2017 Mini John Cooper Works Convertible

When passion for motor racing is the driving force and intense open-air pleasure the goal, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible takes the ideal line from the word go. The second John Cooper Works model of the latest generation combines engine and suspension technology optimised for use on the race track with distinctive design and equipment features as well as the extensively refined qualities of the new MINI Convertible. This lends even greater fascination to the vehicle concept of an open-top 4-seater with outstandingly sporty performance properties that is still unique in the small car segment.

The latest version of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 152 g/km) offers the most exclusive way of enjoying extreme driving fun. With its spontaneous power delivery and highly emotional sound, the most powerful engine in the British brand's portfolio with 170 kW/231 hp is strikingly impressive. The fully electrically operated textile top is particularly low-noise, open or closing in just 18 seconds at the press of a button. The stretched silhouette and the powerfully modelled surfaces of the open-top 4-seater are supplemented with design elements developed especially for the John Cooper Works model to optimise cooling air intake and aerodynamic properties. The suspension technology set-up based on well-established racing expertise along with convertible-specific bracing elements guarantees excellent agility and precisely controlled handling in dynamic driving situations. Noticeable progress is also reflected in the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible as compared to its predecessor model in terms of acceleration figures, space and the premium characteristics of the interior, where the rollover bars that extend automatically if needed are now fully integrated behind the rear seats.

The power that now ensures a truly unique racing feel when driving with the top open is drawn from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine developed on the basis of the latest engine generation with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, with a peak output exceeding that of the predecessor model by 15 kW/20 hp. There is also an increase in the lead over the new MINI Cooper S Convertible. The additional output of the top athlete bearing the John Cooper Works logo is now 29 kW/39 hp. The new engine also generates a maximum torque of 320 Newton metres and accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible with standard 6-speed manual transmission in 6.6 seconds from standing to 100 km/h - 0.3 seconds less than the predecessor model. In conjunction with the new generation of the optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission, the same sprint takes just 6.5 seconds (minus 0.6 seconds). Elasticity has also been improved by about 10 per cent. 6.1 seconds is all it takes to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h.

The thrilling performance figures and also the handling properties of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible - which are always supremely under the driver's control even when moving in extremely sporty style - result from a precisely configured overall package comprising not just the powerful engine but also a sports exhaust system, the sports suspension including 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, a sports brake system developed in collaboration with specialist manufacturer Brembo, the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit and the distinct cockpit design featuring John Cooper Works sport seats. The car's performance properties, appearance and fascinating driving experience also give the open-top variant of the top athlete authentic characteristics that both reflect longstanding motor racing experience and the tradition-steeped association between MINI and John Cooper Works. To this day, the name of the legendary sports car designer John Cooper - who once paved the way for the classic Mini to take to the race track - stands for the intensive driving fun and successful motor racing achievements of the small British car.

The exclusive character of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is also reflected in its particularly extensive standard trim. In addition to the fully automatic soft top, standard features on board include air conditioning and the Radio MINI Boost with AUX-IN and USB socket as well as LED headlamps, the MINI Driving Modes and Park Distance Control. For enhanced driving fun, increased comfort and even more pronounced individual style, there is a special range of options and John Cooper Works Tuning accessories available in addition to the optional equipment offered for the new MINI Convertible. The options available exclusively for the John Cooper Works models include the body paint finish in the variant Rebel Green, 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels and John Cooper Works bonnet stripes. What is more, the optional MINI Head-Up Display in the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible features additional display content to support extremely athletic driving fun.

Engine: well-established racing expertise for top output

The current engine generation with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology reflects significant progress in the areas of power delivery, running smoothness and efficiency. This makes it the ideal basis for a power unit geared towards top performance with the characteristics inspired by motor racing that are typical of the John Cooper Works models. The 4-cylinder petrol engine of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, traditionally mounted transversely at the front, offers a 25 per cent increase in capacity as compared to the predecessor model, as well as a 10 per cent increase in output and a 23 per cent increase in maximum torque.

