Detroit show: Mini unveils hot JCW Paceman

MINI Australia will get its hands on the hardcore John Cooper Works version of the high-riding Paceman coupe around mid 2013, a few months after the regular petrol range hits showrooms in March.

Revealed this week ahead of its forthcoming global debut in the metal at the Detroit motor show on January 14, the hottest Paceman will feature the same 160kW/280Nm 1.6-litre turbo engine as the larger Countryman JCW – Mini’s most powerful production model.

As reported, regular Paceman models are expected to carry a price premium pf about $1500 on the comparative Countryman four-door models. Should this trend carry over the JCW, expect a price-tag pushing $60,000 for the Paceman JCW, making it Australia’s most expensive Mini.

The four-seat Sports Activity Coupe will come as standard with a front-biased ALL4 all-wheel-drive system that re-directs engine torque to wherever it detects loss of traction.

The punchy 1.6-litre engine is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, but can also be had with an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The engine’s peak power of 160kW arrives at 6000rpm, while peak torque of 280Nm is available between 1900 and 5000rpm. This can also be upped to 300Nm for short bursts between 2100 and 4500rpm using the transmission’s overboost function.

The claimed zero-to-100km/h sprint time is an identical 6.9 seconds with either transmission – one-tenth faster than the heavier Countryman, on its way to a top speed of 226km/h.

Fuel consumption is listed at 8.0 litres per 100km on the combined cycle with the manual gearbox, or 8.4L/100km with the automatic.

The Countryman based Paceman features MacPherson front struts and a central-arm rear axle, electric power steering and unique, 10mm-lowered sports suspension with thicker anti-roll bars.

A console-mounted Sport button sharpens the throttle response, adds weight to the steering and – on automatic versions – speeds up shift times.

The Paceman’s chunky and high-waisted lines are further emphasised on the JCW by a standard aerodynamic kit that adds more muscular front and rear aprons , bespoke side skirts and 18-inch black/silver alloy wheels. Special badges are features throughout the car.

Inside the 2+2 cabin is a sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and a JCW logo, cloth/leather bucket seats, dark-coloured dials, an anthracite roof liner and red stitching on the gear-shifter and floor mats.

As we reported in November, Mini’s regular Paceman range will be limited to petrol engines only in Australia, in either circa-$35k Cooper and circa-$44k Cooper S specifications.