2009 John Cooper Works Hardtop and Clubman

2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works
2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works
2009 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works

BMW's Mini showed some spice at the 2008 New York Auto Show. It launched high-performance versions of its Cooper hardtop and Clubman three-door hatchback, each under the John Cooper Works label.

CG Says...
It was only a matter of time before these hyper-performance Minis were unleashed. We think that driving a Mini, regardless of trim level, is akin to piloting a roller skate, and that's a good thing. These JCW versions will likely continue that tradition.

The John Cooper Works name has been associated with the Mini brand for more than 40 years. This tuning firm's function is similar to what AMG does for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In January 2008, JCW officially became part of Mini, rather than being a separate entity. 2009 marks the first model year that JCW is offering tuned Coopers based on the 2007 hardtop and 2008 Clubman designs.

Both will employ a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a "twin scroll" turbocharger and high-pressure gasoline direct injection. JCW models will produce a healthy 208 horsepower, an increase of 36 horsepower over the standard Cooper S. The sole transmission is a specifically tuned 6-speed manual. That's good for a projected 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds for the hardtop and 6.5 seconds for the Clubman. Each is rated for a top speed of 147 mph. In addition to the special engine and transmission, other JCW Cooper features include high-performance brakes, performance suspension, specific exhaust tuning, and unique, lightweight 17-inch wheels.

The 2009 John Cooper Works hardtop and Clubman go on sale this summer. Prices should come in a few thousand dollars north of a well-equipped Mini Cooper S.