCW models (Hardtop and Clubman) have the same version of the 1.6-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with twin scroll turbocharger and direct injection. Delivering 208 horsepower and maximum torque of 192 ft-lb between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm, with a further brief increase to 207 lb-ft by means of an overboost function. This pulls the MINI JCW from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, and the JCW Clubman in 6.5 seconds. Top speed is 147 MPH.
The increase in power over the MINI Cooper S comes from the improved airflow as well as modification of the turbocharger. The air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst have all been modified to create smooth flow of air in the intake and exhaust. The exhaust features polished stainless steel twin tailpipes modified to reduce back-pressure. Both JCW models are also be equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, sports suspension, a specially modified 6-speed manual transmission and 17-inch light alloy rims with high-performance tires.

Like all MINIs, the Clubman will offer a number of (profit) options, including several exterior and interior color combinations. Given MINI’s recent sales history, we can expect that most orders for the Clubman will include customer customization, which MINI encourages. Pricing with destination charge is $29,200 for the Hardtop JCW and $34,450 Clubman JCW. The warranty is 24 months, with included maintenance for 36 months.