The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman offers all the style, practicality and fresh-thinking of the Clubman, combined with the high performance and sporting dynamics of the John Cooper Works range.
The result is a unique and exclusive proposition that combines the John Cooper Works-specification engine and corresponding modifications with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. In creating this potent model, able to take full advantage of the maximum possible traction in all conditions, MINI has created a powerful but practical vehicle that’s fun to drive in the true spirit of a MINI.
As the latest member of the John Cooper Works family, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features all the upgrades already seen on the John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible models. These include the 231 hp engine with modified MINI TwinPower turbocharger, sports suspension and powerful braking system. A 0-62 mph time of just 6.3-seconds and a top speed of 148 mph is the result, but not at the
expense of economy or emissions; with up to 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions as low as 154 g/km.
The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is instantly recognisable thanks to its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and its rear wing. These not only help reduce lift, but in the case of the front section, assist with the additional cooling requirements of the more powerful engine. Unique alloy wheels and John Cooper Works badging also denote the top-of-the-range Clubman, as does the option of the special colour ‘Rebel Green’.
Inside, the John Cooper Works specification includes sports seats, an Alcantara headliner, and a wide array of standard equipment including MINI Navigation, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and cruise control with brake function. MINI logo projection is also included within the standard package. Beyond that, MINI offers a huge range of personalisation options and further equipment, allowing owners to create their own, unique, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.
Exterior design
The design of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman maximises the presence of this unique vehicle, with the added flair of a high performance model.
It’s instantly recognisable thanks to a bespoke front apron, with air inlets now cited where other Clubman models have parking and fog lamps. These intakes channel fresh air to brake cooling ducts and to cool the additional radiator of the Works specification cooling system. Integrated air curtains and air breathers help optimise the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. Unique side sills, roof spoiler and a rear apron help to reduce aerodynamic lift. Further exclusive touches include the side turn indicator surrounds, which feature a red accentuation line along with the John Cooper Works logo applied against a black background, and the hexagon pattern grille with a red crossmember bar at the bottom edge. The ‘John Cooper Works’ logo appears here too, as well as on the right-hand door at the rear of the car. The standard LED headlamps are surrounded by a daytime driving light ring that also uses LED technology, the lower section of which is white and acts as the turn indicator. The horizontally arranged rear light units also comprise LED lamps.
Engine: TwinPower Turbo
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman uses the same highly tuned engine as the John Cooper Works Hatch and Convertible models. The 2-litre unit features the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and Valvetronic fully variable valve control on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. To effectively realise the increased output of 231 hp between 5,000-6,000rpm (up 39 hp on the standard Cooper S engine), the John Cooper Works Clubman uses a modified turbocharger made from a particularly heat resistant material. A correspondingly larger intercooler is also fitted, which contributes to an increase in torque to 350 nm which develops over a particularly wide band from 1,450-4,800rpm. Increasing the boost pressure is teamed with a lower compression ratio thanks to the use of model-specific pistons. Unsurprisingly, the cooling system has also been upgraded to cope with the increased heat generated by a more powerful engine, and now features a second coolant radiator found in the left-hand wheel arch. Finally, a sports exhaust helps to reduce the engine’s backpressure and also gives the John Cooper Works Clubman a sporty sound familiar from other models in the John Cooper Works range.
Advanced gearboxes and an all-wheel drive drivetrain
With the new John Cooper Works Clubman, MINI is for the first time combining its most potent engine offering with its ALL4 all-wheel drive system. The result is the most efficient possible deployment of the available power, providing very strong acceleration in all conditions.
The considerable power and torque of the 2-litre turbocharged engine is fed through either a six-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed sports Steptronic transmission. The manual gearbox offers ideally spaced ratios, a model-specific gear lever and short shift mechanism for rapid gearchanges, and also features an engine speed adaption facility via a gear sensor for the smoothest possible downshifts. Carbon friction linings for the synchronising rings add to the inherent efficiency of this lightweight, easy-to-use gearbox.
Suspension and braking
Naturally, the suspension and braking set up of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman has been upgraded to match its increased performance. As with the other John Cooper Works specification MINIs in the range, the John Cooper Works Clubman features a firmer suspension set-up, in this case specifically tailored to the Clubman’s wheelbase and weight distribution.
Variable Damper Control is available as an optional extra, offering a choice of two set-ups for the electronically controlled dampers, which can be accessed via the MINI Driving Modes, a standard feature on the John Cooper Works Clubman. SPORT mode provides the most dynamic driving experience, while in MID and GREEN mode the damper characteristics support a more comfortable driving style.
The standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential – and Performance Control, which assists agile turn-in when taking bends at speed. The standard functions of the electromechanical power steering include speed-related steering support for maximum precision when cornering at speed and for comfortable manoeuvring at low speeds.
