THE fastest ever production MINI will hit Australian shores this year, with the introduction of the new high performance John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman, packing a whopping 225kW of power – that’s 55kW more than the previous model – and 450Nm of torque.
Extensive changes to the JCW four-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol engine means the Clubman can hit the standard sprint mark in a staggering 4.9 seconds, with a new JCW Countryman also scoring the same power plant. It’s 0-100km/h time is just 5.1 seconds.
MINI Australia has complemented the engine upgrades for the 2020 JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman with substantial specification updates to both models, including new transmissions for the petrol Clubman and Countryman.
The Cooper S Clubman also gets an increased level of equipment, with no price rise, while the JCW Clubman will also be available in a motor sport-inspired ‘Pure’ guise.
The lift in power across the John Cooper Works range comes from wholesale internal changes that include a reinforced crankshaft drive, new pistons with modified compression, and adapted connecting rods with bushless brackets.
They’ve thrown in modified injection valves with increased flow rate, and a newly developed exhaust turbocharger with integrated air diverter valves to complete the engine update.
Power is now transferred via a new torque optimised, shift-by-wire eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission that delivers rapid shifts while also featuring launch control for race style starts.
The standard Cooper S Countryman now includes the same transmission as the updated Cooper S Clubman, while the conventional six speed transmission of the Cooper Countryman has been upgraded to a new seven speed Steptronic transmission.
All updated models feature a new, ergonomically designed gear selector, and both the MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman are fitted with the ALL4 all-wheel drive system as standard to harness the engine’s full potential and put power to the ground.
A mechanical limited slip differential also aids front end grip and prevents torque steer, while enhanced JCW sports braking now comprises ventilated 18-inch front discs and ventilated 17-inch rear brake discs, providing immense stopping power.
The braking system features efficient cooling channel geometry, improved fatigue endurance and a sporty brake pedal feel for improved performance.
Ride height has also been lowered by 10mm on the JCW models to optimise handling, in conjunction with increased camber values and an extremely rigid chassis structure. It means the new JCW models deliver heightened agility and a new level of cornering pace.
The front styling package of the new MINI JCW Clubman also includes new bumpers and a revised grille and splitter, and LED headlights, with full elliptical LED daytime running lights and LED Union Jack tail lights also added.
A new rear bumper in signature MINI style is a welcome edition, and the new grille and lighting designs also apply to the updated Cooper S Clubman.
Australian pricing for the MINI Cooper S Clubman will start at $45,900, whilst the John Cooper Works Clubman attracts $62,900, or $57,900 in ‘Pure’ form. The new JCW Countryman tops the scales at $65,900. All prices are plus on-roads.
