MINI JCW Convertible Prototype Looks Cute and Slow at the 'Ring

It's also been in production for some time. Heck, we even featured a tuning project that gave it 265 horsepower recently. Still, this is undeniably a test prototype, featuring the trademark yellow and black wrap that all MINIs have been using for several years.

It covers some of the front bumper, the middle of the hood, top of the windshield, trunk and a little bit of the rear fascia. We've looked at everything twice and can't see a single difference between the current production model and this Nurburgring tester.

It's almost as if BMW had a bit of testing money left over and decided "what the heck, we'll just send our slowest performance car back there for a new setup."

Other then some suspension geometry changes, we can't imagine what else they could install on fastest MINI convertible ever made. I mean, it's already got as much power as a Golf GTI. The only thing missing is AWD, but adding that could make this a 1.4-ton supermini, which is frankly unacceptable.

We're not even sure that this is a JCW, which would explain why the driver is going so painfully slow. All the trademark Works elements are there, but you could also buy them as part of a cosmetics pack.

There are new MINI features that could make this car a little better, as early as the 2018 model year perhaps. For example, an upgrade from the 6-speed to the latest 8-speed gearbox used by the Clubman might lower fuel consumption. Mind you, nothing will make it more appealing than a lower price. $36,000 before options is ridiculous.