The British premium car manufacturer MINI presents what is by some measure the most powerful models ever approved for public road use in the brand's sixty year history. The 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman both display outstanding performance in the compact premium segment. In both models, the extraordinarily powerful engine is combined as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, including mechanical differential lock on the front axle, an ALL4 all-wheel drive system, a specifically engineered chassis, and additional reinforcement modifications for the body structure, engine connection and chassis fastenings. This enables the John Cooper Works racing sensation to attain a completely new dimension of performance.
In these brand new versions of the two top sports models, both the individual six door model with its extreme driving fun and the robust all-rounder provide a challenging performance experience. The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology surpasses that of the previous drive by as much as 55 kW/75 hp at maximum output. Maximum torque has increased by 100 Nm to 450 Nm, and acceleration performance has also risen commensurately. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman turns in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman achieving the same in 5.1 seconds - 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models. The elasticity of the two models has never been as impressive as it is now.
As the power source for extreme driving fun, the comprehensively redesigned 4-cylinder engine has been consistently oriented towards maximum output. It is based on the 2.0 litre drive from the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman but has now undergone model-specific modifications to the crankshaft drive and also benefits from the latest generation of MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. These modifications are based on the John Cooper Works' racing know-how and comprise a reinforced crankshaft, a main bearing with an extended cross-section, specific pistons, connecting rods, and a new vibration damper with optimised cooling.
The considerably increased output compared to the previous engine is also helped along by the bigger turbocharger. The compression ratio of the new engine has been reduced from 10.2 to 9.5 to match the increased system charging pressure. In addition, the turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold is fitted with a blow-off valve that contributes to its optimised response characteristics. The air intake duct has also been redeveloped and dethrottled as far as possible. The spontaneous power delivery in the engine is also supported by the latest generation of direct petrol injection. Its new multi-hole fuel injectors arranged between the valves enable an increased flow rate, transporting the fuel to the combustion chambers under an injection pressure of up to 350 ba. The fine vaporisation enables precise metering of the fuel, which makes for especially clean combustion in addition to enabling optimum efficiency. The MINI TwinPower Turbo technology also includes fully variable valve control along the lines of the VALVETRONIC system patented by the BMW Group, as well as variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust sides (double VANOS).
The transverse-mounted front engine in both of these extreme sport vehicles transmits its phenomenal power to the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission - another new development. The latest generation of the transmission displays enhanced internal efficiency and an extended steering axis inclination. This means lower engine speeds when driving in a higher gear, which translates to lower fuel consumption. A new transmission control increases both the gear shift dynamics and driving comfort. Gear shifting and acoustic comfort have also been further optimised. The converter lockup clutch closes immediately after driving off, creating a direct connection to the engine, accompanied by a spontaneous driving experience. Shift paddles are mounted as standard on the steering wheel for manual gear selection. Moreover, the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission offers a launch function for accelerating from standing with optimum traction and maximum dynamics.
The new automatic transmission also features an integrated differential lock It functions transversely to reduce the speed compensation between the front wheels. Under load conditions, this means that a locking effect of up to 39 percent can be generated. The mechanical differential lock is interconnected with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which aids both the traction of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman on loose terrain or in poor weather conditions, as well as the driving dynamics when taking bends with a sporty driving style. The locking effect has the result of transferring the drive torque to the other wheel should one front wheel start to spin. This prevents a loss of traction while maintaining propulsion - even with differing frictional values between the left and right wheels. Similarly, the differential lock supports the vehicle's agility when changing direction quickly or accelerating dynamically out of a bend, by applying targeted shifting of the drive torque.
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