Tag Archives: Cooper

Motorsport

New Mini Countryman John Cooper Works Has More Power And A Go-Kart Mode

Mini has introduced the new John Cooper Works Countryman. Although the battery-electric version was unveiled earlier this year, the JCW variant comes with a combustion engine. The third-generation model boasts additional horsepower compared to the preceding hatchback and showcases a completely new design that highlights its larger size.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the brand’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle produces 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the US. In comparison, the previous-generation variant generated 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque.


News

Mini’s New Countryman Takes On VW T-Roc R with 296bhp

Mini is targeting the performance SUV market again with its upgraded John Cooper Works Countryman. The new model will be available in the UK in 2024 and features an updated version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 296bhp and 295lb ft to both axles through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

These numbers are slightly lower than its predecessor’s, but they match the outputs of the Cupra Ateca, Volkswagen T-Roc R, and the new BMW X2 M35i. The Countryman also claims a 0-62mph time of 5.4sec and a top speed of 155mph, which makes it slightly quicker off the mark than the electric Countryman.

Produced alongside other Countryman and BMW X2 variants in Leipzig, Germany, the new Mini model from the performance division is visually distinct with a sporty makeover inside and out. It boasts a revised front end, unique LED headlight graphics, a more deeply structured bumper, and red vertical elements in the outer air ducts. The brake calipers, mirror housings, roof, and C-pillar all feature the signature red of the JCW, while the rear showcases updated light clusters and a new rear bumper with a central diffuser and dual round black tailpipes.

The new Countryman is Mini’s largest model to date, growing by 120mm in length and 22mm in width, at 4433mm and 1843mm respectively. Despite this, it boasts a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.26. Inside, it is equipped with a new John Cooper Works steering wheel, sports seats, and a dashboard with a red and black color scheme.

BMW

Powerful appearance and maximum performance: The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

Munich. The MINI John Cooper Works models have always been known for their exhilarating performance. With its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman embodies this unmistakable driving experience. The new model generation of the spacious all-rounder has grown noticeably and offers even more space, comfort and safety. And thanks to its ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the Crossover is also very capable off the road.

“The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman embodies a unique combination of style, power and a sense of adventure. With its powerful 300 hp engine and sporty design, it is the perfect companion for anyone looking for something special”, says Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand.

The new design is characterised by an upright and minimalist silhouette, through which the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman exudes a sense of adventure, versatility and reliability. The John Cooper Works logo has also been redesigned with a modern, clearcut look. For the first time, the logo is being used on the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman in the classic black, red, and white colour scheme.

With its sleek design, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a drag coefficient of just 0.26, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class. This helps the engine, which generates 221 kW/300 hp, to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The 400 Nm of torque and top speed of 250 km/h make for an exhilarating driving experience.

Exceptional performance makes dynamic driving a joy.
The standard all-wheel drive system distributes its power precisely and reliably in every driving situation. A high-performance braking system with brake calipers in Chili Red colour ensures powerful and precise deceleration. The characteristic sound of the exhaust flap system also makes the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman instantly recognisable as a high-performance model. Inside, the engine sound generated in real time enhances the emotional driving experience. An exclusive JCW sound extension boosts the sound of the engine start and intensifies the soundscape with racing-inspired engine sounds.

Optimised pistons, connecting rods and engine mounts extract maximum power from the two-litre turbo engine. An advanced, dual-drive exhaust turbocharger supercharges the engine. Together with the dethrottled air intake to the combustion chamber, this enables the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman to generate beefy performance and delivers an even more dynamic driving experience in every bend. The tyre diameter, which has been increased by 30 mm, is now 710 mm and the increased tyre width of 245 mm enhances the typical MINI go-kart feeling. Aerodynamically optimised 19 and 20-inch wheels, exclusive to JCW, round off the extensive range.

Advanced assistance systems provide added comfort.
The new MINI JCW Countryman features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras in total. They support the innovative driver assistance systems and enable partially automated Level 2 driving in the comprehensive Driving Assistant Professional option package. The assistant can detect gaps in the traffic necessary for changing lanes heading towards an exit and brings the vehicle to the optimum speed for the assisted lane change. For the first time, drivers in the MINI Countryman can take their hands off the steering wheel on highway-like routes at speeds of up to 60 km/h, provided they continue to keep a close eye on traffic and remain ready to intervene at any time.

