Just a week has passed since Mini unveiled its first John Cooper Works models equipped with fully electric drivetrains. However, if you're more inclined towards gasoline engines, Mini has not left you behind. Introducing the new three-door hot hatch and convertible, both in true JCW style. These models retain their turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine but come with some notable changes.
First, the good news: the 'B48' engine, of Bavarian origin, now delivers 280 pound-feet (380 Newton-meters) of torque. This represents a significant increase of 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) over the previous models. Unfortunately, there's no boost in horsepower; the four-cylinder engine still outputs 228 hp to the front axle.
Now, the bad news: the manual gearbox is no more. Mini offered the previous JCW hatchback with a manual transmission until its final iteration, while the convertible had already ditched the clutch pedal years ago. In the new generation, the stick shift is permanently gone. You're left with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which allows gear changes via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
Performance-wise, the three-door hatchback accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds. The convertible, offering unlimited headroom, achieves the same in 6.4 seconds. The hardtop variant is not only quicker but also faster, reaching a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) compared to the convertible's 152 mph (245 km/h).
Visually, the full-fat JCW models closely resemble the lesser JCW Trimmed versions. The key differences lie in the additional front air inlets with new vertical red strips and a central exhaust tip at the rear. The hatchback also features more vertical reflectors, though the red accents are exclusive to it.
Another distinction between the body styles is the taillight design. The convertible retains the previous-generation taillight, while the lesser versions of the convertible also sport the old design. From the side, genuine JCW models boast unique 17- and 18-inch wheel designs.
Mini offers the hatchback in 11 body colors, which can be paired with either a red or black finish for the roof and side mirror caps. Opting for the convertible grants you an exclusive Copper Grey paint job and a choice of black or gray Union Jack pattern for the fabric roof. The roof can be lowered in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph (30 km/h), or the hardtop can slide 15.7 inches (40 centimeters) to function as a sunroof.
The interior largely mirrors that of the Cooper 3-Door and Convertible in JCW Trim. Both cars feature a red and black theme, body-hugging front seats, and a chunky steering wheel. The 9.4-inch OLED circular display for infotainment and the Harman Kardon sound system come as standard. Mini has recently done away with the driver’s display in favor of minimalism.
Pricing for the two-door hardtop JCW starts at $39,195, including a $995 destination charge. The convertible variant starts at $44,695. If Mini fulfills its promise of going fully electric by the end of the decade, these models could mark the end of JCW with combustion engines. They are available alongside the more powerful Countryman JCW, now featuring a quad exhaust system.
Source link: https://www.motor1.com
