John Cooper Works available on whole MINI lineup now

The John Cooper Works lineup within the MINI range is now complete, with every MINI model – including MINI, Clubman, Coupe, Cabriolet, Roadster, Paceman, Countryman and GP – now includes a John Cooper Works, or JCW, variant.

“Australian motorists just love a great performance car, and MINI Australia has the highest sales of MINI JCW vehicles, per capita, in the world,” Kai Bruesewitz, General Manager of MINI Australia, told the media.

“Now, with a JCW variant available on every MINI model, our customers will be spoiled for choice.”

All JCW MINI’s sport a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine featuring twin-scroll turbocharged, direct-injection, variable valve control, reinforced cylinder head and pistons, sodium filled exhaust valves and lightweight crankshaft.

It delivers 155kW of power and 260Nm of torque (280Nm on overboost). This increases to 160kW and 280Nm (300Nm on overboost) in the ALL4 all-wheel drive MINI JCW Countryman and MINI JCW Paceman.

Besides a beefed up engine, JCW variants also come standard with JCW sports exhaust system, tuned to deliver a raw note under acceleration, along with a symphony of burbles and crackles on over-run.

Front-wheel drive variants are delivered with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while power is channelled to all four wheels via the electromagnetic centre differential on ALL4 models. An optional six-speed automatic transmission is available for all JCW variatns, except the MINI JCW GP limited edition model.

Sports suspension (or a no-cost-option depending on the model) and high-performance sports-brake system are also standard. A Sports button in the centre console allows the driver to tweak the engine’s responses and soundtrack, as well as the power assistance provided by the steering. In models fitted with automatic transmissions, pressing the Sport button also quickens shift times.

Each MINI JCW sports an Aero kit, which includes a front apron with integral air ducts for brake cooling, side sills and rear bumper. Two-wheel drive variants receive 17 inch Cross Spoke Challenge alloy wheels, while four-wheel drive MINI JCW Paceman and Countryman get 18 inch twin-spoke burnished alloy wheels.

A John Cooper Works logo on the radiator grille, tailgate, door sill strips and near the side indicators tells others your MINI is special.

Inside, drivers a greeted with a JCW sports leather steering wheel, sport seats, handbrake and gearshift lever featuring red stitching, anthracite roof lining, trim elements in Piano Black, and dark-coloured dials for the speedometer and rev counter.

Standard equipment for the MINI JCW range includes a high-end harman/kardon 10 speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free kit with USB audio interface, and Bi-Xenon headlights with auto headlight control and rain sensor.

The crowning jewel of the MINI JCW collection is the limited edition MINI JCW GP model, the fastest production MINI ever built. It boasts a time of 8.23 minutes for a lap of the iconic Nürburgring.

Australia get will just 55 of the 2,000 manufactured worldwide.

The light-weight MINI JCW GP features a 160kW race-tuned engine and traction control system with a specific “GP” mode, as well as a bespoke racing suspension and braking system.

A unique aerodynamics package gives the MINI JCW GP edition an unmistakable road presence, and consists of under-body panelling to reduce drag and a carbon rear wing to improve down-force over the rear axle.

The driver and co-driver are treated to heated leather Recaro seats with red stitching and a special knee roll for secure bracing during spirited driving.

The singularity of purpose of the MINI JCW GP is reflected in the fact that there is just one specification of this limited edition model which cannot be modified in any way.  The variant’s individuality is guaranteed by the availability of an exclusive additional paint choice – Thunder Grey metallic.

All MINI JCW variants are on sale now.