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MINI John Cooper Works Clubman Rendered, Proves JCW Name Is Just a Trim Level Now

The MINI Clubman was revealed in full a while back and while we did like what we saw (as we met it in person) we’re wondering where the British brand is heading these days. This rendering of a John Cooper Works variant proves that things aren’t exactly peachy.
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman Rendering 3 photos
Photo: RM Car Design
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman RenderingMINI John Cooper Works Clubman Rendering
The Clubman looks good in every guise, even in this ‘hardcore’ one, but the thing is, migrating into a new segment, it feels like maybe the usual tricks don’t work as good anymore.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for bigger MINIs as I do understand that the name doesn’t necessarily have to dictate the size of the cars a manufacturer makes. However, the John Cooper Works badges should be used only on individual cars.

I know you’d be tempted to say that this is just a rendering and there’s no sure way of knowing if the Oxford-based company will launch a JCW version but trust me when I say, it will happen. We’ve seen prototypes out testing already, in production guise, under heavy camouflage.

The introduction of the JCW Clubman will prove, once and for all, that the badges are now being used just for marketing purposes, now being a sign of differentiating trim lines. In the end using them will mean that the car has a certain engine under the bonnet along with some suspension and aero tweaks.

That’s saddening because it should be about more than that. It should be about the driving experience, the way the car handles and, not the least, about that famous ‘go-kart feeling’.

In the Clubman, almost none of that will happen. Sure, we’ll get to look at the fastest model in the range, with a 2-liter, 231 HP engine under the bonnet but that will be it. The size of the thing will make it roll hard into corners and be less agile than it should.

Of course, customers for it will exist but they will have to limit themselves to owning a powerful engine and not a great driving car. Until we get to see the real deal, this rendering done by RM Car Design is rather accurate. Enjoy!
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