(December 11, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Mini has carried a passion for motorsport for 55 years and this is more evident than ever before with the launch of the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop.

The exceptional performance of the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop is a result of the most powerful engine ever installed in one of the brand's production models, suspension technology refined with racing expertise and model-specific design features which not only optimize the car's aerodynamic features but also underscore its exclusive charisma.

Mini says, "With its irresistible temperament and high performance capabilities, it not only outperforms the sportiest variants of the new Mini but also the predecessor John Cooper Works variants."

The newest Mini Cooper will make its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January in Detroit.

The power for the new John Cooper Works Hardtop is delivered by a 2.0- liter 4-cylinder engine that was developed based on the latest generation of power units with Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology. It generates a maximum output of 228 horsepower with a maximum torque of 236 foot-pounds of torque accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (Manual: 6.1 seconds).

This is an increase in sprint capability of 0.3 seconds or 5 percent as compared to the previous generation John Cooper Works Hardtop. Elasticity has even been improved by 10 percent. With a figure of 5.6 seconds for acceleration from 50 to 75 mph, the new Mini John Cooper Works even leaves top-class sports cars in its dust.

Technology for the engine, suspension, body and interior have been derived directly from motor racing and define the exclusive, performance-oriented character of the new Mini. Combined with the further refined product substance of the new Mini, the Hardtop has been created for fans who appreciate authentic race feeling, premium quality and a high level of everyday practicality.

The powerful engine, sports exhaust system, and sports suspension with exclusive 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels combine for a high performance motoring experience that Mini owners expect from the John Cooper Works variants. A sports brake system developed in collaboration with specialist manufacturer Brembo, as well as the John Cooper Works aerodynamics kit including a model-specific rear spoiler and newly developed John Cooper Works sports seats comprising integrated headrest all go together to complete a precisely harmonized overall package.

This gives the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop performance qualities including not just high-speed acceleration capacity but also exceptional agility, a high degree of steering precision and precise handling on the road as well as excellent deceleration figures.

The output bonus in the new John Cooper Works Hardtop is now higher than before with 39 percent more horsepower than the Mini Cooper S and is also exceptional in terms of its pulling power. Its thrust not only enables extremely spirited acceleration from standing but also highly dynamic interim sprints.

Geared towards top performance in every way, the engine technology in the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop is rounded off with a specific sports exhaust system. With its low level of exhaust back pressure it promotes spontaneous power delivery in the engine as well as generating the sound typical of the John Cooper Works models that underscores the engine's performance character with a highly emotional acoustic pattern across all load ranges.

The body design of the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop underscores the performance-oriented yet exclusive character of the top athlete in the small car segment. The front section has large air inlets which indicate the high cooling requirements of the engine, its ancillary units and the brakes and thereby instantly revealing the car's outstanding performance qualities.

The model-specific cooling concept of the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop also comprises additional air inlets in the outer areas of the front apron so as to ensure the ideal operating temperature is maintained even in race track conditions. These take up the space provided in the new Mini for fog lamps and guarantee an air supply to additional external cooling units that regulate the temperature level of the ancillary units and brakes.

The hexagonal radiator grill at the center of the front section has a characteristic honeycomb pattern and a cross member at the bottom edge finished in red. The John Cooper Works logo also appears here, as well as on the luggage compartment lid at the rear of the car. The likewise standard LED headlamps are surrounded by a daytime driving light ring also in LED technology, the lower section of which is white and acts as the direction indicator.

Precisely shaped air ducting elements in the lower section of the front apron help optimize the car's aerodynamic properties as do the side sills in model-specific design. All the other body elements relevant to airflow were subjected to intense testing in race track conditions in order to precisely harmonize them with the driving dynamics potential of the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop and thereby ensure precise and safe handling at all times.

This explains the distinctive shape of the rear spoiler fitted on the new Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop, applied to generate down thrust at high speeds. The rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element in the lower area likewise helps optimize aerodynamic balance.