New Mini John Cooper Works to Premiere in Detroit

Good news for all you Mini fans out there, the MINI John Cooper Works Concept will premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit  in January 2014. It might only be a concept but it offers a look ahead to the next generation of the elite sports model. Not that many details have been released as of yet but it is clear to see that the Concept is based on the latest-generation MINI, the origins are recognisable in the longer wheelbase and wider track over the outgoing model, which Mini says has a direct effect on the car’s driving characteristics.
Typical of a mini with the JCW moniker, the styling of the car has also undergone a transformation with larger air intakes added – filling the space reserved for fog lights in the series-produced MINI models – and precisely formed air-channelling elements mark out the front apron of the Concept, which also features LED headlights and a black surround for the front grille. The model-specific body kit also comprises of specially contoured side skirts and a rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element. It also features a roof spoiler and additional body components designed to channel air efficiently around the C-pillars for optimised aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
Mini haven’t release any details on the power plant that lies in the heart of this car but with the latest Cooper S making just shy of 190bhp from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, I expect it to get a reworked variant of the same engine that will probably push the power to over 200 ponies. The Concept will also come fitted with a chrome finished twin tailpipe sports exhaust system custom to the JCW which will surely deliver a striking soundtrack from its sport inspired engine. Further details on the car are unknown, it is likely this concept will see production though we will have to wait until January to find out what else Mini have in store for this JCW car.