MINI has announced the introduction of updated versions of the John Cooper Works Clubman estate and John Cooper Works Countryman crossover. Both receive a thoroughly reworked drivetrain, consisting of a heavily tweaked engine and a brand new gearbox.
Sitting under the bonnet of both models is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as before, but the updated unit is lifted directly from the BMW X2 M35i and is destined for use in the next M135i hatch and MINI John Cooper Works GP hatch.
As such power climbs 74bhp to 302bhp with 450Nm torque, and in both models drive is sent to a MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive setup via a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Against the clock MINI claims that the John Cooper Works Clubman is capable of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, with the Countryman capable of the benchmark dash in 5.1 seconds. Respectively, that’s 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than previously. Both are electronically muzzled to 155mph flat out.
Elsewhere, the new cars both receive a freshly developed sports exhaust system with twin exit pipes, but some chassis changes are also laid on alongside the heavy drivetrain shake-up.
MINI says it has revised the suspension geometry for both cars, with model specific tweaks for the single-joint spring-strut axles springing the front wheels, and the multi-joint setup at the cars’ rears. Both cars are available with adaptive dampers and new sports brake systems, while the Clubman now sits 10mm lower than before.
Equipment wise, both the Clubman and the Countryman feature John Cooper Works sports seats, steering wheels alongside anthracite headlining. Both ride on black 18-inch wheels as standard, and feature LED headlights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display with navigation rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and heated seats by default as well.
The updated John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman go on sale in the UK in July, priced from £34,250 and £35,550 respectively.
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