Autoblog

Mini wants to make JCW its BMW M, bring diesel models Stateside

Noah Joseph — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST

As far as the Mini lineup goes, the John Cooper Works models sit at the very top of the performance spectrum. But that's not enough for Mini's (relatively) new chief Kay Segler. The German auto exec came to the post from the M division of parent company BMW, and that's what Segler wants for the Mini brand as well.

So what does a further differentiated JCW line mean for the Mini? That's hard to say at this point, beyond marketing, but we could be looking at even more powerful versions than the 208-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four currently employed. With the arrival of the JCW Countryman, Mini will have created Works versions of every bodystyle in its considerable portfolio - and it will have a more powerful 223hp mill on its hands, which could find its way into the rumored upcoming Mini GP edition as well.

More exciting JCW models aren't all that Segler has planned for Mini, however. According to Car and Driver, as U.S. demand is growing for for Mini's diesel-powered models already offered in Europe and other markets. While we wouldn't expect an oil-burning Mini to find its way across the Atlantic in this generation of models, once the next series comes along in the next couple of years, a diesel-powered Mini could wind up in American showrooms.

Mini wants to make JCW its BMW M, bring diesel models Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini working up new John Cooper Works GP edition

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Mini

The Mini faithful fondly remember the John Cooper Works GP (pictured above). Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, the GP edition was the fastest version of the first-gen Mini hatchback. It packed 218 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque, a beefier suspension and - thanks to the removal of the back seats and air-conditioning - 88 fewer pounds to motivate. The result was a 6.5-second sprint to 60 and a 146-mph top speed. Only 444 examples were made available shortly before the second-gen Mini was introduced.

Now, word on the street is that Mini is preparing a new GP version. Few details are available at this point, but considering that the current JCW packs 208 hp from its 1.6-liter turbo four, we ought to be looking at 220 horses or more in the new GP. To make things simpler, in fact, Mini could be preparing to shoe-horn in the engine being developed for the JCW Countryman, which is expected to pack more power than the JCW hatchback in order to get its heftier curb weight moving.

Given that the previous GP edition was a two-seat affair, we can't help but wonder if Mini will turn to the new Coupe for this GP. But for now, we'll just have to sit tight and see what the Anglo-German automaker has in store for its most hard-core fanatics.

Mini working up new John Cooper Works GP edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works

Matt Davis — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Mini, First Drives

Need A Bit More Pounce In Your CUV? Mini Has A JCW For That

As part of the ongoing master plan at Mini to attract distinction-seeking buyers who still have some disposable income left, we present the Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works: the Mini CUV with the mighty long name.

This latest Mini JCW will get its world premiere at this March's Geneva Motor Show, but we've just enjoyed a pre-holiday drive in the remote mountain lair of Kühtai, 6,600 feet up in the Austrian Alps. As you'd expect, there was snow and rocks and animal skin sweat lodges and hot wine, but the Countryman All4 JCW got us out of there and back to our families in the flatlands. Our drive consisted of a two-lane road loop with plenty of overtaking chances and a decently long off-road parcours etched into a local abandoned ski hill.

Thus far, Mini's strongest JCW model has been gifted with a 208-horsepower version of the BMW/PSA turbocharged 1.6-liter direct injection in-line four-cylinder, dubbed "N18" as it's assembled at Mini's Hams Hall UK factory. Head of chassis development for BMW Group, Heinz Kruche, tells Autoblog that the Countryman will get "around 15 more horses and the same for torque" to help deal with the Countryman's additional weight. Thus, this 3,200-something pound "Mini" should pack somewhere around 223 horses at 6,000 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm when it arrives Stateside this June. Good. But is it good enough?

Continue reading 2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works

2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini bringing Countryman JCW to Geneva

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mini

With models like the X5 M and X6 M, BMW has shown it is no stranger to performance-oriented crossovers. That extended to its Mini brand when it opted to enter the Countryman in the World Rally Championship, but now we've received confirmation that a road- (or off-road-) going Countryman JCW is on its way.

Currently undergoing winter testing in Austria, the Countryman JCW is to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Mini has yet to confirm the details, but we're expecting the 1.6-liter turbo to churn out a good 215 horsepower or so - a significant increase over the Cooper S Countryman (pictured above) and its 177 hp - for a 0-60 time of less than seven seconds.