Great stature on any terrain.
 The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a bold and sporty look that reflects its performance and versatility. The exterior features a number of model-specific details that enhance its overall appearance. For example, the aerodynamic elements with vertical reflectors on the front of the car emphasise its wide stance, while the new MINI LED headlights with horizontal bars in JCW Signature Mode give the crossover a more expressive look. The front end is also characterised by the newly designed octagonal grille in high-gloss black and the newly designed three-colour JCW logo.

The newly designed C-pillar seamlessly joins the contrasting roof in motorsport-inspired Chili Red. The roof curves down towards the rear, giving the MINI JCW Countryman an agile silhouette despite its increased height and width.
The high-contrast exterior design, combined with the Legend Grey body colour, emphasises the sporty look of the model. At the rear, the upright John Cooper Works Signature Mode tail lights frame the upright vehicle body and underline the increased width.

Minimalist interior features racing DNA.
In the interior, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman inspires with a reduced design. The cockpit is divided into an upper and lower section, with vertical door handles and air vents in the upper area. This emphasizes the upright and larger overall impression of the spacious crossover. The red and black colour scheme at the dashboard, along the door panels and on the high-grade JCW sports seats, is a nod to MINI’s racing heritage. The dashboard is made of a two-tone textile made from recycled polyester.

The rear of the vehicle is highly versatile and spacious. The rear row of seats can be adjusted in length by up to 13 centimetres. With the rear seat folded down, even bulky items can be easily transported in the 460liter to 1,450 litre luggage compartment.

Increased functionality makes for an immersive driving experience.
You can use the toggle switches on the MINI toggle bar to control all driving functions. The central, high-resolution OLED display is home to all the other functions. Here, you can also select the new MINI Experience Modes and set up your preferred driving ambience using specially designed backgrounds and sounds. The go-kart mode provides a particularly sporty driving experience, and you can hear the engine sound with impressive intensity in the cabin. The MINI projector on the back of the OLED display can be used to bathe the dashboard in atmospheric colour schemes and patterns that correspond to the selected Experience Mode.

In addition, you can use the voice assistant to operate numerous functions, such as navigation, telephone, and entertainment. Voice-controlled interaction takes place on the circular OLED display in the form of an animation of graphic elements, typography, and an avatar.

Motorsport

Mini Cooper Hardtop And Convertible Spotted Testing With Traditional Engines

Following the recent introduction of the Mini Cooper and Countryman electric vehicles, new spy shots have captured the brand testing the updated traditional combustion-powered versions of the Cooper hardtop and convertible. These tests took place in Germany.

The traditional gasoline-powered Minis have distinctively different underlying structures compared to their electric counterparts. However, the two variations share similar designs. The front end features a more prominent grille, while the circular headlights have stacked lamps with horizontal running lights in the middle. At the rear, the taillights seem to have undergone some refreshing changes.


BMW

Bulldog Racing to Compete with MINI John Cooper Works Edition at Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring 2023

Nürburg. At this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, the Bulldog Racing Team impressed with their MINI John Cooper Works Edition with a manual gearbox, securing a 2nd place in the class for turbocharged vehicles with a displacement of 1,600 to 2,000 cc.

In preparation for future races, Bulldog Racing decided to participate in the seventh round of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring 2023 (RCN) with their MINI John Cooper Works Edition. The race took place on the 24.358-kilometre track variant (Nordschleife + GP short circuit) under sunny and warm weather conditions. The total race distance was 13 laps.

Behind the wheel this time were drivers Jens Dralle (GER) and Christoph Kragenings (GER). Jens Dralle previously competed for Bulldog Racing in the red MINI John Cooper Works in the SP3T class at the 2022 24-hour race. Christoph Kragenings made his 24-hour race debut earlier this year in the manual MINI John Cooper Works Edition and achieved the best result for a MINI in the brand’s 64-year history.

In the highly competitive VT2 class with 19 participants, the duo of Dralle/Kragenings secured a solid 7th place within their class and 48th place overall out of the 149 cars that started the race, earning a total of 4974.0 points.

