Officially unveiled after an early leak yesterday ahead of its world premiere at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, the third-generation John Cooper Works with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228-horsepower under the hood is the most powerful production MINI ever made.
With the 2.0-liter turbo producing 20-horsepower and 29 lb-ft more than the 1.6-liter turbo unit it replaces, it gets 228-horsepower between 5,200rpm and 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 236 lb-ft from 1,250rpm through to 4,800rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this three-door hatch is able to do a zerotohundred in 6.1 seconds, or with the optional six-speed Steptronic automatic, 5.9 seconds. Top speed for both transmissions is 246km/h.
The John Cooper Works also gets a re-worked suspension system, a new set of Brembo brake system, an electromechanical power steering and a range of electronic aids like Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control, and also the optional Dynamic Damper Control.
Since Mini had already teased the concept car this year, the looks of this new model is not that far off. It comes with a redesigned rear bumper with twin central pipes, a roof spoiler, and comes with 17-inch rims as standard or optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.
As for the interior, the sculpted sports seats is covered with a model-specific upholstery in a quilted “Dynamica” fabric, black aluminium pedals, sports steering wheels, new instrument panel graphics and Piano Black and red trim accents.
