Mini Introduces the New John Cooper Works Hardtop

Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop (Credit: © Mini)

We’ve already seen the new Mini Cooper, and I for one love its new look. It looks far more mature than it ever has before and its added size makes it a little more livable on the inside. But with the debut of a new Mini Cooper came the excitement for the new John Cooper Works version of the small hatchback. Well, it took a little time for Mini to iron out all of the details, but the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop is finally here, and it is more awesome than ever.

The outward changes mimic those of the new Cooper Hardtop, but the JCW version adds in all of its aggressive goodies, like a series of large air inlets on the front apron to help cool the engine and front brakes, hexagonal honeycomb front grille, side scuttles with red accent lines, exclusive black wheel arches, and exclusive racing stripes. Buyers can choose from 11 different finishes for the body, including a JCW-exclusive Rebel Green Metallic. Buyers can opt to paint the roof and mirror caps a different color at no extra cost, and the color options include black, white or a JCW-exclusive Chili Red.

Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop (Credit: © Mini)

Inside the cabin, the sporting intentions of the JCW Hardtop continue to make themselves known by way of sport seats with integrated headrests, JCW-exclusive Dinamica and fabric upholstery in Carbon Black, a leather-wrapped JCW steering wheel, JCW door sills, a JCW gear shifter, and stainless-steel pedals. Other interior goodies include an anthracite headliner, Piano Black and red accents and a dark speedometer background for easier reading.

Under the hood is where the magic happens for the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop, and this saw some improvements over the previous generation too. New for JCW model is a 2.0-liter engine — up from the 1.6-liter engine in the last generation — that produces 228 horsepower from 5,200 to 6,000 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque between 1,250 to 4,800 rpm. This output marks a 10-percent bump in horsepower and a 14-percent jump in torque from the previous generation.

Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop (Credit: © Mini)

This upped power travels through a standard six-speed manual transmission on its way to the front wheels, but a six-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option. The six-speed manual is a new unit for the new generation, and is highlighted by a lower weight, shorter shifts and reduced noise. Additionally, this six-cog manual features rev matching for clean and crisp shifting. The optional auto transmission features auto stop and start to reduce fuel consumption.

With the revised powertrain in tow, the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop can hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds with the manual transmission and 5.9 seconds with the auto gearbox — 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. The peppy hatchback peaks at an impressive 153 mph.

Stopping duties are handled by Brembo high-performance brakes with red calipers for some added flashiness. Helping the JCW model handle better is a sports suspension system that features a single-joint spring strut axle up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The front suspension also features aluminum swivel bearings, while the axle supports and wishbones are made from high-strength steel for added rigidity and reduced weight. At the corners are 17-inch JCW light-alloy wheels, and there are three optional wheels available measuring up to 18 inches in diameter.

There is no mention of pricing or release date, but we’re sure to learn more at the JCW’s debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.