At the very start of 2018, Mini announced an update to its Cooper line. Were it not for their help, plus the marginally tacky inclusion of Union Jack taillights, we’d probably never have noticed the refresh.
Now, with 2019 bearing down on us, it’s the John Cooper Works’ turn. Predictably, the JCWs get all of the same upgrades the standard Coopers did — more interior customization, new 17-inch wheels (which are unique for Works), and the patriotic tail lamps. The biggest change is actually something you’d probably rather not see on a performance trim like the JCW, but it’s not Mini’s fault. It’s doing everything in its power to ensure it doesn’t sap power from the motor.
Thanks to authoritarian Europe’s ever tightening emissions restrictions, Mini had to install a new gasoline particulate filter to avoid punishment — and kind of at the last minute. Fortunately, the automaker claims that, by integrating the filter into the sports exhaust system, there’s no loss in performance for Euro-spec models.
There hasn’t been a gain in performance, either.
JCW models will continue utilizing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered, as usual, to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. There’s a small chance models sent to the U.S. may boast different numbers, but Mini hasn’t said anything to that effect. Either way, expect a 0-to-60 time in the low six-second range for the JCW hardtop, with the convertible being a few tenths slower.
Interior changes depend upon your preference (Mini offers more options than any sane person could ever want). But some of the biggest include various plastics with LED back-lit accenting, wireless device charging, some new digital services for the infotainment system, and a puddle lamp that projects the Mini logo beneath the door (though you can get custom logos and text). And that’s just for starters. The automaker will allow you to go hog wild with the personalization of any Cooper model (inside and out) if you’re willing to fork over the extra cash.
U.S. pricing and availability haven’t been announced as of yet. We’re assuming JCW models will arrive at dealerships in early 2019 with no significant changes to last year’s MSRP.
[Images: Mini]
I thought this headline said “Regulatory Buffet” at first.
But I guess that works too.
“a new gasoline particulate filter”
0. Is this on US-spec cars as well?
1. Is this on the new US-spec 3-Series as well?
Yes but European automakers are not required to install them on US-spec models. As a direct result of this, the new M340i makes 374 hp in Europe and 382 hp in America.
Given the cost of JCW MINIs, you’d think they could do better than the de-tuned B48 engine.
Anyone likes these lights?
Inspired by:
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/182246900528-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
You mean the Union Jacks? I saw one the other evening, on my way home. It’s a meh for me.
I am not a British patriot so I would prefer Red White and Blue edition which are national colors of both Russian Federation and United States.
And France and the Netherlands, Australia, N Z, Britain, in fact, almost everybody.
You are right but I have dual Russian(by birth)/US citizenship so I do not care about other countries.
Are particulate filters in a gas usage as nightmarish as diesel versions ? How do you do a regen cycle ? I’d think gas would be way more dangerous to regen….anyone who actually knows ?
From what I’ve heard, it’s not as bad as a diesel. The exhaust temps on a gas engine are much higher so they almost regen themselves. The filter stops the soot and it burns off to ash almost immediately.
I applaud Mini for having such a long list of interior and other options, but until Improved Materials & Build Quality is on that list, I’m not interested.
Good. About damn time we get particulate filters on DI engines.