The Latest Mini JCW Does John Cooper Proud

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Written by Sam Jemielity | May 10, 2015

It’s no doubt rare that an automotive journalist compares a Mini Cooper’s driving dynamics favorably to the lofty likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Bentley, but that’s exactly what XCAR’s Alex Roy does with the turbocharged 2016 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works. The 2016 JCW’s 2-liter turbo engine cranks out 228hp and 236 lb/ft of torque, capable of propelling the hot hatch from 0-62 km/h in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed north of 150 miles an hour. And as Roy puts the car through its paces on winding roads where he’s previously toured those venerable supercars, he discovers the Mini’s exceptional ability to get to the edge makes it just, well, a lot of fun.

Well-versed in the Mini lineage, Roy notes that this latest creation delivers on four things he’s come to expect: “noise, power, speed and uncomfortable seats.” Unfazed by the less than plush chariots, however, Roy instead marvels at the JCW’s excellent exhaust note, cheerfully noting: “It sounds awesome. I’ve been shooting around these little roads, the car farting out little pops and bangs and crackles… It just sounds right.”

When Roy calls up Sport Mode, the video shows the instrument panel with a message to the driver: “Maximum Go-Kart Feel.” Indeed, Roy throws the car in and out of turns, calling on the impressive torque and massive grip, and even through the computer screen I enjoyed the vicarious thrill of autocrossing this rocket through the English countryside. All told, Roy proclaims this Mini a “true John Cooper Works car,” and judging by this clip, I’d definitely agree.

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