MINI Innovations designed to provide extreme driving fun and even greater efficiency.
05/18/2012
Mini
In keeping with the times, MINI will inject the ultra-sporty performance characteristics of its John Cooper Works models with even greater efficiency beginning in July 2012 with the introduction of a new-generation engine and other far-reaching powertrain innovations. Fresh from an intensive course of development, the twin-scroll turbo engine benefits from new technologies to increase efficiency with no sacrifice in power output. Drivers' hearts will also beat faster with its even quicker responses, and it will stoke their admiration with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
A much broader spread of MINIMALISM technology helps enhance the efficiency of the John Cooper Works models, and all members of the MINI lineup with a John Cooper Works powertrain can now be fitted with an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman comes with MINI's innovative ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard.
New-generation engine for the John Cooper Works models offers instantaneous power delivery and a restrained appetite for fuel.
An outstanding baseline concept and a constant flow of innovation provide the basis for sustained success in the world of racing and beyond. A rigorously applied strategy of continuous development has also given the road-spec John Cooper Works models a decisive edge in each of their respective segments. Expertise refined over years of motorsport involvement has ensured ultra-sporty driving fun by perfecting the interplay of a powerful engine, advanced chassis technology, and bespoke exterior and interior design elements. And so, the John Cooper Works models are poised to embark on the new season stronger than ever and with fresh power under the bonnet.
The family of elite athletes in the MINI ranks welcomes another new member in the shape of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.The five-door model is fitted with a particularly powerful variant of the new-generation engine. Its 208 hp (U.S. market) is channeled through an all-wheel-drive system to deliver a new take on outstanding performance that can be enjoyed not only on the road but also over rough terrain. Peak torque of 207 lb-ft is available between 1,900 and 5,600 rpm, and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman dashes from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds - regardless of whether the power flows through the standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional six-speed automatic, and the top speed is 127 mph. US figures for EPA estimated fuel consumption are not yet available, but the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of boasted impressive figures: 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (automatic: 7.9 l/100 km).
The new-generation John Cooper Works engine can also be found in the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, MINI John Cooper Works Coupe and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. The powerplant is based on the unit in the MINI Cooper S and likewise uses a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and beginning in the 2013 model year, it will have variable valve control based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC system. This throttle-free load control technology optimizes both the responsiveness of the engine and its efficiency; lightning-fast reactions to the driver's requests for power go hand-in-hand with a restrained appetite for fuel.
The technical make-up of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine - which sports a John Cooper Works logo on its cover - has a direct link to the development of race-trim engines and has been honed exclusively for the John Cooper Works models. Its cylinder block and bearing mounts are made from aluminum and join forces with reinforced pistons, a particularly high-strength cylinder head and low-weight camshafts. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled to help provide the extra cooling required by a turbocharged engine, and the intake camshaft features infinite phase adjustment.
The turbocharger, meanwhile, develops even greater charge pressure than the engine in the MINI Cooper S. The likewise bespoke exhaust system can be identified from the outside by its polished stainless steel twin tailpipes.
The engine produces its maximum output of 208 hp at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque of 192 lb-ft is on tap between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm. The overboost function allows this figure to be raised to 207 lb-ft for a short time between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.
The new engine links up as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox tuned to suit its performance characteristics. However, all of the John Cooper Works models can now also be ordered with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function. The automatic also allows the driver to change gears manually using either the selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
In addition to the overall effort to increase efficiency of the engine itself, the electric power steering also does its bit to reduce fuel consumption, with its electric motor only using energy when power assistance is actually needed. It is an array of innovations like this that have optimized the balance between driving fun and fuel consumption displayed by all the John Cooper Works models. Indeed, fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has been cut by up to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the model.
2013 MINI John Cooper Works Lineup Performance Specifications
The 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop will race from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds (automatic: 6.4 sec) on the way to a top speed of 148 mph (automatic: 147 mph). Its average fuel consumption comes in at 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (automatic: 7.1 l/100 km).
The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman also blends imposing acceleration - 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (automatic: 6.7 sec) - and a top speed of 148 mph (automatic: 147 mph. Its average fuel consumption comes in at 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers (automatic: 7.2 l/100 km).
The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible sprints from rest to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds (automatic: 6.8 sec) and reaches a top speed of 146 mph (automatic: 145 mph). Its average fuel consumption comes in at 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers (automatic: 7.2 l/100 km).
A 0 to 60 mph time of 6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.3 sec) makes the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe the fasting-accelerating of these elite athletes, and it also boasts a top speed of 149 mph (automatic: 148 mph). This outstanding sporting potency belies average fuel consumption of 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (automatic: 7.1 l/100 km).
The MINI John Cooper Works Roadster reaches 60 mph from rest in 6.3 seconds (automatic: 6.5 sec) and continues on to a top speed of 147 mph (automatic: 146 mph). Its average fuel consumption comes in at 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers (automatic: 7.3 l/100 km).
Racing feeling and unmistakable style.
All John Cooper Works models combine their stand-out sporting potential with unmistakable looks and special equipment features which accentuate the feeling of race competition both inside the car and out. Standard specification includes the Sport Button (which allows the driver to tweak the car's accelerator responses and steering characteristics), particularly powerful brakes, the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) for the driven axle, plus bespoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels (MINI John Cooper Works Countryman: 18-inch) and runflat tires.
The likewise standard John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit optimizes both the airflow over and around the cars, as well as their visual impact. Exclusive paint finishes and roof colors, plus an ultra-sporty interior ambience with special seat upholstery variants and interior trim elements, add further bespoke touches. Customers can now order Striped Alloy and Pepper White interior trim elements, for example. And the standard-fitted sports steering wheel now features a John Cooper Works logo in the lower section of the center spoke.
The John Cooper name has embodied the successful relationship between the British small car and sporting competition for several decades. It was back in the 1960s that the legendary sports car designer hit upon the idea of injecting a fresh dose of enjoyment into everyday road driving, and extra-potent variants of the classic MINI soon carried his name. Today, the MINI sub-brand, John Cooper Works, represents the epitome of race-track feeling and stand-out performance. The six elite athletes that make up the John Cooper Works range, along with options and accessories designed to enhance the agility of any MINI and lend all variants of the car a more defined sporting character, create a powerful advertisement for the brand's motor sport genes.