The John Cooper Works version of the Mini crossover will also ride lower than existing versions, and sport all the suspension and aero upgrades you'd expect from a JCW model, with sales expected to start in about a year. The question is whether this is the version which Prodrive - the motorsport consultancy that fields the Countryman WRC - is currently preparing, or whether that is still to come as a performance model of its own.

We'll have a drive report on the Countryman JCW prototype coming in just a matter of days, so watch this space for more information.

Mini bringing Countryman JCW to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mini Cooper Coupe JCW

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mini, First Drives

Fun, Form And Function... In That Order

Human beings can be a fickle bunch, especially Americans. Case in point: The five-door hatchback is unarguably one of the best arrangements for an automobile, providing ample room for adult-size occupants and their random detritus without being so large as to significantly impact fuel efficiency or make it difficult to fit into tight places.

And yet we consistently flock to ever-larger vehicles with the biggest, most powerful engines available. We opt for SUVs and crossovers in lieu of wagons and hatches; we ogle over sloping rear greenhouses, high beltlines and severely raked windshields. In short, our decisions are often dictated more by style and perception than the realities of daily life.

But we're not here to condemn style-conscious consumers. We're equally as enamored with the latest fashion-forward trends as the next red-blooded enthusiast. But we still have to wonder how far the ooh-it's-pretty attention spans of car buyers will go before a lack of usability begins to hinder purchase decisions. To help answer that question, we took to the roads in and around Nashville, Tennessee in the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.

Continue reading 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe JCW

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe JCW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Countryman JCW rolls at the 'Ring

Zach Bowman — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Crossover, Mini

Mini Countryman John Cooper Works spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini has established a pretty successful formula for its lineup. The party gets started with a base model, followed by a slightly more athletic S variant. But at the very top of the heap, the John Cooper Works trim delivers gut-punching performance with a serious suspension, easy-breathing exhaust and beefy brakes. Judging from a handful of spy photos dredged up by our crafty shooters, it looks like the high-riding Countryman will get a taste of the JCW action, too. The more menacing baby crossover was spotted lapping the infamous Nürburgring in anger ahead of the car's public debut.

On the Countryman, the JCW trim serves up a new spoiler kit, complete with front aero work, side sills and a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Word on the web is that this bruiser will boast a little more power than standard JCW hardware, with its forced-induction 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine churning somewhere between 220 and 230 ponies. All that grunt gets dropped to the pavement via the same All4 all-wheel-drive system found on the lower trim levels.

Mini Countryman JCW rolls at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini JCW Coupe Endurance racer hits the track

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Mini, Racing

JCW Endurance Mini Coupe - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mini is taking its latest toy to the Nürburgring. The 2012 Mini Coupe has been outfitted with John Cooper Works Endurance regalia in preparation for entry into this year's Nürburgring 24 Hours. Under the hood, a race-prepped, 250-horsepower version of the same forced-induction four-pot found behind the headlights of the company's JCW models kicks at the front tires.

Aggressive aero work and a full rash of safety kit separate this beast from the one that buyers will be able to nab from their local Mini dealers soon. Mini hasn't gone into too many details as to what other sorts of tricks the company has implemented on its newest model.

Listening to the two-door bark its way around the test track, we can't wait to see how the car does in competition. Look for it to square off against the rest of the field the weekend of June 23-26. Hit the jump to check out a few videos of the JCW Endurance in action.

Continue reading Mini JCW Coupe Endurance racer hits the track

Mini JCW Coupe Endurance racer hits the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance takes on Nürburgring 24

Matt Davis — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mini

Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance - Click above for high-res image gallery

We just had seat time in a pre-production 208-horsepower Mini John Cooper Works Coupe on a little 0.7-mile Austrian circuit. By now you've all seen the 2012 Cooper Coupe officially revealed and they're still popping up testing on public roads around the Nürburgring in slight camo mode.

Coincidence? Nay. This weekend - 25 and 26 June, 2011 - the 39th running of the wildly popular Nürburgring 24-hour race takes place. There will be 250,000 fans in attendance and they shall behold, among other things (barring the onset of beer goggles and thick barbecue smoke), this Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance competing in the "SP 3T" class.

We were shown this wee beast in a secret tent off to the side during our recent Austria test, but now the truth can be told. This official factory effort by Mini Deutschland is Mini's world premiere in 24-hour endurance racing. Here's hoping it can handle the 14.2-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife for a day in really fast traffic.

Click through the jump for more details and the official press release.

