Hypo JCW added to Mini hatch range

MINI has unveiled its most powerful vehicle in the German-owned British brand's 55 year history with a tuned and track-focused version of the Cooper S wearing the iconic John Cooper Works nameplate, and it's coming to Australia.

New engine internals, a suspension retune, uprated brakes, aerodynamic bodykit and an interior overhaul have pushed the standard 2.0-litre Cooper S from hot hatch to 170kW/320Nm tarmac-munching machine, hitting 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 246km/h.

With standard manual gearbox, the Mini John Cooper Works improves on the previous JCW Mini acceleration, knocking 0.2 seconds from its 0-100km/h dash with an even quicker time set by optional automatic versions, which do the sprint in 6.1 seconds.

Despite the improved performance, the new JCW manages to cut fuel consumption compared to the previous 1.6-litre version, using 6.7 litres of petrol per 100km or a litre less per 100km when fitted with the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

A specially developed turbo, new pistons, tailored exhaust system and remapped engine management system push power and torque up by 30kW and a chunky 40Nm over the unfettled Cooper S, but emissions are kept within Euro 6 standards at 155g/km (133g/km auto).

The JCW's chassis has been tweaked to handle the new power output with stiffened sports suspension and a unique John Cooper Works 17-inch wheel design to set that car apart from other Mini hatchbacks.

Dynamic damper control is available as an option to switch between a more comfortable ride or a less forgiving sporty setting, while torque-steer is minimised by a specifically tailored electric power steering set-up.

ESC is a standard feature, as is an electronic locking differential which helps get the abundant torque to the road, particularly when negotiating corners.

Consistent deceleration is also improved with a Brembo-developed braking system with fixed callipers fitted as standard to the JCW in place of the Cooper S's sliding versions.

Given its near 250km/h maximum speed, Mini reshaped the JCW bodywork with a unique kit which improves under-bonnet ventilation and adds a larger rear high-mounted boot spoiler.

Special sill and rear apron styling, LED headlights, coloured wheel arch surrounds, a reshaped radiator grille and tailpipes add to the JCW look along with naming badges and a raft of JCW stripes, trims and optional extra styling tweaks.

The JCW treatment continues inside the John Cooper Works Mini with a black roof lining and bespoke sports seats trimmed with a special environmentally sensitive Japanese synthetic suede named Dinamica.

The leather sports steering wheel gets gear shift paddles in automatic versions and the JCW name gets a good scattering about the cabin with stainless sill trims, gear selector and pedals all sporting the motor racing star's name.

For those wanting to splash a little more cash, Mini offers an optional head-up display, 18-inch wheels and various JCW Pro design accessories to trick up your little road rocket.

Like all versions of the current Mini, the JCW gets front, side and curtain airbags, 'crash-optimised' body structure and Isofix child seat anchors in the rear.

Other options include reversing camera, parking radar, active cruise control, collision waning, keyless entry, sunroof, seat heating, satellite navigation and a posh Harman Kardon sound system.

The previous shape Mini was available with enhanced JCW trimmings, which took its 1.6-litre four cylinder engine output out to 155kW and later, an ultra-exclusive JCW GP hit the 100kW per litre benchmark with 160kW.

Applying the same magic to the new capacity-boosted four-cylinder could see future special JCW editions go even further, perhaps even nudging the 200kW barrier.

Mini Australia confirmed the super-Mini would be coming Down Under but was not able to give specific timing.

Pricing is also yet to be confirmed but the Mini John Cooper Works will almost certainly sit above the current Cooper S priced at $36,950 before on-road costs.

Just the hatchback version has been unveiled at this stage, but if the current generation mimics the career of its predecessor we can expect hi-po versions of the other Mini models to follow.