The new MINI John Cooper Works is the most powerful MINI to ever enter serial production, and it will roll into showrooms down under following its launch at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this week.
Priced from $47,400* MRLPin standard manual form, or from $49,950* MRLP with a six-speed Steptronic sports transmission, the latest edition of the MINI John Cooper Works honours the spirit of its nameplate and the brand’s considerable motor racing heritage.
Encapsulating MINI’s ‘serious driving fun’ ethos, the new MINI John Cooper Works has been created on the platform of the British manufacturer’s third generation hatch, and offers an enhanced chassis and increased size.
MINI Australia General Manager, Kai Bruesewitz, welcomed the arrival of the new MINI John Cooper Works, and commented that its arrival will inject further momentum into the brand following a record start to 2015.
“The last 18 months have been an exciting time of change and success for MINI Australia,” Bruesewitz said. “Our model range has undergone a period of renewal with the launch of a new three-door hatch, and an all-new concept in the five-door hatch.
“The new MINI John Cooper Works will provide a further boost, and we are confident it will prove a winner amongst an Australian public which has already demonstrated a genuine passion for dynamic performance cars.”
The flagship performance model of the MINI range features a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, producing 170kW and 320Nm of torque. These figures represent a considerable improvement over its predecessor model, with power boosted by 10 per cent, and peak torque figure increased by 23 per cent.
Translated to the tarmac, the new MINI John Cooper Works accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission, or an even more impressive 6.1 seconds when optioned with a six-speed Steptronic sports transmission.
A broad power and torque band optimises elasticity, motoring from 80-120km/h in just 5.6 seconds. The 10 per cent improvement in rolling acceleration is a firm demonstration of its track-inspired and race-ready athleticism.
The new MINI John Cooper Works brings an impressive improvement in fuel consumption. The six-speed Steptronic gearbox is almost 20 per cent more efficient than its predecessor model, consuming fuel at a rate of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres and emitting 134 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The manual transmission also offers improved economy, with average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures in the EU test cycle of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, and 156 grams per kilometre.
Trademark MINI precision, balance and handling take centre stage, with short overhangs, a wide track, rigid body structure and extensively refined suspension delivering greater stability.
Dynamic Damper Control suspension, a standard feature, allows drivers to specify desired driving characteristics to adapt the ride and vehicle response to road conditions.
Including an electronically controlled Sports setting, the track-inspired and capable small car benefits from a single-joint spring strut front axle, and a multilink rear axle, providing increased stiffness at reduced weight.
A fixed permanent Sports Suspension setting is also available, providing firmer springs and stiffer gas shock absorbers, maximising road contact
The new MINI John Cooper Works is equipped with a bespoke high-performance brake system, designed in collaboration with renowned independent manufacturer Brembo. Fixed calliper disc brakes guarantee a consistently impressive deceleration performance, even when exposed to intensive stress on the race track.
Self-steering fades into the background with the latest go-faster model from the MINI stable, with a Torque Steer Compensation function finessing the delivery of drive through the front wheels, while its agility is more pronounced with the inclusion of Dynamic Stability Control. Comprising Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control, the system monitors the delivery of drive through the front wheels and maintenance of grip, inviting drivers to steer with enthusiasm.
Significantly enhanced standard specification ensures the superiority of the new MINI John Cooper Works over its predecessor isn’t restricted to its sporting potential and engineering, providing compelling value for such a versatile performer.
Two-tone 18-inch John Cooper Works Cup spoke wheels provide visual cues of the new vehicle’s racing intentions and sporting heritage, as Chili Red and Rebel Green make their debut on the Hatch.
Model specific sports seats with Dinamica and Cloth upholstery characterise the interior which is accented by a black chequered trim in standard specification.
Technological and safety innovations also come to the fore with reversing camera; Head Up Display featuring model specific content, including gear indicator, rev display and shift lights; Park Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control; DAB+ tuner; and Professional Navigation included across the range.
The features of the MINI navigation system Professional include an 8.8-inch version of the on-board computer and MINI Touch Controller with touch-sensitive surface.
LED headlights, extended Bluetooth with armrest, and MINI Driving Modes – which can influence the characteristic curves of the accelerator, steering and engine acoustics in MID, SPORT and GREEN modes – round out the standard options.
All current MINI vehicles have a service scheduling system called Condition Based Service (CBS) which identifies the condition of a vehicle based on actual use, realising the full potential of a vehicle and minimising costs.
Under the CBS system, sensors and advanced algorithms monitor and calculate the conditions in which the vehicle is used including mileage, time elapsed since the last service, fuel consumption and how the vehicle is driven. The information captured is used to determine the vehicle’s maintenance requirements, identifying that either an annual vehicle inspection or an oil service is due.
In addition, MINI service and selected maintenance costs can now be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with MINI TLC. TLC offers two packages; MINI TLC Basic Service Inclusive Basic provides scheduled servicing cover, while MINI TLC Plus combines scheduled servicing and selected maintenance items. For just $980, the MINI TLC Basic package takes care of scheduled servicing costs for five years or 70,000 kms, whichever comes first. The MINI TLC plan provides a long-term solution enabling cover to be extended and transferred to future vehicles owners before expiry.
* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) – if applicable, but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