Continue reading Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance takes on Nürburgring 24

Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance takes on Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mini Cooper Coupe gets up close and personal

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mini

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini is a brand that's all about having fun. The people that drive them tend to prize motoring enjoyment and the company's cheeky styling, and now they'll have a new model that might just twist their fun dial to 11. We present to you the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, which is the automaker's first production two-passenger automobile and also the fastest box-stock Mini ever.

The exterior of the Coupe is undeniably Mini, yet very new at the same time. This is the first Mini to be built with a "three-box" design concept, which means the body, wraparound glass and roof are three boxes built upon a horizontal plane. The face is familiar, and looks aggressive in John Cooper Works guise (shown here) thanks to the chin spoiler that flows into the large fenders. The posterior, along with its bubbled-up roof, are where the spots where observers will quickly tell Coupe from standard Cooper. The stepped rear end hides a bit of active aero in the form of a wing that automatically deploys at 50 miles per hour. The spoiler goes back into hiding when speeds dips below 37 mph, and the technology is not just a first for Mini, but for the BMW family as a whole.

Mini will offer the 2012 Cooper Coupe in three flavors; base Cooper Coupe, Cooper S Coupe and the John Cooper Works Coupe. All three employ a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, and come paired with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is also available for the Cooper S Coupe and Cooper Coupe. The entry-level mill produces 121 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 118 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, which helps it run from 0-60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 127 mph. The EU standard lists fuel economy at 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to nearly 44 miles per gallon, but official U.S. EPA estimates are not yet available.

The two spicier variants, the S Coupe and JCW Coupe, add a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct-injection to the 1.6-liter four-pot. Power for the S is rated at 181 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm through 5,000 rpm. A temporary overboost function allows for a jump to 192 pound-feet from 1,700 rpm through 4,500 rpm. In JCW trim, the Coupe takes advantage of 208 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque from 1,850 rpm to 5,600 rpm. Overboost is also available here, and pushes torque to 207 lb-ft from 1,700 through 4,500 rpm. The S coupe runs from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds, and the JCW Coupe needs just 6.1 seconds for the same trip. Each will crest 140 miles per hour, with the S Coupe capable of 142 and the JCW able to nick 149 mph.

For more on the entire 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe lineup, click past the jump to dive into the full press release, but not before checking out our massive high-res gallery.

Continue reading 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe gets up close and personal

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe gets up close and personal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe [w/video]

Matt Davis — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mini, Quick Spins

Fastest Factory Mini Ever Built

2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

This was, at the very least, a perfect matchup of car and track. We've just returned from enjoying a day-trip drive in a pre-production 2012 Mini Coupe, the very two-door that is due for worldwide deliveries at the start of October. Not only that, the only model available to drive was the 208-horsepower John Cooper Works edition. You can imagine our sad frowns with curled lower lips.

Twisting the dagger so good this day were the peerless conditions at the very tightly wound seven-tenths of a mile Wachauring, a track located in Melk, Austria, about an hour from Vienna. The combo of a demanding circuit and great weather really gave us the chance to work the Mini Coupe hard.

Continue reading 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe [w/video]

2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mini Cooper World Championship 50 headed for U.S. with brand's biggest-ever price tag

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mini, Specialty, Design/Style

Mini WC50 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you aren't sitting down, you'll want to grab a chair. According to MotoringFile, Mini is set to bring its World Championship 50 model to a neighborhood near you - at least if you happen to live within spitting distance of one of the few Mini dealers quick enough to raise their hand for one of the scant crop of cars headed to the United States. Originally, the company had no plans to bring any of the 250 special edition units to this side of The Pond, but demand was evidently high enough to warrant 50 of them making their way to the American market.

The World Championship 50 starts its life as a run-of-the-mill John Cooper Works, which means it packs 208 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, brakes capable of stopping a 747 and a suspension that's chock-full of race ready bits. The WC50 package adds in a unique Connaught green paint and different trim throughout the car.

Cool? Sure, but even Fonzie couldn't command the $40,300 that Mini will reportedly be asking for the WC50. Yes, that includes destination fees, but there are plenty of cars out there for that kind of money that would embarrass the JCW around a track any day of the week. In other words, this one's for collectors.

Gallery: MINI WC50

[Source: MotoringFile]

Report: Mini Cooper World Championship 50 headed for U.S. with brand's biggest-ever price tag originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussies get Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition

Alex Nunez — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Hatchback, Mini, Australia

2010 Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Minis deliver fun on a sliding scale. Lower budget? The Cooper's a gas. Got more dough to play with? Buy a Cooper S, and wait for the turbo to paint a grin on your mug. Then there's the John Cooper Works cars, which pack the strongest performance punch along with an assortment of visual tweaks that let the informed know you're rolling in Mini's range-topper. Now, word comes down that well-to-do Miniphiles in the land Down Under can now add the John Cooper Works Challenge Edition package to any JCW ride - Cooper, Clubman, or Convertible.

