New Mini Cooper Works Clubman, Countryman infused with performance

(May 15, 2019) The British premium car manufacturer MINI presents what is by some measure the most powerful models ever approved for public road use in the brand’s 60-year history. The 306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman both display outstanding performance in the compact premium segment.

In both models, the extraordinarily powerful engine is combined as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, including mechanical differential lock on the front axle, an ALL4 all-wheel drive system, a specifically engineered chassis, and additional reinforcement modifications for the body structure, engine connection and chassis fastenings. This enables the John Cooper Works racing sensation to attain a completely new dimension of performance.

In these new versions of the two top sports models, both the individual six door model with its extreme driving fun and the robust all-rounder provide a challenging performance experience. The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology surpasses that of the previous drive by as much as 75 hp at maximum output. Maximum torque has increased by 74 to 332 pound-feet, and acceleration performance has also risen commensurately.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman turns in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, with the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman achieving the same in 5.1 seconds —1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models. The elasticity of the two models has never been as impressive as it is now.

With the concentrated power of their new engine and its optimized ability to transfer its output onto either a road surface or loose terrain, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman have assured their places in the leading line-up of sport models in the compact segment. And within the MINI model range, these two top athletes have never been more deserving of their top positions.

Compared to the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, output has risen from its previous level of 39 hp to 114 hp. The resulting superior performance characteristics are accompanied by a range of model-specific design and equipment features that successfully underline the exclusive and rarefied nature of these two John Cooper Works models.

Highlights of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

• New 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and 225 kW/306 hp with 450 Nm.
• Increase in output compared to the previous models: 55 kW/75 hp.
• Cooling concept incorporates know-how from the race track.
• New exhaust system with remarkable sound development
• MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard.
• New 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated  mechanical differential lock for the front wheel.
• Model-specific chassis design and coordination.
• New bigger John Cooper Works sport brake system.
• Extremely rigid body structure, motor connection and chassis   fastenings.
• New LED headlights with Matrix high beam function and LED rear lights in Union Jack design in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.

As the power source for driving fun, the comprehensively redesigned 4-cylinder engine has been consistently oriented towards maximum output. It is based on the 2.0 liter drive from the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, but has now undergone model-specific modifications to the crankshaft drive and also benefits from the latest generation of MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.

These modifications are based on the John Cooper Works’ racing know-how and comprise a reinforced crankshaft, a main bearing with an extended cross-section, specific pistons, connecting rods, and a new vibration damper with optimized cooling.

The considerably increased output compared to the previous engine is also helped along by the bigger turbocharger. The compression ratio of the new engine has been reduced from 10.2 to 9.5 to match the increased system charging pressure. In addition, the turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold is fitted with a blow-off valve that contributes to its optimized response characteristics.