Whitby, Ontario - BMW Canada has announced that Mini and John Cooper Works will merge into the Mini family as a Mini sub brand. The first high-performance Mini models launched under the new brand will be the Mini John Cooper Works and Mini John Cooper Works Clubman, which will arrive in Canadian showrooms this summer.
Both models will feature a newly-developed, high-performance version of the Mini's 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, with twin scroll turbocharger and direct injection to produce 207 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The revised engine accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds in the Mini, and 6.8 seconds in the Clubman.
Both models will also be equipped with several features including high-performance brakes, sport suspension, low back-pressure exhaust system, specially-modified six-speed manual transmission and exclusive 17-inch light alloy rims with high-performance tires.
The dynamic stability control system will also incorporate dynamic traction control for the first time in a Mini, and includes electronic differential lock control activated when the stability control is turned off, enhancing stability and cornering ability during sport driving.
The two new models will have their world premiere at the International Automobile Salon in Geneva in March.
