Mini will preview the high-performance John Cooper Works version of the 2015 Hatch with a pre-production study that will debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show . Even though it's called the Mini John Cooper Works Concept, what you see in the photos is actually what the production JCW version will look like.
The pre-production study features an exclusive Bright Highways Grey paintjob, red color accents, a bespoke aerodynamic package and 18-inch JCW light-alloy wheels with a new design.
The philosophy behind the JCW moniker has remained the same: a sporty, go-kart driving experience made possible by an “ultra-high-performance powertrain and chassis technology”, in Mini’s own words.
There are no details about the engine, but the Mini JCW should be powered by a souped-up version of the new 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline engine that will motivate the Cooper S model. Output should exceed the 208hp of the current Mini JCW and possibly that of the Mini JCW GP special edition model , which boasted 215hp.
The concept's styling certainly suggest the presence of a powerful engine, as it features large air intakes taking the place of the fog lights, plus a scoop and a bulge in the bonnet. The aero kit includes specially contoured side skirts and a rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element, as well as a roof spoiler and additional body components designed to channel air efficiently around the C-pillars for optimized aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
Other distinctive elements are the LED headlights and a black surround for the front grille rounding out the exterior updates.
More details about the new Mini JCW's performance are expected at next month's Detroit Auto Show.
By Dan Mihalascu
