2015 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop: First Look

Competes with: Volkswagen Golf R, Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Looks like: A polished version of the John Cooper Works Hardtop Concept

Drivetrain: 228-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, six-speed manual or automatic transmission

Hits dealerships: Spring 2015

At last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Mini showed a “concept” version of the next-generation high-performance John Cooper Works Hardtop that looked all but ready for production with the exception of a strange paint job. It was a tease that left us wanting to know more about the unannounced engine and performance specs.

Related: Mini Previews John Cooper Works Concept

Now we have loads more details on the next JCW Hardtop. The new hopped-up Hardtop stayed true to the concept version with the exception of the textured paint effects and a few miscellaneous details. Based on the redesigned Mini Hardtop, the 2015 John Cooper Works Hardtop packs the most powerful engine Mini has ever slapped between the fenders of a production model, boosting output 39 more horsepower over the base engine.

Exterior

The JCW’s exterior changes are fully functional, trading fog lights for air intakes that feed the auxiliary coolers and new braking package. Out back, rear flaps and diffusers channel air to help with aerodynamics and a JCW-specific rear spoiler looks nearly identical to that of the concept.

Rollers are unique to the JCW package with 17-inch light alloy wheels standard and available 17-inch “John Cooper Works Track Spoke” wheels sporting a different design available in silver or black finishes. One more wheel ups the diameter to 18 inches and is coated with a two-tone finish.

Interior

One of the most pronounced additions to the JCW’s interior package is the unique seat design with integral head restraints. The seats look as if they were plucked right from the cockpit of a track car with aggressive bolstering and are clad in Carbon Black Dinamica microfiber material; they’re available in a similar configuration with black leather.

Other additions include a JCW-specific leather steering wheel and door entry sills, stainless-steel pedals and black-faced gauges.

Under the Hood

The 228-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder represents a 10 percent increase in output, and the 236 pounds-feet of torque is up 14 percent compared to the Mini Cooper S Hardtop. The JCW Hardtop uses a turbocharger specifically developed for the new performance variant as well as JCW-specific internal parts including the engine’s pistons. All that power exhales through a standard sport exhaust. Mini claims the JCW can reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the six-speed automatic and 6.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission.

Bringing the JCW down from speed is a new braking system developed with high-performance braking manufacturer Brembo. The suspension receives JCW-specific tuning, and there’s a standard suspension available as a no-cost option, as well as an optional dynamic damper control suspension with adjustable firmness dampers.

Safety

Available safety features include collision and pedestrian warning with initial braking function, high-beam assist and a backup camera.

Manufacturer photos