3rd Gen JCW New MINI John Cooper Works Hatch Undergoes Nurburgring Testing

Steve · May 26, 2014

Spyshots: New MINI John Cooper Works Hatch Undergoes Nurburgring Testing (m.autoevolution.com)

By Mihnea Radu | 2014-05-26 11:26 GMT

Back at January's Detroit Auto Show, MINI revealed a pre-production prototype of its new John Cooper Works hyper supermini hot hatch. Pretty much everything about it was solid, with the exception of the interior and the yet unannounced engine.

These latest spyshots are the best ones yet that we have of the next-gen JCW as it continues its development through Nurburgring testing. The typical yellow swirl camouflage covers only the aggressively redesigned front bumper because the rest of the test mule is identical to a regular Cooper S.

The redesign B-segment hatchback will also include 18-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in a newly developed design. A new rear bumper will also be installed, featuring an integrated diffuser and tightly hugging sporty twin centrally mounted exhaust pipes. The body kit will include a set of contourer side skirts and a roof spoiler element ensuring aerodynamic neutrality.

2-Liter Turbo Engineâ€¦ Just in Time

The B-segment hot hatch market has evolved significantly since the days when the first JCW came out. Now, Peugeot, Ford and Citroen all use force induction 1.6-liter engines. With the new quattro-proppeled S1, Audi has shown that premium customers can expect even more powerful 2-liter turbo engines. Fortunately, MINI has preempted their attack and engineered the new hatch with bigger 2-liter engines as well.

We've already test driven the Cooper S version, which boasts a 192 hp output and found it's quite fast. But the Works car will have an even higher output. We believe the exact numbers will be 231 hp at 4,750 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1,250 rpm, the same as in the new 225i Active Tourer.

This will not only mean the JCW and Audi S1 will be perfectly matched in output, but will also ensure the Brit could dip below the 6 second mark in the standard sprint.

Fun 4 All and Extra Access

The sky is usually the limit when it comes to flagship vehicles, which means that MINI could go wild with the JCW. The first thing they might consider is adding All4 all-wheel drive for the first time on the 3-door hatch. In this segment, only the Polo R WRC has tried to cope with this much power using only the front wheels.

The UKL1 platform which this car is based on would easily allow adding a multi-plate clutch coupling system at the back. However, this solution might not be ideal for track use, since it adds weight and numbs the driver enjoyment. Until official confirmation comes, the All4 JCW hatch remains speculation.

Since we're on the subject of speculation, we have to talk about practicality. A 5-door version of the MINI hatch is being developed, with a slightly increased wheelbase and two short doors for better access to the rear seats. Since MINI made JCW versions of each and every model, the 5-door looks likely to have a 231 hp version as well.
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Spa2k · May 27, 2014

250 hp and real limited slip, or my money's going elsewhere!

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3rd Gen JCW New MINI John Cooper Works Hatch Undergoes Nurburgring Testing

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3rd Gen JCW New MINI John Cooper Works Hatch Undergoes Nurburgring Testing

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