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EngineTurbocharged 2.0L I4
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Power228 HP / 236 LB-FT
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Transmission6-Speed Manual
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0-60 Time6.1 Seconds
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Top Speed153 MPH
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DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
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Curb Weight2,885 LBS
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Seating2+2
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MPG25 City / 31 HWY
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Base Price$31,450
But the gods that watch over Internet video weren't with me on that day. My track driving footage was spoiled, and the autocross setup ever so slightly less than photogenic. Thankfully, the selection of hills and dales around the New York-Connecticut border is ample and attractive. Video recording of the JCW, complete with a mild-soundtrack of it spitting out 228 horsepower was saved.
For those of you that missed the written First Drive feature, this paragraph summarizes my feelings rather neatly:
"It only took fifteen minutes of driving on the lilting, tree-lined roads outside of New Haven, CT, to realize that the 2015 Mini JCW Hardtop was a lot less pissed off. And with more power, refined ride quality, a better interior, and an available automatic transmission, a lot more suitable for a wide variety of drivers. The little hellion has matured."
If you need more depth than that, by all means go back and read the full report. Or if you'd like the more visceral experience of riding along with me (what a treat!) just stop reading now and watch me talk near a camera.