MINI Thrill Maximized.
Today, MINI Asia and British United Automobiles have announced that availability of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman. With the concentrated power of their new engine and its optimized ability to transfer its output onto either a road surface or loose terrain, the new John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman have assured their places in the leading line-up of sports models in the premium compact segment.
Summary of highlights: The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman.
· New 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and 306 hp with 450 Nm.
· Increase in output compared to the previous models: 75 hp.
· Cooling concept incorporates know-how from the race track.
· New exhaust system with remarkable sound development.
· MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard.
· New 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheel.
· Model-specific chassis design and coordination.
· New bigger John Cooper Works sport brake system.
· Extremely rigid body structure, motor connection and chassis fastenings.
· New adaptive LED headlights with Matrix high beam function and LED rear lights in Union Jack design in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.
Maximum output from four cylinders: New 2.0 litre engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.
The turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold is fitted with a blow-off valve that contributes to its optimized response characteristics. The air intake duct has also been redeveloped and dethrottled as far as possible. The fine vaporization enables precise metering of the fuel, which makes for especially clean combustion in addition to enabling optimum efficiency. The MINI TwinPower Turbo technology also includes fully variable valve control along the lines of the VALVETRONIC system patented by the BMW Group, as well as variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust sides (double VANOS).
The high-performance drive of the Clubman and the Countryman generates a maximum torque of 450 Nm in the broad engine speed range between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm, which is around 29 percent higher than that of the previous engine. The maximum output of the new 4-cylinder engine has been increased by approximately 32 percent. The new top-level of 306 hp is reached between 5,000 and 6,250 rpm. The resulting pulling power enables the new engine of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman to produce an acceleration performance of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the figure for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is 5.1 seconds. For the first time with MINI vehicles, the maximum speed of the new top sports performer is now electronically limited to 250 km/h.
8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, mechanical differential lock.
The transverse-mounted front engine in both of these extreme sport vehicles transmits its phenomenal power to the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission. The latest generation of the transmission features enhanced internal efficiency and an extended steering axis inclination – this contributes to lower engine speeds when driving in a higher gear, which in turn translates to lower fuel consumption. A new transmission control increases both the gear shift dynamics and driving comfort, and shift paddles are mounted as standard on the steering wheel for manual gear selection. Moreover, the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission offers Launch Control for accelerating from standing with optimum traction and maximum dynamics.
The new automatic transmission also features an integrated differential lock – it functions transversely to reduce the speed compensation between the front wheels. Under load conditions, this means that a locking effect of up to 39 percent can be generated. The mechanical differential lock is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which aids both the traction of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman in all road conditions, as well as the driving dynamics when taking bends with a sporty driving style. The differential lock supports the vehicle’s agility when changing direction quickly or accelerating dynamically out of a bend, by applying targeted shifting of the drive torque.
ALL4 all-wheel drive with model-specific components.
The standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system plays a central role in optimising the cars’ traction, agility and driving stability. The intelligent controller of the ALL4 system is interconnected with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control and continuously calculates the ideal power distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels.
In normal driving conditions with the DSC activated, it transmits the drive torque in a brand-typical manner to the front wheels. This allows the engine power to be converted into forwarding propulsion with maximum efficiency. But if the DSC controller detects a danger of slip on the front wheels, within a fraction of a second, the hang-on clutch will transfer the drive torque to the rear wheels with the aid of an electrohydraulic pump.
Evolved sport chassis, new sport brake system.
The chassis technology of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has also been enhanced to a new level of performance. Newly designed swivel bearings enable improved camber values on the front wheels. Moreover, the readjusted suspension and damping systems, the DSC and the electromechanical steering are precisely oriented towards the extremely agile character of the new top sports model. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features a sports suspension, while the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features an adaptive chassis with electronically controlled dampers. Judder dampers operate in line with a choice of two characteristic diagrams, coordinated for either sporty or more comfort-oriented driving scenarios; these can be activated in the MINI Driving Modes.
The sport brake system has also been redesigned and now contains 4-piston, fixed-caliper disc brakes on the rear wheels to ensure consistently high braking values even under intensive use. The large brake discs of 360 × 30 millimetres at the front and 330 × 20 millimetres at the rear combined with optimised coolant duct geometry also play their part in achieving the high level of stability. The red-coated brake calipers at the front bear the John Cooper Works logo. Also part of the standard equipment is the 19-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in the Circuit Spoke 2-tone design on both models.
Body structure and chassis fastening with optimized rigidity.
The long wheelbase, large track width and low centre of gravity that both models display are ideal for chassis design and tuning aimed at consistent sports performance. In addition, the systematic reinforcement of the body structure and extremely taut chassis connections in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ensure maximum driving precision. Both models possess a newly developed precision strut for the engine compartment, which connects the right and left spring strut domes. The bracing of the front end is provided by specific arrow struts and a dome-bulkhead strut in the undercarriage.
Model-specific design features in the exterior serve to optimise the vehicles’ aerodynamic features and air duct design. For example, the large air inlets on the front of the vehicle serve the cooling requirements of both the drive and the brake system. Moreover, the outstanding performance characteristics are reflected in the model-specific design of the side skirts and the independent rear aprons with integrated diffuser elements. Model-specific roof spoilers play a role in reducing uplift at high travel speeds. Further, the two new John Cooper Works models are equipped with aerodynamically optimised mirror caps.
Exclusive standard equipment, high-class options.
Other model-specific accentuation in the exterior include the contrasting paintwork in red for the roof, and the mirror caps, an individual design for the side scuttles by the additional indicators and the John Cooper Works logo in the radiator grille and tailgate. Both models also feature a panoramic glass sunroof. The central air inlet of both models has a honeycomb pattern structure, while the inlet of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also has a red surround.
The exclusive standard equipment of the two top sports models also includes the Comfort Access system, MINI Driving Modes, a 12 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and the MINI Navigation System on an 8.8-inch touch display. The Head-Up Display is particularly useful in projects relevant vehicle information into the driver’s line of sight. Both cars also feature Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.
The Park Distance Control system in the front and rear plus a rear view camera enables fuss-free parking. The Parking Assistant function is particularly helpful as well – when the driver goes slowly past the parking lot, the available space is automatically measured via ultrasonic sensors and shown in the Control Display. All the driver needs to do is to engage the reverse gear and indicate the turn signal in the direction he wants the car to steer into – the Parking Assistant then takes over the steering, and the driver needs to control the speed of the car. The system also monitors the surrounding area via the ultrasonic sensors and emits acoustic and visual warning signals if the driver is too close to another vehicle or object.
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman are now available for viewing at all MINI showrooms.
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