New Mini John Cooper Works unveiled

Mini has unveiled the new John Cooper Works version of the third-generation Mini hatchback. This new model is expected to be shown for the first time at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show 2015.

The new Mini John Cooper Works comes with the most powerful engine ever brought to a series production Mini. The new car is based on the new Mini three-door Cooper S version, and gets unique styling tweaks to differentiate it from the standard Mini.  These include a new front bumper with enlarged air ducts, LED headlights with a different design, modified wheel-arch cladding, wider sills and a more prominent spoiler atop the rear hatch. The rear bumper is also new, and comes with a pair of centrally mounted chrome exhaust pipes.

The new Mini John Cooper Works is powered by a 228bhp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor, known internally as the B48; this motor is essentially a revised version of the one that does duty in the standard car. The new Mini JCW comes with an electronic differential lock but does away with a mechanical limited-slip differential. Two gearboxes are on offer, a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic that comes with steering-mounted shift paddles.

The new JCW manual weighs 1,205kg, which is 100kg less than its predecessor. It does a claimed 0-100kph in 6.3sec and tops at 246kph, while the automatic version tips the scales at 1,220kg but thanks to its shorter first and second gear ratios, it does a 100kph sprint in just 6.1 seconds and has the same top speed as its manual cousin.  It rides on standard 17-inch alloys, while 18-inch versions are available as an option. The new JCW gets specific suspension tuning as well, while stopping power comes from Brembo.

The sporty Mini JCW will be sold in international markets from next year. There is no news of a five-door Mini JCW as of now.