Photo: Manhart
While I've been critical of the new MINI regarding weight, there's no denying that the hatchback has evolved into the coolest model in its segment. As for the JCW, there's nothing that can touch it, not even the Audi S1.
It's true that the S1 is a pig because of the added quattro, but it's not like the JCW has a true advantage here. Unbelievable but true, the new John Cooper Works model weighs 114 kilograms more than its predecessor from 2009 and is also 4.4 cm wider, 16 cm longer and features a 2.8 cm longer wheelbase.
Starting off with the best is always exciting in the tuning business, so we paid particular attention to the F300 project that Manhart just revealed. As the name suggests, it packs 300 horsepower from the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine that usually makes "only" 231 hp. I know there are plenty of other 300 horsepower superminis, tuned versions of cars like the Polo R WRC or even the Cooper S, but somehow, the F300 is tastier. Torque has also gone up considerably, reaching 470 Nm. It's almost scary that just two 235/35ZR19 tires need to deal with that.
Cosmetic tweaks arrive in the form of British Racing Green exterior paint with gold decals and 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels with a gold finish. The chequered flag down the side and lowered suspension remind us of the first JCW tuning projects from the early 2000s.
The JCW already had a killer sound, but to get the most power out of the engine, Manhart had to install a Remus stainless steel sports exhaust system. Well... they didn't have to, but we're glad they did. They skipped toying with the air box and instead focused their attention on the ECU and on installing a new intercooler. In case it wasn't clear already, the tuner also fitted a custom engine cover to let everybody know the F300 is packing some heat.
We're not entirely sure the JCW needed 300 horsepower, but the custom interior is a welcomed sight. It's just as cool as the stuff we see from Brabus on more serious vehicles. It's mostly done in black suede leather with bright yellow stitching covering everything. Highlights include a quilted pattern for the seats and a yellow line on the TDC point of the steering wheel.
Starting off with the best is always exciting in the tuning business, so we paid particular attention to the F300 project that Manhart just revealed. As the name suggests, it packs 300 horsepower from the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine that usually makes "only" 231 hp. I know there are plenty of other 300 horsepower superminis, tuned versions of cars like the Polo R WRC or even the Cooper S, but somehow, the F300 is tastier. Torque has also gone up considerably, reaching 470 Nm. It's almost scary that just two 235/35ZR19 tires need to deal with that.
Cosmetic tweaks arrive in the form of British Racing Green exterior paint with gold decals and 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels with a gold finish. The chequered flag down the side and lowered suspension remind us of the first JCW tuning projects from the early 2000s.
The JCW already had a killer sound, but to get the most power out of the engine, Manhart had to install a Remus stainless steel sports exhaust system. Well... they didn't have to, but we're glad they did. They skipped toying with the air box and instead focused their attention on the ECU and on installing a new intercooler. In case it wasn't clear already, the tuner also fitted a custom engine cover to let everybody know the F300 is packing some heat.
We're not entirely sure the JCW needed 300 horsepower, but the custom interior is a welcomed sight. It's just as cool as the stuff we see from Brabus on more serious vehicles. It's mostly done in black suede leather with bright yellow stitching covering everything. Highlights include a quilted pattern for the seats and a yellow line on the TDC point of the steering wheel.
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