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Postcardstory. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.
With a brand new design, characterised by an upright and minimalistic silhouette, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman embodies its distinctive efficiency.
The highly effective 300 hp engine mixed with improved aerodynamics permits the MINI JCW Countryman to speed up from standstill to 100 km/h in simply 5.4 seconds.
In mixture with the Legend Grey physique colour, the standard JCW contrasting Chili Red on the mirror caps, roof and inlays on the air shops accentuates the sportiness of the mannequin.
The Story Of The US Army’s First-Ever Tank
When the U.S. entered the Great War in 1917, it had no armored autos. Gen. John Pershing requested a tank corps for frontline deployment, however you can not create a tank pressure if you do not have tanks, so the U.S. Army wanted a fleet. However, developing and building tanks takes time, extra so when you create them from scratch.
In a present of unity, the French and the British shared their tank designs with the Americans, with the British proposing the Mark VIII Heavy Tank. However, this tank took too lengthy to provide, with the manufacturing facility the place it was speculated to be assembled solely ending development by November 1918 — simply because the conflict ended.
On the opposite hand, the French determined to license the Renault FT Light Tank design to the U.S., hoping it might produce the tank in numbers Stateside. Because it was an already present design, it was meant to be a fast repair whereas the heavier Mark VIII was nonetheless being developed.
This licensed-built tank was named the M1917 Light Tank, with the US initially ordering 4,440 tanks to be constructed, however solely 950 had been produced. It was meant to be the primary mannequin for the U.S. Tank Corps — the first-ever American armored division. It was assembled by then-Capt. George Patton, who finally grew to become the commanding common of the first Armored Corps in World War II.
There had been a number of delays in constructing the M1917. For instance, American and French factories used completely different unit measurements. The former used imperial models, whereas the latter used metric. This meant that American manufacturing services weren’t suited to construct issues utilizing French plans.
Of the 4,400 ordered tanks, solely 64 had been accomplished by the point the conflict was declared over. Just 10 made it to France, and none noticed fight.
BMW M Motorsport thanks John Edwards.
Munich. After ten years as a BMW M works driver, John Edwards (USA) is ending his skilled racing profession. BMW M Motorsport thanks him for the superb collaboration and fondly remembers their shared successes. The spotlight was the GTLM class victory on the 2020 24 Hours of Daytona (USA) with the BMW M8 GTE.
“John Edwards competed in his first full season for BMW M Team RLL in North America in 2014 and is one of the longest-serving BMW M works drivers. On behalf of BMW M Motorsport, I would like to thank him for his long loyalty and excellent collaboration,” mentioned Head of BMW M Motorsport Andreas Roos. “Although it was unfortunately before my time, the 2020 IMSA season stands out from a whole series of beautiful shared memories with the victory at Daytona and the title win in the Endurance Cup. I wish John Edwards all the best for his professional and personal future! We will certainly stay in good contact.”
Edwards has introduced that he desires to show his earlier passion of flying planes right into a occupation subsequent yr. He additionally desires to spend extra time together with his household. That was additionally the explanation why he was changed by Neil Verhagen (USA) as Samantha Tan’s (CAN) teammate within the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS through the previous season.
The collaboration between Edwards and BMW M Motorsport started in 2013 with particular person race appearances within the BMW Z4 GTE within the IMSA collection. Together with Dirk Müller (GER), the primary victory at Lime Rock Park (USA) was not lengthy in coming. Accordingly, Edwards was promoted to full-time IMSA and BMW M works driver in 2014. Throughout his profession, he drove quite a few generations of BMW M Motorsport race automobiles, together with the BMW Z4 GTE, BMW M6 GT3, BMW M8 GTE, and BMW M4 GT3. In 2020, he celebrated the GTLM class victory on the 24 Hours of Daytona alongside Jesse Krohn (FIN), Augusto Farfus (BRA), and Chaz Mostert (AUS), in addition to the GTLM title within the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup with Krohn. Edwards additionally usually competed for BMW M Motorsport on the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER) from 2015 onwards.
Electric car insurance costs surge by 72% due to repair challenges
Companies like John Lewis mention that their underwriter is evaluating the risks and expenses related to EVs. Earlier this year, Aviva temporarily stopped issuing new policies for the Tesla Model Y, the current top-selling EV in the UK.
Recently, there have been reports in the national media about the high cost of EV insurance. Some drivers claim they were quoted premiums as high as £4500, while others say their renewals doubled or even tripled. However, upon closer examination, many of these drivers admit to having accident claims and speeding penalties. They also found far cheaper cover by shopping around, although it was still more expensive than what they paid the year before.
Will the premium increases continue?
Despite insurers’ concerns about the rising number of EVs on the roads, Kelly predicts that this trend will actually help reduce the cost of insuring such cars.
“As more second-hand EVs enter the market at lower prices, their insurance premiums will decrease,” he said. Fry also mentioned that the growing number of EVs will provide repairers with confidence to invest in EV repairs.
“As we see more EVs in the market, I expect to see more repairers investing in the necessary equipment and skilled staff to repair them,” he said, “which will help resolve the current challenges.
What happened when we looked deeper
Seeking to gain a clearer understanding of EV insurance costs, we obtained quotes for four used EVs for a 63-year-old individual with eight years’ no-claims bonus and a clean license, living in Surrey.
Approximately 50 insurers provided comprehensive quotes through comparison provider Go Compare, ranging from £454 on a Smart EQ Forfour to £4887 on a Tesla Model Y. Within this range, each EV received a wide range of quotes, as shown on the right.
While recognizing that EV insurance is more expensive than cover for an equivalent petrol or diesel car, the exercise at least highlighted the importance of shopping around. It also revealed that insurers claiming to be EV-friendly can be among the priciest, while Admiral was often among the cheapest insurers.
Mini Says Fun Performance Cars Won’t Die In The Electric Era
John Cooper Works was introduced in 2002 as a dealer option for the new Mini Cooper, offering performance upgrades like a new exhaust and a remapped ECU. Recently, Mini’s JCW badge has become its full-on performance sub-brand, similar to BMW M, and it is set to continue even in the electric era.
Vice President of Mini Americas, Mike Peyton, and Global Head of Mini Product, Christian Wehner, are both firmly committed to retaining JCW as Mini embraces electrification.
Christian Wehner emphasizes the importance of JCW and the objective of introducing John Cooper Works into the electric era. Mike Peyton echoes this sentiment, hinting at the development of more performance-oriented EVs under JCW.
However, maintaining the trademark “go-kart” driving experience of Mini poses a challenge for JCW EVs due to the added weight of battery packs. Wehner explains that the focus is not solely on acceleration but on striking the right balance between power and agility.
“All electric cars have good acceleration,” he says, “but do all of these electric cars deliver go-kart fun? Definitely not. Because other things come into play, the weight of the car, the steering of the car, how it feels to sit in the car.”
Chris Sutton acknowledges the challenge of maintaining the distinct Mini driving experience in JCW EVs, highlighting the importance of finding the right balance to uphold the Mini brand’s identity.
While the arrival of JCW EVs signals the shift towards electrification, it does not mark the end of gas engines yet. Wehner explains that until the BMW Group achieves 50 percent electrification by 2030, the company will continue producing four combustion engines alongside four electric motors for upcoming JCW cars.
Mike Peyton notes that with the growing demand for gasoline JCWs, the transition to full electrification is still several years away, particularly in North America.
While it is known that manual Minis with combustion engines are on the decline, there is a possibility of offering manual options for JCW EVs. Chris Sutton expresses consideration for maintaining the manual experience in the context of electrification.
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.
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.
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.
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.