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The Audi S1 has a rival! Its biggest competitor, in the form of MINI, has just revealed the new 170kW John Cooper Works, based on the newest generation MINI Cooper S. The JCW is now bigger and badder than ever before, thanks to a new 2.0T 4-cylinder generating 170kW @ 5200-600rpm and 320Nm @ 1250-4800rpm.
Those outputs give the JCW a sprint time from 0-100km/h in 6.3s with a manual gearbox – the 6-speed Steptronic gets there in 6.1s. It’s also the most powerful MINI ever built, whilst still retaining ‘small-car’ consumption figures of a claimed 6.7l/100km in manual guise.
The JCW receives a revised suspension setup to handle the additional power, whilst a new Brembo braking system takes care of the stopping power. Exclusive 17-inch alloys house the brakes, shod with 205/45 R17 rubber.
The JCW also looks the part, thanks to revised, aerodynamically optimised body work that includes the front apron, side sills, rear apron, and JCW rear spoiler. Specialised exhaust tips also make an appearance, and a unique Rebel Green paint colour is available exclusively for the JCW.
A slew of options are available for the MINI JCW, including Park Distance Control, rear-view camera, active cruise control, and heated seats to name a few.
The MINI John Cooper Works will go on sale locally before mid-2015, with local pricing and spec. to be announced closer to the time.
So, what’s it going to be? MINI JCW or Audi S1?
