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The new Mini John Cooper Works convertible

High performance John Cooper Works specification now available as a Convertible
231bhp and 320nm of torque from revised 2-litre TwinPower Turbo engine
Strong performance with 0-62mph achievable in just 6.5 seconds; top speed 150mph
Optimised cooling intakes combined with distinctive John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit
John Cooper Works specific 4-piston braking setup developed with Brembo
Exceptionally high levels of standard equipment: MINI Visual Boost Radio, MINI Connected,
Bluetooth, Rear Parking Distance Control and Rear Reversing Camera
Bespoke John Cooper Works sports seats and design touches in high quality cabin
Available April 2016 priced from £26,630
Potent, race-bred John Cooper Works performance is now available as an open-air experience, with the debut of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible this spring.

This new model uses the same 2-litre TwinPower Turbo engine as found in MINI John Cooper Works Hatch, complete with its impressive 231hp and 320nm of torque. So equipped, this latest addition to the MINI Convertible range can reach 62mph from rest in 6.5 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 150mph.

To harness this powerful engine the suspension, braking and cooling specification of the MINI Convertible has been suitably upgraded. The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible runs model-specific suspension settings, with a bespoke braking system and larger intakes to increase cooling capability. The design alterations to the body not only aide aerodynamic performance, but also give the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible its own aesthetic appeal.

Inside, John Cooper Works sports seats and sporty trim touches create the perfect ambience for the enthusiast driver, and can be complemented by a wide range of optional extras, including MINI Media Pack XL featuring MINI Connected.

Model HP Trans CO2 OTR
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible 231 Man 152 £26,630 Aut 138 £28,205
Engine: power and torque gains for John Cooper Works Convertible

The latest John Cooper Works specification engine comprises turbocharging integrated in the exhaust manifold, petrol direct injection with injectors arranged centrally between the valves, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). This is combined with modifications that give the engine of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible an additional 39hp over the standard Cooper S model. The main focus has been on developing a new turbocharger, made of a highly temperature-resilient material, which delivers more boost. The pistons have also been specified accordingly, enabling a higher compression ratio. The result is a maximum torque of 320nm at just 1,250 rpm through to 4,800 rpm, while at 5,200rpm the engine supplies its peak power output of 231hp - maintained at a constant level until 6,000 rpm.

The performance figures illustrate the potency on offer: the sprint from 0-62mph takes 6.6 seconds with the manual transmission (automatic: 6.5 seconds), and the top speed is 149mph (150mph). The John Cooper Works sports exhaust system is especially noticeable during top-down driving: with its reduced exhaust backpressure, it both contributes to a spontaneous power delivery and also generates the sound typical of the John Cooper Works models.

MINI John Cooper Works Convertible benefits from a number of efficiency measures which also have been introduced on other models, including MINI John Cooper Works Hatch. For example, the auto start/stop function can now be used in conjunction with the Steptronic transmission, and the standard MINI Driving Modes include the GREEN mode, which supports an efficient driving style. If the Steptronic transmission is fitted, it is possible to use the coasting function at speeds of between 30-100mph, as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator pedal. The result is impressive fuel and emissions figures: the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible achieves an average fuel consumption of 47.9mpg (43.5mpg) and a CO2 emissions level of 152g/km (138g/km).

Transmission: six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic gearbox

The standard 6-speed manual transmission is characterised by low effort and short shift distances. A ‘rev matching' function built into the manual transmission ensures jerk-free clutch engagement, thereby enhancing comfort when shifting down a gear.

The optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission combines excellent efficiency with smooth yet fast gear changes. In manual mode it's possible to change gear using shift paddles at the steering wheel. Furthermore, in conjunction with the MINI Navigation System the transmission is able to take account of the route profile in automatically controlling gearshifts.

Suspension: Brembo sports brake system, Convertible-specific bracing elements

The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is fitted as standard with a sports suspension featuring McPherson struts at the front and a multilink rear axle, with a setup optimised for the high performance of the John Cooper Works model. In order to reduce weight and increase component rigidity, the front axle is fitted with aluminium swivel bearings as well as axle supports and wishbones made of high-strength steel. The suspension geometry makes for agile turn-in response as well as precise steering. At the rear axle, a larger proportion of highly rigid steels ensure increased stiffness combined with reduced weight. Tube-shaped anti-roll bars at the front and rear axle, an innovative axle bearing including a hydraulically damped engine mount and triple-path support bearings to decouple the dampers from the body additionally contribute to the fact that the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible retains precisely controllable handling while not sacrificing ride comfort.

Another standard feature is the high-performance brake system developed exclusively for John Cooper Works models. Designed in collaboration with Brembo, the 4-piston fixed caliper disc brakes are particularly resistant to fade. The brake calipers are finished in red and bear the John Cooper Works logo, cited behind the standard 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels in Track Spoke silver. John Cooper Works light alloy wheels are optionally available in Track Spoke black and also in an 18" Cup Spoke 2-tone design.

