And a fun day it was. Raspy exhausts blaring, turbos whistling, tires grinding; these pocket rockets are in their element on the track. All day long, I didn’t see anyone climb out of a car without a grin on their face. If you’re looking for a car to go lapping on weekends, and want something different from the horde of Hyundai Genesis Coupes, Subaru WRXs and Honda Civics, a MINI John Cooper Works is an interesting alternative.
Granted, no JCW model can be described as affordable. The John Cooper Works hatchback starts at $36,900, while the JCW Convertible is the most expensive at $42,900. In addition, maintaining a MINI for track use will obviously cost more than your typical Civic Si.
The 2013 models should arrive soon, and although not much information has been announced on the Canadian-spec JCWs, they are expected to be equipped with a revised engine that is said to be more responsive while boasting the same output figures, and will also offer reduced fuel consumption. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters should be offered as well.
A John Cooper Works edition of the Countryman crossover will also debut, powered by a slightly more powerful version of the turbo 1.6L engine, good for about 215 hp. It will also use the brand’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, and it will offer both manual and automatic gearboxes.
Also on its way to the Canadian market is the MINI John Cooper Works GP. Tagged as the sportiest MINI ever, the GP uses the original hatchback body style, but loses the rear seats. It will feature a 215-hp engine (218 metric hp), an adjustable coilover suspension, more powerful brakes and unique appearance items. A limited run of 2,000 copies will be produced worldwide, and the car will make its debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show at the end of the month.
John Cooper Works is a brand within a brand, and one that can best be described as thrilling performance. However, since the Canadian market is one of the biggest for JCW products per capita, I guess many of you already knew that.
Granted, no JCW model can be described as affordable. The John Cooper Works hatchback starts at $36,900, while the JCW Convertible is the most expensive at $42,900. In addition, maintaining a MINI for track use will obviously cost more than your typical Civic Si.
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| Photo: Michel Deslauriers |
The 2013 models should arrive soon, and although not much information has been announced on the Canadian-spec JCWs, they are expected to be equipped with a revised engine that is said to be more responsive while boasting the same output figures, and will also offer reduced fuel consumption. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters should be offered as well.
A John Cooper Works edition of the Countryman crossover will also debut, powered by a slightly more powerful version of the turbo 1.6L engine, good for about 215 hp. It will also use the brand’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, and it will offer both manual and automatic gearboxes.
Also on its way to the Canadian market is the MINI John Cooper Works GP. Tagged as the sportiest MINI ever, the GP uses the original hatchback body style, but loses the rear seats. It will feature a 215-hp engine (218 metric hp), an adjustable coilover suspension, more powerful brakes and unique appearance items. A limited run of 2,000 copies will be produced worldwide, and the car will make its debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show at the end of the month.
John Cooper Works is a brand within a brand, and one that can best be described as thrilling performance. However, since the Canadian market is one of the biggest for JCW products per capita, I guess many of you already knew that.
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