The third-generation Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible has made its international debut at the New York auto show 2016.
The JCW Convertible is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 228bhp and 32.63kgm of torque, as the John Cooper Works hatchback that was launched in international markets in 2015. The convertible weighs in at 1,310kg, making it 105kg heavier than the current car. This gives the model a power-to-weight ratio of 174bhp per tonne.
As with the hatchback, the new convertible gets a standard six-speed manual and an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Mini claims its new top-of-the-line convertible accelerates from 0-100kph in 6.6sec in the six-speed manual guise, making it 0.3sec faster than previous-generation John Cooper Works Convertible and 0.2sec faster than the Cooper S Convertible. Meanwhile, the new Mini model is 0.1sec faster with the optional eight-speed auto gearbox. The convertible boasts a top speed of 241.40kph in the manual guise and 239.79kph for the automatic.
The John Cooper Works Convertible receives a series of exterior styling upgrades to differentiate it from less powerful versions. These include a uniquely styled front bumper with enlarged air ducts, a red-coloured grille embellishment, revised LED headlights, altered wheel arch cladding, red brake calipers, wider sills, a deeper rear bumper and a pair of centrally mounted chromed tailpipes. As standard, the car sits on 17-inch wheels, but offers the option of 18-inchers.
The interior of the car features model-specific sill decoration, more supportive front seats with integrated headrests, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a new gear lever, stainless steel pedals and revised instrument graphics.
The next-gen convertible also comes equipped with a raft of electronic driving aids, including dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control and an electronic differential lock.
The next model set to join the JCW family is the John Cooper Works Clubman.