The Rundstrecken-Challenge is not solely focused on achieving the fastest lap times but also emphasizes consistency. After four sprint laps, competitors must try to recreate the lap time set in the first lap as closely as possible. This unique requirement sets the Rundstrecken-Challenge races apart from conventional races. The RCN e.V. will host the renowned 3-hour “Schwedenkreuz” race on October 28th, which will mark the end of the season and follow the standard endurance race format at the Nürburgring.

For Bulldog Racing, the final race of the RCN season presents a valuable opportunity to participate before the winter break and prepare their MINI John Cooper Works race cars, which are proudly “Made in Nürburg,” for the 2024 racing season.

Motorsport

Classic Mini Converted To Racing Sim With Working Gauges, Wheel, Pedals

In appearance, this classic Mini resembles the blue Cooper used in the famous 1969 film The Italian Job. This alone would be of interest to car collectors, but beneath the hood of this vehicle, you won’t find an engine. Instead, what you will discover is a computer. That’s correct, this Mini has been transformed into a fully-functional driving simulator that can be used to play various racing and driving games. And the best part is, it’s available for purchase.

This particular car had its origins as a 1974 Mini. While much of it remains unchanged, it has undergone an extensive makeover to faithfully replicate the movie car, even featuring imitation gold bars in the boot. The original Mini interior, including the pedals, gear lever, and steering wheel, has been preserved. The front wheels are still connected to the steering wheel, allowing them to turn left and right. With the exception of a touchscreen mounted low for controlling computer functions, you would never suspect that this car is entirely non-functional.


Car review

Review of the 2013-2017 Used Mini Paceman

The Mini Paceman offered a range of engine options including 1.6-litre four-pot petrol engines in the Cooper model, with naturally aspirated engines in the Cooper and turbocharged engines in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. Additionally, there were 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre four-pot turbo diesel engines available in the Cooper D and Cooper SD models.

However, due to diesel being considered unfavorable and the fact that Paceman models up to 2015 are Euro 5 and do not meet the London ULEZ standards, it is recommended to opt for one of the petrol engine options.

Considering the Paceman’s heavy weight, the 181bhp Cooper S is a good choice. It is better to reserve the all-out JCW experience for the hatchback.

While we initially criticized the diesel engines, upon further consideration, the post-2015 Cooper SD with 141bhp and 225lb ft offers a good balance of power and fuel economy, and it also provides access to the London ULEZ.

Most engines were available with a six-speed manual gearbox, and there was an optional automatic transmission as well. Additionally, all engines could be paired with All4 four-wheel drive for improved grip on all surfaces. However, this added weight, complexity, and potentially higher repair costs.

The available trim levels were closely tied to the engine choices. Choosing the Cooper S or SD would give you a Sport driving mode and sports seats in addition to the standard car’s DAB radio, rear parking sensors, and LED foglights.

Common problems with the Mini Paceman (2013-2017)

Engine and gearbox:

Keep an eye out for multiple oil leaks and listen for a rattly timing chain starting from a cold start. Failures in these areas have been attributed to consistently low oil levels and chain stretch. For petrol engines, regular oil changes are crucial for the variable valve timing system. If there is any shunting when starting, it could indicate loose or broken engine mounts. In low-mileage diesel models, poor low-speed running may be due to a coked-up EGR valve.

Transmission:

Check for clutch slip and, in an All4 model, pay attention to the biting point. Replacing a center clutch and dual-mass flywheel can cost at least £3000. If you have an All4 model, ensure that the wear on all four tires is even, as differences in wear can strain the transfer box. When test driving an automatic, use the paddles to scroll through the gears and check for smooth and seamless shifts.

BMW

The Reinvention of the Original: The all-electric MINI Cooper.

