2015 MINI JCW Hardtop Makes World Debut in Detroit

This morning at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, MINI took the covers off the newest member of the high-performance MINI family. Meet the 2015 John Cooper Works Hardtop, which features a more powerful engine, sporty suspension and enhanced aerodynamics.

Under the hood of the new generation MINI JCW is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 231 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, which allows the car to hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds. MINI also says that the new car will be able to accelerate from 50 mph to 75 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The engine can be paired to a six speed automatic transmission or a six speed rev-matching manual.

Along with the new powerplant, the MINI John Cooper Works comes standard with a sport suspension setup with a single-joint spring strut axle at the front of the car and a multilink rear axle around back. Additionally, Brembo has helped developed the JCW’s standard braking setup.

The car also features an advanced stability control system with a torque-steer mitigation system and an electronic locking differential for the front axle. Dynamic damper control is an optional extra, for those who’d like to be able to switch between comfort and sport modes.

2015 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Visually you can tell the MINI John Cooper Works apart from other models. The flashy red brake calipers are one indication, while the large air-inlets up front are functional and necessary for the cars massive cooling requirements. The lower grille is also optimized for aerodynamics, and verified by testing in race track conditions. That means the rear spoiler and diffuser is also functional.

Inside, the car get sporty, bolstered seats that are exclusive to the John Cooper Works model. Additionally there’s a new gauge style, with a dark dial for the speedometer and engine speed. Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights and rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers. Optional luxuries offered include heated front seats, a panorama glass roof, ambient lighting, heated and folding mirrors and auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors.

Like the standard MINI Cooper Hardtop, the John Cooper Works model is also available with a full suite of driver assistance systems including a parking assistant system, parking distance control, rear-view camera and head-up display.

The MINI John Cooper Works model will cost $31,450 including destination and handling and will hit showrooms this spring.

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