Whereas we obtained a first take a look at the brand new technology Mini John Cooper Works Countryman a few months in the past, the official reveal got here Wednesday night time. The sportiest model of Mini’s small SUV combines extra aggressive styling with probably the most highly effective engine Mini has provided to date.
The powertrain itself is pretty acquainted as a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive. However energy has elevated from 301 to 312 ponies. Curiously, the horsepower acquire appears to have come at the price of torque, which is down from 331 to 295 pound-feet of torque. Mini did not present any dyno charts, so it is unclear if maybe there’s extra torque accessible elsewhere within the powerband. Regardless of the additional energy, the JCW Countryman’s 0-62 mph time is 5.4 seconds, half a second behind the outgoing mannequin.
Just like the previous JCW fashions, the brand new Countryman additionally will get upgraded brakes and suspension, in addition to an adaptive exhaust system. It is now fitted with wider tires all the way in which round at 245 mm in comparison with the previous mannequin’s 225 mm. So there’s potential for this new model to be grippier and better-handling. Granted, we can’t know for certain till we’re behind the wheel, and hopefully we’ll get extra particulars in regards to the braking and chassis adjustments nearer to the on-sale date.
Styling has been modified to match the elevated efficiency. The JCW Countryman will get totally different entrance and rear bumpers with bigger grilles and distinctive accents. Lighting patterns are tweaked, too, and 19- and 20-inch wheels can be found in designs particular to the JCW. Of specific notice are the indentations within the hood that counsel consumption scoops above the grille. The inside is swathed in pink and black accents in every single place, together with the recycled polyester textile dashboard protecting. And though Mini hasn’t gone into element about options, the JCW is probably going full of goodies together with a complicated freeway driving help that may even execute lane adjustments.
For as soon as with a brand new mannequin reveal, we really do have pricing, and it isn’t low-cost. The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman will begin at $47,895 together with vacation spot cost. Manufacturing begins this coming March with examples reaching sellers in Might.
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