John Cooper Works (JCW) has been synonymous with the most hardcore MINI models of the BMW era, and now it’s time for the next chapter to begin, with imminent new models previewed.
Recently, the fourth generation of England’s loveable small car debuted, splintering into two separate iterations, in the form of the electric J01 variant – a shared development with Great Wall Motors – and the F65/F66 combustion-engined models.
JCW versions of the electric and petrol-powered MINIs are now being teased, with camouflaged prototypes of each photographed alongside the Nurburgring 24 Hours category-winning JCW PROtotype. You can see the differences in air dam and bodykit treatments compared with the outgoing car, with the electric model featuring a larger lower grille opening with canards compared with its blank-faced and cutesy donor car.
The petrol sniffer has more air inlets, with a mesh pattern forming the lower half, and air channels at the upper end of the grille. The characteristic red tow hook is also in play. From the rear, the two are distinguished with the EV’s three channel valance versus the more intricate job seen on the petrol car, which also has to expel exhaust fumes.
Power-wise, the JCW version of the MINI EV should improve considerably on the 215kW/330Nm outputs of the Cooper SE, with outputs said to be around the 223kW (300hp) mark. It is expected to retain its single motor, front-drive layout. The previous-generation JCW GP edition’s 225kW and 450Nm outputs should give a good indication of what to expect from the ICE version.
Development has been assisted by Nurburg-based Bulldog Racing, which points to a more focused and sharper handling version of the current car. As with the standard MINI, the manual transmission is out, with a seven-speed DCT expected to report for duty.
The reveal is pegged as ‘Fall 2024’ in the Northern Hemisphere, which means any time within the next three months.
