225kW MINI John Cooper Works Clubman leads updated JCW line-up

The fastest ever production MINI will hit Australian shores this year with introduction of the new high performance MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman.   

Extensive changes to the John Cooper Works four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine help it produce a potent 225kW – an significant increase of 55kW over the previous model – and 450Nm of torque.

The power hike enables the JCW Clubman to dispatch the standard 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds.

The JCW Countryman SUV has also been updated with the new engine and now achieves the century sprint in just 5.1 seconds.

The MINI JCW Clubman, which will also be available in a motorsport-inspired ‘Pure’ guise, will arrive in Australia alongside the new JCW Countryman, updated Cooper S Clubman and revised petrol Clubman and Countryman models in Q4, 2019.

Powertrain updates

The 55kW power lift for the JCW engine is courtesy of a range of internal upgrades including a reinforced crankshaft drive, new pistons with modified compression, adapted connecting rods with bushless bracket, modified injection valves with increased flow rate and a newly developed exhaust turbocharger with integrated air-diverter valves.

Power is transferred via a re-calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission that promises rapid shifts while also featuring Launch Control for race-style starts.

The updated Cooper S Clubman also now features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the conventional eight-speed unit of the previous generation model.

In addition, Cooper S Countryman now includes the same transmission as the updated Cooper S Clubman, while the conventional six-speed transmission of the Cooper Countryman has been upgraded to a new seven-speed unit. 

Improved handling

Both the MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman are fitted with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard to fully harness the engine’s added power. A mechanical limited slip differential aids front end grip and prevents torque steer.

An enhanced JCW sports braking system, which comprises ventilated 18-inch front discs (360×30) and ventilated 17-inch rear axle brake discs (330×20), provides improved stopping power.

The braking system features new cooling channel geometry for added endurance durability and a re-tuned brake pedal feel for improved performance. The ride height has also been lowered by 10mm on the JCW models to optimise handling.

Unique sporting aesthetic

The front styling package of the new MINI JCW Clubman includes new bumpers and a revised grille and splitter that showcase dynamic intent and highlight model-specific character.

Revised LED headlights with full elliptical LED daytime running light and LED Union Jack tail lights illuminate the rear and highlight the new rear bumper in signature MINI style.

The new grille and head and tail light designs also apply to the updated Cooper S Clubman.

MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman specification highlights:

• Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
• 19-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Circuit spoke in two tone
• Sports suspension (JCW Countryman fitted with adaptive suspension)
• Leather Cross Punch upholstery in Carbon Black with sports seats
• Mirror package, extended
• Head-Up Display
• 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system
• Heated seat function, front
• Electric seat function
• Interior surface in Piano Black
• Roof rails in Black
• Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring

MINI JCW Clubman ‘Pure’ specification highlights:

• Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
• 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Grip spoke in black
• Adaptive suspension
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres
• John Cooper Works sports seats in Dinamica/Leather
• Mirror package, exterior
• Black Line grille, head and tail light surrounds
• Interior surface in Piano Black
• Roof rails in black
• Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring

MINI Cooper S Clubman updated specification highlights:

• Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch display
• Interior surface in Piano Black
• Roof rails in black
• Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring

Key specification and pricing (excluding on-roads):