Official pictures

By Jack Rix

10th February 2009

Meet the convertible MINI with massive performance! These are the first official shots of MINI’s flagship John Cooper Works drop-top ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Show.

Already available in hatchback and Clubman bodystyles, customers can now enjoy the JCW in cabriolet form. And despite losing the roof, it’s lost none of its potency.

The entire mechanical package is carried over from the hatchback, which means the same 1.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine producing 208bhp and 280Nm of torque, also fitted to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, is used. To cope with the extra grunt the transmission has been significantly strengthened too, but incredibly it’s still capable of returning 39.8mpg at the pumps, with CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

Performance is a little down on the hatch, because of weight penalties from strengthening the chassis, but still sufficient to put most sports cars to shame. The 0-62mph sprint is knocked off in 6.9 seconds, and it will keep accelerating all the way to a top spped of 146mph – a fact which is recognised by the exclusive speedometer, displaying numbers all the way to 160mph.

And if the performance isn’t sharp enough for you, a sport button in front of the gear stick activates a bespoke engine map, which improves steering and throttle response instantly.

To help get all that power onto the tarmac through the front tyres, an Electronic Differential Lock Control is fitted. It works in a similar way to Alfa Romeo’s Q2 system – by braking the spinning inside wheel to maximise traction on the exit of corners.

Standard kit is much improved over the Cooper S and includes a unique Alcantara steering wheel, figure-hugging sports seats and a glossy piano black interior finish. On the exterior there’s exclusive 17-inch cross-spoke wheels, a subtle bodykit and JCW badging on the boot, grille, brakes and door sills.

Just like the rest of the MINI Convertible range, the JCW will be built in Britain – the tailgate at the Swindon plant and the rest of the assembly at Oxford. Priced from £23,470 on the road, the drop-top hot-rod goes on sale in the UK from the 28 March.  

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