DSC including Performance Control, Servotronic and MINI Driving Modes as standard; Dynamic Damper Control as an option

The standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comprises of Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and Performance Control, which supports agile turning when taking bends at speed. A Dynamic Damper Control is optionally available, providing two set-ups for either sporty or more comfort-oriented driving situations. The relevant set-up is activated via the standard MINI Driving Modes. In addition to the standard MID mode there is a choice of SPORT and GREEN modes. The MINI Driving Modes are operated via a rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever and influence not just the program map of the optional electronically controlled dampers, but also the characteristic curves of the accelerator pedal and steering, the engine sound and also the shift characteristics of the Steptronic transmission (if specified).

Exterior design: the highest performing MINI demands a unique style

The performance potential of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is clear from its purposeful design. The front section comprises of large air inlets that feed the high cooling requirements of the engine, its ancillary units and the brakes. Additional air inlets in the outer areas of the front apron ensure the ideal operating temperature is maintained in racetrack conditions. Taking up the space occupied by the fog lamps in the new MINI Convertible, they guarantee the supply of air to an additional external radiator.

The hexagonal radiator grille at the centre of the front section has a honeycomb pattern and a cross member at the bottom edge finished in red. The John Cooper Works logo also appears here, as well as on the luggage compartment lid. Air ducting elements in the lower section of the front apron help optimise the car's aerodynamic properties, as do the side sills and the rear apron with flaps and a diffuser element. Other exclusive features of the exterior include the side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles, which bear a red accentuation line and a John Cooper Works logo applied against a black background, and also the tailpipes of the sports exhaust system integrated centrally in the rear apron which can be identified by their particularly large cross-section. Paint finishes for the body include ‘Rebel Green', which is exclusively available for the new MINI John Cooper Works models. As an option at no extra cost, exterior mirror caps are available in white, black or - also exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works models - ‘Chili Red'. The John Cooper Works bonnet stripes are also available.

A fully automatic soft top at the touch of a button

Like its predecessor, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible also features a fully automatic textile roof, including a heated rear window, a high-quality liner and effective acoustic insulation. The roof operation is purely electric and therefore very quiet, and it can be opened and closed in just 18 seconds, even while travelling at speeds of up to 19mph. The sliding roof function is available at any speed, allowing the front section of the roof to be retracted to continuously variable levels by up to 40cm. An alternative, and world-first, MINI Yours Union Jack roof graphic design and a wind deflector are both available as an option.

Interior: a sporty ambience

Inside the cabin there are new John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated headrests and upholstery in Dinamica/fabric and the colour Carbon Black; they are also available in a Dinamica/Carbon Black leather version with red applications. Other standard fittings include the newly designed John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the John Cooper Works door sill cover strips, the John Cooper Works gear or selector lever, stainless steel pedals including driver footrest, and cockpit displays with dark dials. Interior trim in a Black Chequered pattern with red design accentuations appears not only on the seat surfaces but also on the steering wheel rim, the gear or selector lever and the central instrument surround. The option of sports instruments consists of displays for the oil and charge-air pressure as well as a chronometer with stopwatch function while a MINI Head-Up display is also available as an option.

Safety: complete range of safety equipment and fully integrated rollover protection

An extremely stable passenger cell, highly resilient bracket structures and deformation zones in optimum design all contribute to the passive safety of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. These are part of the integrated MINI safety concept, as are the standard front airbags, side head-thorax airbags integrated in the backrests, 3-point automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners at the front, and ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear and for the front passenger seat. A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard. In addition, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is fitted with a fully integrated rollover protection system whose actuators are interconnected with the car's safety electronics. As soon as the risk of a rollover is detected, the two high-strength aluminium bars retract within 150 milliseconds by means of a pyrotechnical trigger function.

High-end options for comfort and style

There is an extensive array of optional equipment available to the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible buyer. For example, low-speed manoeuvring is aided by the Park Distance Control (PDC) and rear view camera which are fitted as standard to the rear of the vehicle. Additional parking sensors can be fitted in the front apron as option. A Parking Assistant can also be selected, and there's a Driving Assistant system including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function: the high beam assistant and road sign detection are also available. As an alternative to the standard air conditioning, a 2-zone automatic air conditioning is available that includes a convertible mode. Both when using the sliding roof function and when driving with the top completely open, the impact of the airstream is taken into account when regulating the air conditioning.

Intelligent connectivity: MINI Connected App including rain warning function

MINI John Cooper Works convertible features a high level of equipment, which is also standard across the MINI Convertible range. These features include MINI Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch screen, MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera.

Other optional enhancements include MINI Navigation XL which features an 8.8-inch version of the central display, the MINI Touch Controller with a touch-sensitive surface and optional Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system.

Another new feature incorporated into MINI Connected XL, developed especially for the MINI Convertible, is the ‘rain warner' function. If the vehicle is parked with the roof open and the forecast is bad, the driver is sent a message via their smartphone suggesting that it might be time to close up. If the MINI Convertible is being driven and there is rain forecast ahead, the driver will be alerted on the centre console. Additionally, if the car is travelling over 30 mph, MINI Connected XL will suggest possible places to pull over and close the roof.