At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MINI is kicking 2015 off with a bang. With its official unveiling of the new John Cooper Works model, the British marque aims to up the ante for the premium “hot hatch” segment. Like John Cooper Works models before it, the all-new 2015 variant builds on the base Cooper with added power, poise and panache both inside and out.
Featuring an upgraded 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 228 horsepower – the most power to have ever come from a MINI – and a solid 10% boost over its predecessor, the 2015 John Cooper Works has an estimated 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds with the optional Steptronic 6-speed transmission (6.3 seconds with a traditional 6-speed manual). Helping to keep this speed in check is a newly-developed Brembo braking system and finely tuned sport suspension with dynamic damper control, as well as a plethora of safety and stability systems.
The John Cooper Works model is distinguishable from its brethren by its exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels and unique sport-themed accents throughout both the exterior and interior. Pricing and availability are due to be announced in the coming days and are expected to be roughly in line with those of the previous generation.
This new firecracker isn’t the only addition to the current-generation Cooper line introduced last year. MINI is also shining the NAIAS lights on its new 5 door model – a first for the company’s famously diminutive hatchbacks. Also of note, MINI has brought along the latest iteration of its Superleggera Vision concept, a design collaboration with Italian specialist Touring Superleggera. As of now, the concept remains just that – a concept – but it wouldn’t be terribly surprising to see something very similar hit the market in the near future.
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