Mini Cooper Works twins are fast approaching

BILLED as the most powerful production Mini ever built, the latest John Cooper Works (JCW) version of the iconic Cooper S will be priced from $48,800 when it arrives Down Under during August.

Featuring a 155kW iteration of the BMW Group’s 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo four and a host of other mechanical features, the JCW Cooper will be available in both hatchback and Clubman wagon guise, the latter attracting a $2500 premium with a $51,300 recommended retail price.

Orders for both, which represent a $5300 (hatch) and $4300 (wagon) increase over their Cooper S Chilli counterparts, are now being taken at dealers.



Almost identical to the engine being used in the Mini Challenge race series now in progress, the JCW powerplant has a 27kW advantage over the standard Cooper S, while maximum torque rises 40Nm to 280Nm between 2000rpm and 5300rpm (via an overboost function) or, during less frenetic driving, 260Nm from 1850-5600rpm.

Acceleration is impressive, with the JCW Cooper – which is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox – reaching 100km/h from standstill in a claimed 6.5 seconds in hatch form, or 6.8 seconds in the Clubman.

Both have a maximum speed of 238km/h, while fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km for the hatch and 7.0L/100km for the wagon.

Based on the Chilli specification, the JCW twins also feature lowered suspension (down 10mm), bigger brakes (316mm/280mm diameter rotors front/rear), 17-inch “Cross Spoke Challenge S” light alloy wheels, 205/45-section run-flat tyres, a patented JCW exhaust and a new traction and stability control system with a higher traction-loss threshold.

Crown-spoke 17-inch alloys will be available as a no-cost option, and, as to be expected, a wide range of exterior and interior options will be offered.

Cabin equipment includes a 260km/h speedometer, black fascia, anthracite headliner, tinted windows and sports steering wheel.

“The MINI John Cooper Works brand has created a dynamic duo of collectable future classics,” said Mini national manager Justin Hocevar.

“These are the fastest cars yet that Mini has brought to Australia but it is not their outright performance alone that will endear them to our customers. The cars are the complete package.

“The launch … reinforces the commitment Mini has to providing pulse-racing excitement for enthusiasts in an increasingly confused, crowded and conformist market.”

2008 MINI John Cooper Works range:
John Cooper Works (Hardtop)	$48,800
John Cooper Works Clubman	$51,300

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