Photo: CarPix
The not-so-mini generation of MINI models has switched to a 2.0-liter turbo, the most powerful of which produces 231 horsepower under the hood of every John Cooper Works model.
However, we've long argued that BMW is deliberately not giving her all she's got, and there are several reasons for this. For starters, anything over 200 hp is good enough in a supermini. Secondly, the JCW models could cannibalize sales from the BMW X1 while also making their predecessors feel completely obsolete.
So, what's going on in these spyshots? Well, from a cosmetic point of view, not much at all. AT the front of the car, we see camouflage around the headlights and right under the air scoop, suggesting minor adjustments are going on there.
AT the back, the JCW appears to have the Union Jack added to the taillight graphics, just like we saw on the recent JCW GP concept in Frankfurt. It's a nice touch, but we honestly don't see anything new happening under the yellow and black color swirls.
So, what is the next power level for the 2.0-liter turbo? Well, the big JCW models, such as the Clubman and Countryman, will most likely get the full 300 HP, just like the BMW X2 M35i and M135i models, both of which are based on the MINI platform.
However, that's way too much for the little hatchback. Usually, these output specifications are based on benchmarks expressed in kilowatts, and the next one is at 252 HP, the same as several Audi models or the Ford Focus ST.
There was also a rumor about BMW switching from the 8-speed automatic to a twin-clutch unit in all its FWD cars including the MINIs. But we'd take that with a grain of salt, even though it could theoretically shave a few tenths of a second from the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time.
So, what's going on in these spyshots? Well, from a cosmetic point of view, not much at all. AT the front of the car, we see camouflage around the headlights and right under the air scoop, suggesting minor adjustments are going on there.
AT the back, the JCW appears to have the Union Jack added to the taillight graphics, just like we saw on the recent JCW GP concept in Frankfurt. It's a nice touch, but we honestly don't see anything new happening under the yellow and black color swirls.
So, what is the next power level for the 2.0-liter turbo? Well, the big JCW models, such as the Clubman and Countryman, will most likely get the full 300 HP, just like the BMW X2 M35i and M135i models, both of which are based on the MINI platform.
However, that's way too much for the little hatchback. Usually, these output specifications are based on benchmarks expressed in kilowatts, and the next one is at 252 HP, the same as several Audi models or the Ford Focus ST.
There was also a rumor about BMW switching from the 8-speed automatic to a twin-clutch unit in all its FWD cars including the MINIs. But we'd take that with a grain of salt, even though it could theoretically shave a few tenths of a second from the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time.
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