There's nothing mini about the performance of the latest Mini John Cooper Works Countryman and Clubman, thanks to 306 turbocharged horses.
Latest Mini John Cooper Works Gets 300+ HP
The hot versions of Minis cars have long been known for packing plenty of zip into the tiny hatchbacks. With the latest Mini John Cooper Works versions, the company has really taken that up a notch. There’s nothing mini about the performance that’s on offer with these hot versions of the Countryman and Clubman. They get more than 300 hp from their turbocharged engine.
Mini says that these cars are the most powerful cars in the history of the brand. And it’s by no small amount. The Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman pack 306 hp. That’s up 75 hp over the versions they’re replacing.
Revised Engine Brings More Power
How does Mini add that much punch to the cars? The latest version of the brand’s 2.0L turbo four. The TwinPower turbo engines use a twin-scroll turbo that builds more boost than before. A lower compression ratio, down to 9.5 to 1 helps the engine cope with the extra boost. In the interest of longevity, Mini has made other upgrades too. The crankshaft has been reinforced for strength. The main bearing is larger. And Mini has upgraded the engine’s cooling capability to cope with the extra heat produced with the extra power.
Both Mini John Cooper Works cars use an eight-speed automatic and come with the brand’s All4 all-wheel drive system. Because putting 331 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels is always going to be a challenge. The extra torque means Mini has had to fit a new and reinforced gearset for the differential, a larger flexible disc coupling to the rear drive shaft, and stronger drive shafts in the rear. The JCW Minis get a mechanically locking differential in the transmission to make sure that the power is sent to the wheels with traction.
Handling to Match
Both the Clubman and the taller, more crossover-like Countryman get a new sports suspension. Both are lowered by about half an inch compared with their standard versions. Drivers can also pick an optional adaptive damper system that adjusts the suspension based on road conditions.
Stopping the Mini John Cooper Works is a new braking system. It adds four-piston calipers front and rear along with larger rotors. Those brakes sit inside 18-inch alloys with 19-inch versions available as an option.
Setting the JCW cars apart visually are a host of upgrades. Like a new grille and side skirts, as well as a rear diffuser. There are JCW badges around the car. Inside, the Mini John Cooper Works cars get sports seats and a sports steering wheel. They’re also equipped with top-spec features like LED headlights, Mini Driving Modes, and keyless go.
Mini says that the new JCW cars are ready to go for road and track use. Giving Mini buyers maxi fun with the brand’s unique style.
