Mini presents two new electric models from John Cooper Works
The two new models are the three-door Mini John Cooper Works Electric and the five-door John Cooper Works Aceman. Both have an output of 190 kW, a system torque of 350 Nm and a top speed of 200 kph. The three-door model needs 5.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 kph, while the five-door model achieves this in 6.4 seconds. The engine output is therefore 30 kW higher than that of the Cooper SE (160 kW).
The battery, on the other hand, is the same as in the Cooper SE and has an energy content of 54.2 kWh (gross) in both variants. The range determined in the WLTP test cycle is up to 371 kilometres for the Mini John Cooper Works Electric and 355 kilometres for the Mini John Cooper Works Aceman.
It has been known since the British Goodwood Festival of Speed in July that Mini intends to launch a fully electric John Cooper Works. At that time, a prototype was presented that Mini described as a “significant milestone” for the brand – precisely because it will be the first all-electric JCW model. “With its striking design and advanced electric drive, this prototype epitomises MINI’s commitment to innovation and electromobility,” the company wrote in the summer.
With the development of the new JCW models, Mini is following in the footsteps of a long racing history. More than six decades ago, sports car designer John Cooper developed a sporty version of the classic Mini, which achieved considerable success on race tracks and rally circuits within a short space of time, for example with three overall victories at the Monte Carlo Rally. Most recently, Mini emphasised the brand’s racing credentials with a prototype based on the new Mini John Cooper Works, winning the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
“With the new all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models, we are bringing the legendary performance and driving dynamics of MINI into a completely new era. We are combining the tradition and character of the MINI brand with the latest technology to create a unique driving experience that will thrill our customers,” says Stefan Richmann, Head of the Mini brand.
One feature with which Mini aims to create a racing feeling in the JCW models is an electric boost function for increased power delivery. The driver activates the “go-kart mode” by pressing a paddle switch on the steering wheel. An additional 20 kW of electric motor power is then available for overtaking manoeuvres and performance-boosting acceleration and is intended to generate unique driving pleasure. The suspension settings are designed to provide an additional go-kart feeling. High-performance tyres with particularly good grip are also included as standard on both models.
There are some nice gimmicks in the design: The red, white and black John Cooper Works logo is reminiscent of the chequered flag in motorsport and adorns the octagonal front grille in high-gloss black. As a welcome projection from the wing mirrors, the illuminated logo greets the driver even before they get in. The sporty design can be enhanced by a contrasting roof in Chili Red or a John Cooper Works-specific multitone roof with a red and black colour gradient.
In the interior, a high-resolution OLED display with a diameter of 240 mm displays relevant vehicle data. The driver and front passenger can also access the climate, media, telephone and navigation settings via the central instrument. The new Mini Experience Modes allow the ambience in the interior to be customised.
The new, all-electric Mini John Cooper Works models will be launched in Germany from January 2025. The three-door Mini John Cooper Works Electric is available from €39,700 gross (plus transfer and handover costs of €950 plus registration). The five-door Mini John Cooper Works Aceman is available from €42,200 gross (plus transfer and the same handover costs plus registration).
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