May 18, 2012 at 7:02pm by Andrew Wendler
The entire line of John Cooper Works Minis—Countryman, hatchback, Clubman, Convertible, Coupe, and Roadster—will be equipped with a slightly revised version of the 1.6-liter powerplant found in the previous generation of JCW models. Those revisions result in an output of 208 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, the same as the last JCW powerplant.
The revisions feature a new high-strength cylinder-head assembly fitted with a low-weight camshaft (only the sodium-filled exhaust valves carry over from the previous JCW lump) and employs variable valve control based on BMW’s Valvetronic system. Variable valve control was previously available on Cooper and Cooper S models but not in the JCW line. Although these revisions don’t give the Works any more juice, it’s likely that they will result in efficiency improvements Mini has promised us, but didn’t provide any estimates. The previous hatch and coupe were good for 25 mpg in the city and 33 highway, while the convertible was rated for 26/34; we’ll have to wait until the EPA tests the new engine to see how big Mini’s gains in efficiency really are.
What is newsworthy, then, is the addition of a six-speed automatic option for the entire JCW line. The auto will come with the option of a manual mode where changing gears can be done via paddle shifters or the gear selector. Although an automatic transmission goes against the driving spirit of the John Cooper Works line, it opens the performance label to a wider demographic. As a $30k-plus minicompact, JCW needs exposure to as large of an audience as possible.
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Tags: Mini, Mini John Cooper Works, Mini John Cooper Works Clubman, Mini John Cooper Works Convertible, Mini John Cooper Works Countryman, Mini John Cooper Works Coupe |