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 ALL4 all-wheel drive system plays a central role in optimising the cars' traction, agility and driving stability; it is part of the standard equipment of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and was comprehensively redeveloped for the new edition of both models. The compact and weight-optimised all-wheel drive consists of a power take-off on the front axle transmission, a two-section propeller shaft, and rear axle transmission with an electrohydraulically regulated hang-on clutch. The intelligent controller of the ALL4 system is interconnected with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control and constantly calculates the ideal power distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. This means that the outstanding engine power is always channelled to the place where it can be most effectively and efficiently translated into driving fun.
In normal driving conditions with the DSC activated, it transmits the drive torque in the brand-typical manner to the front wheels. This allows the engine power to be converted into forward propulsion with maximum efficiency. But if the DSC controller detects a danger of slip on the front wheels, within a fraction of a second, the hang-on clutch will transfer the drive torque to the rear wheels with the aid of an electrohydraulic pump. The most recent development in the ALL4 system was precisely coordinated with the extremely high engine output and enhanced drive dynamic potential of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. It consists of a reinforced gear set for the power take-off, a larger flexible disc for the propeller shaft leading to the rear wheels, and specific rear drive shafts with greater torsional rigidity.
Other model-specific accentuations in the exterior include the optional contrast paintwork in red for the roof and the mirror caps, an individual design for the side scuttles by the additional indicators, and the John Cooper Works logo in the radiator grille and tailgate. The central air inlet of both models has a honeycomb pattern structure. The inlet of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also has a red surround. A red cross-member subdivides the newly designed radiator grille of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Its headlamps, rear lights and rear apron also display the new design of the latest model revision for the MINI Clubman. The racing sensation has been elevated to new dimensions, which can be enjoyed on all five full-feature seats of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The characteristic interior sports car flair of both cars are partly down to the John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated head rests, the John Cooper Works sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the John Cooper Works selector lever, and the anthracite headliner.
The exclusive standard equipment of both top sports models in the MINI range also includes LED headlamps, keyless ride, MINI Driving Modes, and the Radio MINI Visual Boost including 6.5 inch display with touchscreen function and a redesigned graphical display. The integrated Connected Media equipment is able to access numerous MINI Connected online services. Alternatively, there is also a choice of special equipment options, including Connected Navigation, with its easy-to-use routing function and additional infotainment options, as well as Connected Navigation Plus with an 8.8 inch touch display. In conjunction with these options, the Real Time Traffic Information service is also available, providing real-time data on the current traffic situation, a personal Concierge service and the MINI Online Internet portal, and it is also Apple CarPlay-ready. In addition, navigation map updates are automatically downloaded to the vehicle via the mobile network connection.
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