Mini John Cooper Works
English constructor-preparer, Jon Cooper has been associated with Mini for decades.
And now comes a veritable resurrection under the name John Cooper Works on the sport versions of the British sports car.
And this time, the John Cooper Works Minis, because the Clubman requires its own sport version, are the top of the line models. The JWC is akin to BMW’s M, for motor sport series.
As you can see from the footage, this Maxi Mini is a real eye-catcher. So much so, it approaches political incorrectness with its aerodynamic add-ons. And of course the red and black and the inevitable checkerboard touches that are scattered everywhere from the interior to the valve cap. The folks at Mini are quite audacious.
And it wouldn’t be a proper sports car without carbon-fibre inserts. The centrally located racing exhaust, like the 17-inch rims, in which is the superb AP racing brake system are evocative.
On option, you can go for the extra headlights, which remind older car buffs of the Mini’s heyday on the Monte-Carlo Rally.
Under the bonnet, the direct injection petrol four-cylinder, which was built in partnership between PSA and BMW, is coupled with a turbo charger. Except here, this 1.6-litre develops 211 brake horsepower at 6000rpm with a torque output of 280 Newton metres between 2000 and 5300 rpm, under the over boost effect. You will note the presence of this particular metal bar, which we will come back to later.
Just as seducing, the interior with Recaro bucket seats compared to the standard version which has two-toned seats that, in passing, could have been given a little more attention.
The ambiance is fantastic, both nostalgic and sporty and there are plenty of reminders of past competition glory. The checkerboard motif is found everywhere, including the floor mats.
And now the time has come to what this John Cooper Works is capable of.
The first thing you notice is the near perfect motor-gearbox combination. It has it all, toque, power, acceleration, perfect gear staging and an irreproachable shift lever, thanks to the folks at Getrag. It is all there…and the brakes are little to sneeze at either. So why is it that it comes so painfully short on a rough or twisty bit of tarmac?
Mini proudly publishes a complete list of electronic aids in its catalogue. It brags about the merits of an electronically aided slip differential system but the power isn’t transmitted to the road surface, resulting in wheel spin. This begs the question of what does the aforementioned bar provide? It’s as if each front wheel has a mind of its own and what was a strong power steering system loses all its effectiveness and you wonder what needs to be done to get the car through a corner. The spring settings give the Mini a more bucking bronco like feel than anything thoroughbred.
Of course, the John Cooper Works is capable of providing a fun ride; the rear end does a good job of following in concert and is plenty lively, yet its unpredictable road handling throws a monkey wrench into the works.
So what can be done, other than ruminate in our disappointment. Here’s hoping that the third generation will be up to the high standards of its pedigree.
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