The look basically apes that of the Mini Challenge racers, as the package raids the accessory catalog to include the areo kit, rear wing, aluminum strut tower brace, and a variety of Alcantara-shod interior trim bits. Oh yeah, buyers also get the requisite "CHALLENGE EDITION" badging to let everyone know they dropped an additional $2,500 AUD (approx. $2,246 USD) on top of of their JCW car's MSRP. That's a discount over what the additional parts would cost if added in the usual, sticker-price-exploding a la carte manner, though, according to Mini. The JCW Challenge package is a limited-run deal and is exclusive to Australia. Mini's PR is pasted after the jump and high-res images are ready to be ogled in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition (Australia)

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Aussies get Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition

Aussies get Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini could produce John Cooper Works Countryman

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery

JCW Countryman? Sounds like a chain clothing store you'd find at your local shopping mall, but to automotive enthusiasts - Mini aficionados especially - it could only mean one thing: a performance-oriented version of Mini's just-released crossover.

While the thought of the vaunted John Cooper Works badge being applied to a crossover might seem like sacrilege, that's exactly what Bimmer fans - including those within the company - thought before the debut of the M versions of the X5 and X6 crossovers, and that hasn't stopped those models from reaching production. In the shadow of the oddball X6 M, suddenly a JCW Countryman doesn't seem so strange, now does it?

Considering that the base Countryman's turbo four already churns out 184 horsepower (compared to the 172 hp Cooper S hatch), a Works-prepared Countryman could surpass even the JCW Cooper's 211-hp output, driving through all four wheels. Rather interestingly, more than that could put the Countryman into Subaru WRX territory, but we'll likely have to wait a while to see it come to fruition (if it does at all), with sources pegging its potential release in about two years' time.

Gallery: 2011 Mini Countryman

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mini could produce John Cooper Works Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S.

Chris Shunk — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Mini

Mini Rally Edition Clubman S - Click above for image gallery

If you're into the Mini Clubman but would like to get something a bit more unique, the pint-sized automaker has something for you. Mini site Motoring File is reporting that the brand is building 70 USA-bound Rally Edition Clubman S models. That's 70 in total, or enough for just one Rally Edition Clubman S per U.S. Mini dealership.

The Rally Edition Clubman will feature a midnight black monotone paint job with silver racing stripes and matching black JCW aero kit. The Rally Edition Clubman also sets itself apart with hot-looking 17-inch black wheels and a roof rack. The special rally edition model will also receive "Rally Green" side mirror caps that pop, at least in the presumably Photoshopped pic above, when contrasted with the black paint. The Rally Edition Clubman S looks pretty damn good, and MINI knows it. Add up all those features and the exclusivity that comes with a limited production run, and you get an MSRP of $32,999.

Gallery: Mini Rally Edition Clubman S

[Source: Motoring File]

MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

MINI Crossover concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

The original Mini Cooper earned its performance credentials back in the 1960s being flung about on the Monte Carlo rally. Paddy Hopkirk won the Monte in 1964 at the wheel of a Cooper S. While modern Minis are still considered fun to drive cars, they have never been used in a major factory-backed motorsports program. In a move that could rectify that shortcoming, AutoCar is reporting that the company's new crossover could form the basis of a World Rally Championship program in 2011. The all-wheel drive crossover first appeared as a concept vehicle last year in Paris and is expected to debut in production form next month in Frankfurt.

The new model possibly called "Countryman" is expected to get a high performance John Cooper Works edition sometime next year which could form the base of a rally car. The demise of parent BMW's Formula 1 program and the restructuring of Formula BMW could certainly make room in the budget for something with closer ties to a production program.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mini, Rumormill

Those folks concerned with All Things Mini over at Motoringfile have some more salacious gossip regarding the rumored coupe and speedster variants. A conceptual version of the fixed-head sportster is expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn, and according to the website, the model will carry the moniker 'Broadspeed Coupe.' (Quick history lesson: A team by the name of Broadspeed raced Mini Coopers back in the 1960's, and they even went so far as to produce a racier coupe version of the of the Mark 1 1275 S (shown above).