The all-electric MINI Cooper is a reinvention of the original model, with a purist design and a focus on urban driving fun. It combines the MINI brand’s history and tradition with innovative technology for an all-electric future. The design of the new MINI models is modern and digital, reflecting the brand’s urban character and the joy of innovation. The exterior features a sleek and compact silhouette with classic MINI design elements. The front end is characterized by iconic circular headlights and a striking grille, while the rear section has clear surfaces and flush rear lights. The interior is minimalist and digital, with a round instrument cluster in the centre and a steering wheel that structures the purist design. The interior features textile surfaces and a homely atmosphere. The new MINI Cooper is equipped with the MINI Interaction Unit, a high-resolution OLED display that revolutionizes the user experience. It offers different experience modes and the first MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice-controlled interaction. The MINI Operating System 9 provides an intuitive and modern interface for accessing vehicle functions. The new MINI Cooper also offers enhanced driver assistance systems, electrified drivetrain technology for all-electric driving fun, and excellent driving dynamics for a comfortable and sporty driving experience. Charging the MINI Cooper is simplified and efficient, with fast charging capabilities and easy-to-understand settings through the MINI App. Overall, the all-electric MINI Cooper combines the iconic MINI DNA with innovative technology, offering a unique driving experience in an urban setting.

Motorsport

Rendered: Electric Mini John Cooper Works Based on Spy Shots

Next week, Mini is set to unveil the next-generation Cooper hardtop at the 2023 IAA Munich in Germany. While the focus will likely be on the all-electric model, we will have to wait a bit longer to see the John Cooper Works without a combustion engine. Recently, the camouflaged JCW was spotted, and now we have imagined what the silent hot hatch will look like without the disguise.

The electric JCW will have a familiar yet refreshed design, and it’s worth noting that Mini still plans to offer a gasoline-powered JCW as well. However, the two models will not share the same mechanics. The gasoline models will be built on Mini’s own platform, while the electric versions will be built on a platform developed by Great Wall Motor. In 2019, Mini’s parent company, BMW, and GWM signed a deal to produce the electric Mini Cooper in China at a newly-established factory. This factory will also produce the electric-only Aceman small crossover starting in 2024. The regular Cooper will continue to be manufactured in the UK.


BMW

The race is on: Bulldog Racing Edition – special model to commemorate the successful 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

Nürburg. The Bulldog Racing Edition is a special model based on the highly equipped MINI John Cooper Works, featuring a 6-speed manual gearbox and an impressive output of 231 hp / 170 kW, with a maximum torque of 320 Nm.

This special model celebrates the best finish for a MINI in a 24-hour race in the brand’s 64-year history. While the engine and many features of the Bulldog Racing Edition are similar to the race car with the starting number #126 from Bulldog Racing, it does not include the safety features required by competition regulations, making it more suitable for everyday use.

“Finishing in second place and achieving the first podium for MINI after a grueling 24 hours was a great accomplishment. As soon as we crossed the finish line, we knew we wanted to share this moment with our fans. Our main challenge in developing the Bulldog Racing Edition was to ensure it closely resembled our race car while remaining road legal,” explains Alexander Schabbach, Managing Director of Bulldog Racing.

The Bulldog Racing Edition offers a true “racing feeling” for the road through the use of various motorsport components that can be customized according to each customer’s preferences.

The KW V3 suspension, which is adjustable in compression and rebound damping, lies at the core of the edition. It enhances grip, improves turn-in behavior, and increases safety at the limit. The suspension setup is individually performed for each vehicle by one of Bulldog Racing’s professional drivers on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The 17-inch OZ HyperGT alloy wheels, in combination with the Remus brand sports exhaust, give the vehicle a subtle yet distinctive appearance. Pirelli provides the P Zero Performance tyres, sized 205/45R17, as they have proven to be reliable racing tires. The rear seat is replaced with a strut and fitting mesh and carpet from the Stern Performance Parts Clubsport set, resulting in weight reduction and improved performance.

An exterior highlight of the Bulldog Racing Edition is the large roof decor foil featuring the Bulldog Racing logo, a traditional adornment on every race car of the team. Inside, each Bulldog Racing edition is equipped with an individual badge that signifies it as a numbered limited edition, documenting the day the suspension was set up on the Nordschleife, among other discreet features.

“To cater to a wide range of individual desires, each car is customized according to the customer’s wishes, making each one unique. Our special model demonstrates the modifications we can make to the MINI, and we are proud to offer this service to customers with older MINIs of the current generation from 2014 onwards,” says Alexander Schabbach.

MINI owners interested in the Bulldog Racing Edition can contact: sales@bulldog-racing.com