In addition to the capacity of 2.0 litres, the MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is another similarity with the engine of the MINI Cooper S Convertible. This comprises turbocharging integrated in the exhaust manifold, petrol direct injection with injectors arranged centrally between the valves, fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC as patented by the BMW Group and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). This is combined with selective modifications which give the engine of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible an output boost of 29 kW/39 hp as well as noticeably optimised pulling power. The main focus here is a newly developed turbocharger. It is made of a highly temperature-resilient material and generates increased charge-air pressure for even, sporty power delivery across a wide engine speed range. The specific pistons are precisely harmonised with this, enabling compression reduction that is adapted to the high level of charge-air pressure. This design produces performance characteristics typical of a sports car, i.e. power delivery that sets in early on and is maintained continuously right through to a high load range.

The engine of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible reaches its maximum torque of 320 Newton metres at just 1 250 rpm and puts this on stream up to the engine speed range of 4 800 rpm. At 5 200 rpm the engine supplies its peak output of 170 kW/231 hp which is then maintained at a constant level up to 6 000 rpm. Its thrust not only enables extremely spirited acceleration from standing but also highly dynamic interim sprints. The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible completes the standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (automatic: 6.5 seconds) and it takes just 6.1 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in the fifth gear of the standard manual transmission. The top speed of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is 242 km/h (automatic: 240 km/h).

This engine technology geared towards top performance is rounded off with a specific sports exhaust system whose benefits come into their own especially during open-top driving. With its low level of exhaust back pressure it not only promotes spontaneous power delivery in the engine but also generates the sound typical of the John Cooper Works models that underscores the engine's performance character with a highly emotional acoustic pattern across all load ranges.

New top efficiency figures due to MINIMALISM technology

With the increased efficiency of the new generation of engines and transmissions, intelligent lightweight construction, optimised aerodynamic properties and extensive additional MINIMALISM technology, the new edition of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible achieves new top figures in the discipline of efficiency. Adjusted for fittings, the weight of the leading open-top athlete is even below the level of the predecessor model despite the increased dimensions and larger engine. What is more, the auto start/stop function can now be used in conjunction with the Steptronic transmission. The standard MINI Driving Modes enable activation of the GREEN mode, which supports an efficiency-optimised driving style. In models fitted with the Steptronic transmission it is possible to use the coasting function, whereby the drivetrain is decoupled at speeds of between 50 and 160 km/h as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator pedal.

With the standard manual transmission, the new MINI John Cooper Works achieves an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emissions level of 152 grams per kilometre. This is almost 5 per cent below the predecessor model. In conjunction with the optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission the fuel consumption and emission figures are even reduced by some 19 per cent to 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres and 138 grams per kilometre.

Dynamic and efficient: 6-speed manual transmission with engine speed adaptation, 6-speed Steptronic transmission with shift paddles at the steering wheel

The standard 6-speed manual transmission is characterised by a low weight and short shift distances as well as optimised acoustic properties and vibration response. It harmonises perfectly with the performance characteristics of the engine as well as offering an innovation that takes effect particularly impressively when driving the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible in sporty style. A gear sensor allows active engine speed adaptation. When changing gear, the engine speed can be automatically adapted to the rotational speed of the input shaft for the gear selected. This ensures jerk-free clutch engagement, thereby enhancing comfort when shifting down a gear.

The optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission combines a favourable efficiency and a high level of shift comfort with increased shift dynamics and extremely fast gear shifts. In manual mode it is possible to change gear using shift paddles at the steering wheel. Furthermore, in conjunction with the MINI navigation system the new generation of the Steptronic transmission is able to take account of the route profile in automatically controlling gear shifts. Based on navigation data, the appropriate drive position is selected to match the imminent situation on the road ahead, e.g. directly prior to junctions or on corners. This prevents unnecessary upshifts between two bends in quick succession, for example.

