John Cooper Works Package Added to Cooper S

As the supply of the new MINI Cooper slowly trickles into North America, BMW’sretro-inspired small-car brand has just announced the first stage of the Works package for the performance Cooper S model. A road-going tradition since the MINI’s dominance in rallying during the ’60s, this latest add-on kit looks to live up to the legend.
From the factory, the new MINI Cooper S’ engine makes 172 horsepower, which is four more than the old car, but it’s produced in a drastically different way. The first-gen model featured a 1.6-liter engine aided by a supercharger, while the new car has an engine of the same displacement, but uses a twin-scroll turbocharger instead. The result is a much more linear torque curve with 177 lb-ft delivered from 1,600 through 5,000 rpm, increasing to a maximum of 192 lb-ft from 1,700 through 4,500 rpm when the afterburner-like overboost function is used.

As with most turbocharged engines, there’s more to be had with just a little bit of work. MINI’s in-house specialists have developed the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit that includes a reprogrammed engine management unit, a special exhaust system and a sports air filter. These changes increase output to an impressive 192 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. There’s still more get up and go to be had when the overboost function is actuated, where torque spikes for a briefer boost to 199 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm, which MINI says gives sling-shot bursts of overtaking nirvana. We definitely like the sound of that.

To go along with the more powerful engine, the John Cooper Works package includes race-bred suspension components thatreduce body roll and lower the ride height by 0.4 inches. Cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes are also fitted to improve cooling during hard driving and reduce brake fade, while the MINI’s grip on the road is even better thanks to 205/40R18 “double spoke” wheels and run-flat tires – the biggest size wheel officially offered by MINI.

Giving the Cooper S John Cooper Works a sporty look is an aggressive new body kit, punctuated by vents and scoops, plus available carbon fiber trimmed accents, such as the hood scoop trim, mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, and high-mounted rear spoiler. Inside, sportier seats and either a leather or Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel are available.

In the usual cheeky fashion, MINI has also added a decal pattern that displays a helicopter pad landing motif, in which, MINI advises, owners should take caution when driving and parking at airports. The usual selection of flags and patterns (checkered; MINI, etc.) are also available.

Surely, it won’t be long until the Works package lands in North American dealerships.