MINI John Cooper Works Concept set to debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January

MINI JCW Concept Previewed

A new bigger and bolder third-generation MINI was revealed last month, the automaker has previewed the hot John Cooper Works concept. It’s set to be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January with a launch likely in the second half of 2015. The concept features an special paintjob and body kit, with familiar MINI red accents and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design. Although made as a concept, the production model is unlikely to stray too far from the concept’s design.

At the front, larger air intakes are swapped with spotlights on the standard car, helping feed air into the engine to aid the hike in performance. Full LED headlights and a black surround grille also signify this as the John Cooper Works model. As well as exterior modifications, the JCW concept has received tweaks to its suspension in order to deliver more surefooted handling, with MINI stating ‘the result is hardcore driving fun.’

The third-gen MINI is the first to be available with a range of new three-cylinder turbocharged engines but the high-performance JCW model will stick with a four-cylinder petrol engine which will most likely be a tuned version of the 2.0-litre unit found in the Cooper S. Power should be in the region of around 217bhp. A launch date has not been officially set but expect the JCW to arrive in summer along with the MINI One entry-level model. The JCW should kick off at around £23,000.