For precision and agility at the very highest level: sports suspension, Brembo sports brake system, convertible-specific bracing elements

Together with the hallmark brand concept comprising front-wheel drive, a low centre of gravity, short overhangs, a wide track and a rigid and weight-optimised body structure, the suspension technology has undergone extensive further development for the latest generation of the MINI so as to provide the perfect basis for a thrilling racing feel. The body of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible features additional specific torsion struts in the front and rear area of the underbody, selective optimisation in the area of the side sills and a stiffening plate underneath the engine.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is fitted as standard with a sports suspension and benefits from the well-established design principle of a single-joint spring strut axle at front and a multilink rear axle - which is unique within the competitive environment - as well as optimised details geared towards the particularly high engine and driving performance figures of the leading open-top athlete. In order to reduce weight and increase component rigidity, the front axle is fitted with aluminium swivel bearings as well as axle supports and wishbones made of high-strength steel. The axle kinematics supports an agile turn-in response as well as a precise steering sensation largely free of drive torque. At the rear axle, too, a larger proportion of highly rigid steel types ensures increased stiffness combined with reduced weight. Tube-shaped anti-roll bars at the front and rear axle, an innovative axle bearing including a hydraulically damped engine mount and triple-path support bearings to decouple the dampers from the body additionally contribute to the fact that the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible retains precisely controllable handling as well as optimised ride comfort even in highly sporty situations.

Another standard feature is the particularly high-performance sports brake system developed exclusively for the John Cooper Works models. Designed in collaboration with the specialist manufacturer Brembo, the 4-piston fixed caliper disc brakes guarantee consistently high deceleration performance even when exposed to intensive stress on the race track. The brake calipers are finished in red and bear the manufacturer's logo. What is more, the standard 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels have been designed in Track Spoke silver for the new generation of the top athlete. John Cooper Works light alloy wheels are optionally available in the variant Track Spoke black in 17-inch size and also in the Cup Spoke 2-tone design, size 18 inches.

Exterior design: dynamically stretched silhouette, powerfully shaped surfaces, striking signs of athletic performance

The new edition of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is the outcome of a progressive evolution and reflects a distinct character. Lines and surface design in typical MINI styling guarantee an unmistakable high-quality appearance, whether the soft top is open or closed. Large circular headlamps with chrome rings, the hexagonal radiator grille, the side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles and the black periphery around the bottom edge of the body all clearly signal the model's kinship with the British premium brand.

The dynamically stretched silhouette, powerfully modelled surfaces, short overhangs and wide track define the car's sporty appearance, which is further emphasised by the features for superior performance properties which are typical of the John Cooper Works models. The front section comprises strikingly large air inlets that reflect the high cooling requirements of the engine, its ancillary units and the brakes. The cooling concept of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible also comprises additional air inlets in the outer areas of the front apron so as to ensure the ideal operating temperature is maintained in race track conditions, too. Taking up the space occupied by the fog lamps in the new MINI Convertible, they guarantee the supply of air to an additional external radiator.

The hexagonal radiator grille at the centre of the front section has a characteristic honeycomb pattern and a cross member at the bottom edge finished in red. The John Cooper Works logo also appears here, as well as on the luggage compartment lid. The standard LED headlamps are surrounded by a daytime driving light ring that also uses LED technology, the lower section of which is white and acts as the turn indicator.

Precisely shaped air ducting elements in the lower section of the front apron help optimise the car's aerodynamic properties, as do the side sills in model-specific design and the rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element. Other exclusive features of the exterior include the side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles, which bear a red accentuation line and a John Cooper Works logo applied against a black background, and also the tailpipes of the sports exhaust system integrated centrally in the rear apron which can be identified by their particularly large cross-section. Paint finishes for the body include the variant Rebel Green, which is exclusively available for the new MINI John Cooper Works models. As an option at no extra cost, exterior mirror caps are available in white, black or - also exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works models - Chili Red. The John Cooper Works bonnet stripes are likewise an option that is reserved solely for the top athletes of the latest generation.