Regardless of what they end up being called, the Mini coupe and speedster are expected to be based on the current model - reportedly making them the last such iterations to be based on the R57 platform. An earlier report pegged the coupe model as being available exclusively in hardcore John Cooper Works spec, but now Motoringfile suggests that due to economic and regulatory pressures, both cars will likely be offered as complete families, with standard Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW flavors.

[Source: Motoringfile | Image: Racemini.nl]

Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Mini, UK

Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 - Click above for high-res gallery

Although it actually debuted at the Mini United Festival at Silverstone late last month, the special edition Mini Cooper John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (good luck getting all of that script on the hatch lid, gents) has finally received a full slate of details and press images.

The special edition was designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Mini's motorsports successes, as well as John Cooper's victory in the F1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship with Jack Brabham manning the controls. Limited to just 250 examples, the MCJCWWC50 features the standard JCW's 211-hp turbo four, along with a full slate of celebratory garnishes inside and out.

Available exclusively in Connaught Green (a new color for Mini), all examples receive Pepper White stripes down the hood and roof, a color scheme designed to invoke the livery of Cooper F1 cars. There are also cross-spoke Challenge alloy wheels finished in black, a bunch of carbon-fiber bits (hood scoop, rear diffuser, mirror caps, tailgate handle) and special numbering. The model was designed in conjunction with John Cooper's son, "John" Michael Cooper, whose signature appears on the hood stripe and on a special fascia plate.

Inside, there's carbon black leather with red piping and stitching throughout, along with more carbon fiber bits (fascia, door handles), an Alcantara steering wheel, and a six-speed manual gearbox - no torque converters allowed in this celebration.

All-in, this looks like a tidy package not just for collectors, but enthusiasts as well. No word yet on how much this limited-edition hatchback will cost, but if Mini's current pricing stratagem is anything to go by... it won't be cheap.

Gallery: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50

Continue reading Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released

Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini JCW World Championship 50 unveiled at MINI United

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mini, Specialty

To go along with the Mini 50 Camden and Mini 50 Mayfair, spotted at the Mini United gathering this weekend was a British Racing Green treat: the Mini JCW World Championship 50. The 50th anniversary JCW special gets an exclusive non-metallic BRG finish, Pepper White roof and stripes, JCW aero kit, cross-spoke Challenge alloy wheels in jet black, carbon black leather seats with red piping, and Alcantara JCW steering wheel, and a sport suspension along with carbon fiber bits and identifying plaques throughout.

There are no engine mods, so you can probably expect the same 208 hp in the current JCW coupe. But the exclusivity is going to cost you. According to MotoringFile's sources there will only be 250 examples produced, with the price in Europe reported to be €40,000. A U.S. allotment is still undeclared.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Mini JCW World Championship 50 unveiled at MINI United originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI pondering BMW-engined diesel models, including JCW?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

Two weeks ago, Auto Express reported that MINI would be creating a John Cooper Works edition diesel with more than 160 horsepower and improved torque. Now, fellow UK publication Autocar looks to have the details, which includes speculation that the extra oomph will come from BMW engines now used in the 1 Series cars - and they might not just be for JCW models.

According to the report, the white coats at BMW inserted a detuned 2.0-liter diesel that is longitudinally mounted in the 120d into the transverse engine bay of the MINI. The result was a MINI diesel with 40 hp more than the Cooper D, which currently uses an engine that BMW developed with PSA Peugeot/Citroen.

Autocar also reports that the twin turbo lump from the 123d can be fitted to the MINI, which could be used to create a diesel JCW. If they don't detune the engine, that would mean a 7 hp drop versus the gas-engined version, but 105 more lb-ft. of twist and better than 40 mpg when the drivetrain isn't being stomped on. Autocar says that BMW has begun testing the new diesels with an eye on retail sales in 12 months.

[Source: Autocar | Photo credit: themullett]

MINI pondering BMW-engined diesel models, including JCW? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini Cooper S JCW diesel on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill

AutoExpress sat down with a senior engineer from Mini and asked if the automaker would consider offering a hopped-up diesel variant of the Cooper through JCW, Mini's in-house tuning division. The answer was a simple "good idea" and AE ran with it, speculating that the boosted oilburner could produce upwards of 160 hp and a considerable boost in torque from the stock 1.6-liter turbo-diesel. It's doubtful that we'll see a Mini Cooper D JCW this year, but expect a John Cooper Works edition of the Mini Crossover after it's launched in 2010.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Mini Cooper S JCW diesel on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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