MINI John Cooper Works Countryman

EXCLUSIVE: 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar is a limited-run special edition vehicle, an all-wheel-drive performance machine which has an exclusive, partly hand-built design and equipment inspired by Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret’s victorious MINI ALL4 Racing machine.

The launch of this special-edition MINI is happening in order to celebrate their triumph in the Dakar Rally 2013. The duo of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret were piloting their MINI ALL4 Racing and made it to the number one place at the world’s toughest rally event for the second year in a row.

This model is a limited-edition tribute to its rally inspiration and only eleven examples of the car will be built. 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar has exclusive design and equipment features which contribute towards the increase of the thrill and the euphoria around the model.

As a basis for the new model served the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The latter is MINI’s first model which has included a race-bred powertrain and chassis technology with the all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the ALL4 serves up optimum traction and directional stability in all weather and under-wheel conditions. It also provides a noticeable increase in agility through dynamically taken corners.

As a matter of fact, the all-wheel-drive system channels the power from the 160 kW (218 hp) turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the all four wheels. The exterior color was inspired by the one off the Dakar-taming MINI ALL4 Racing which is matt black. IN addition, there are some special bright green design accents for the exterior and interior.

To go even further into details, some of them include Sport Stripes, which bear both the Dakar Rally winner’s logo and the signature of victorious driver Peterhansel on the bonnet. In addition, the green stripes along the car’s flanks feature “MINI ALL4 Racing” lettering, while the driver and front passenger doors display the car number 302 and the names of the victorious pairing.

Dakar winner’s logo can also be spotted next to the John Cooper Works badge at the rear of the car MINI. The interior in the cabin includes a green contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats, and the green embroidered winner’s logo on the head restraints. These green accents are complemented by green stripes for the black interior trim strip on the centre console.

On the interior trim strip above the glove compartment can also be seen a special-edition logo with serial number. The sports steering wheel and Gravity Black leather sports seats also feed into the cockpit’s evocative sports car ambience.

At last, for more sproty and spirited appearance, to the car were added auxiliary spotlights, bespoke side indicator surrounds and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross-Spoke Crusher design. They all add the final touches to the exclusive 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar.

Source: MINI

March 4, 2013

MINI John Cooper Works GP and Countryman With Updated Performance

The MIN John Cooper Works range will be extended for the customers in the United Kingdom with the addition of the updated performance-oriented models. The prominent feature here is the enhanced version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine.

The latter was optimized for the different models in the range. We are speaking about the JCW variants of the MINI Hatch, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible, MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster. The new unit has the same levels of output and torque as its predecessor – 211 hp (155 kW) output at 6,000 rpm and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque (280 Nm/ 207 lb-ft with overboost) between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm.

However, it will offer increased responsiveness, lower fuel consumption and cleaner emissions. The enhanced versions also include a wider utilization of MINIMALISM environmental technologies such Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start/Stop.

Furthermore, for the first time in the JCW range will be offered a new engine offers a six-speed manual transmission. Of course there is an optional automatic one with manual override on the gear selected or steering wheel paddles.

More importantly, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman which is brand’s newest performance model will include MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive and also gets launched in UK. It has advanced traction system and comes equipped with 1.6-litre 218 hp (160 kW) engine with peak torque of 280 Nm (207 lb-ft). The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function.

The interior of this John Cooper Works model includes sports seats, sports steering wheel, Piano Black interior detailing and an anthracite-coloured roof liner. MINI’s innovative Centre Rail storage and attachment system is part of standard specification.

What is more MINI John Cooper Works GP which brings about the highest level of performance, and will be included in the range that is going to be launched. The JCW GP road car utilizes race-developed technology and is the fastest production model that MINI has ever built. It will be limited to just 2000 examples worldwide.

It is packed with JCW motorsport features does not have a rear bench seat, hence the hot hatch boasts outstanding performance. The engine has been reworked to develop 218 hp(160 kW), pushing the car from 0-100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and on the way to a Vmax of 150 mph.

Other modifications include adjustable coilover suspension, a new sports brake system, a more aerodynamic body kit and unique alloy wheels with performance tyres. The exterior color is the exclusive metallic Thunder Grey, but has added accents with the vibrant red finish around the air scoop on the bonnet, door mirror caps and front air intakes. The interior of the model includes two Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching.

MINI John Cooper Works GP is priced at £28 790, while MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a starting price of £28 595.

MINI John Cooper Works models performance data:

MINI John Cooper Works models – key performance data Model	0-62mph/secs		Top speed/mph		Combined fuel economy/mpg		CO2/g/km
manual (auto)		manual (auto)		manual (auto)		manual(auto)
MINI JCW Hatch	6.5 (6.7)		148 (147)		42.8 (39.8)		153 (165)
MINI JCW Clubman	6.8 (7.0)		148 (147)		42.2 (39.2)		155 (167)
MINI JCW Convertible	6.9 (7.0)		146 (145)		41.5 (38.7)		157 (169)
MINI JCW Coupe	6.4 (6.6)		144 (148)		42.8 (39.8)		153 (165)
MINI JCW Roadster	6.5 (6.7)		147 (146)		41.5 (38.7)		157 (169)
MINI JCW Countryman	7.0 (7.0)		140 (139)		38.2 (35.8)		172 (184)
MINI JCW GP	6.3		150		39.8		165

Source: MINI

February 5, 2013

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman – Pricing Announced

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is the latest model by the adored MINI brand which is receiving the badge of John Cooper Works sub-brand. This in fact is a performance model of the range and the first to come with MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive.

In addition, this model is for those who seek racing passion on the road with extreme driving fun on rough terrain. The JCW Countryman is powered by the newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 1.6-litre displacement.

In fact the latter has a maximum output of 160 kW (218 hp) and a peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft). These numbers makes the model the most powerful drive unit in the MINI model range.

Furthermore, this vehicle is designed by construction principles and with the help of materials adapted specially from race-trim cars. Thanks to the featured valvetronic technology, the car has a compelling performance and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds.

Additionally, the engineers didn’t forget about the efficiency factor, for this purpose they have equipped the car with an extensive range of MINIMALISM technology, including Brake Energy Regeneration, Gear Shift Indicator, Auto Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering.

Six-speed manual gearbox is fitted here as standard. The six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function and steering wheel shift paddles can be optionally chosen.

The innovation here however is the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. As a matter of fact, it makes its debut in a John Cooper Works model. In particular, the distribution of power varies seamlessly between the front and rear axles by an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive.

The car is exactly 4,133-millimetre-long, 1,789-millimetre-wide and 1,549-millimetre-tall. This means that it gets generous levels of space and seating comfort, which encourage the driver and passengers to admire the qualities of this versatile performance athlete over longer journeys as well.

The MINI is also equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) linked up to ALL4 all-wheel drive. And this is as a standard!

Sophisticated chassis technology is provided of course from MacPherson in the form of struts at the front axle and a central-arm rear axle. Extra-lightweight 18-inch Twin Spoke light-alloy wheels are also to be enjoyed by the customers who opt for the standard equipment.

Moreover, the customers can choose between seven exterior paint shades. Of course, contrast paint finishes are included for the roof and exterior mirror caps in white and black. The interior has an exclusive John Cooper Works cockpit design with sports seats, sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in Piano Black, anthracite-colored roof liner and dark speedometer and rev counter dials.

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman will cost £28 595 in the UK.