Mini Cooper given the complete Works

Following its world debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Mini John Cooper Works has gone on sale in Ireland, priced at €39,450. First deliveries of the Clubman edition will not take place until early in 2009, when a bespoke aerodynamic kit will have been developed for this model, giving it an even more dynamic presence on Irish roads. Pricing for the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman will be confirmed nearer the time. A strengthened, larger version of the award-winning twin-scroll turbocharger, partly responsible for the grin on the face of every Mini Cooper S owner, is the heart and lungs of the new Mini. Developing 211bhp and an impressive 260Nm of torque, turbo boost can be extended even further to 280Nm on deployment of the car"s over-boost system. This gives the Mini John Cooper Works the highest peak torque figure ever of any open production Mini. Because full boost is available between 1,850 and 5,600rpm, the car is said to be an outstanding performer on road or track. The engine, transmission and braking system of the hatchback and Clubman models is adapted from the Mini Challenge race car. Little wonder then that a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds is the result of extensive performance tuning. And economy is rated at 6.9 litres/100km. To ensure power is transferred to the wheels with minimal fuss and maximum dynamic performance, every Mini John Cooper Works car is supplied with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard. ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Hill Assist complete the line-up of chassis management technologies fitted to the cars. The Mini John Cooper Works has specific styling and performance features to make it stand out from a standard Mini Cooper S. An aerodynamic kit, bespoke 17' alloy wheels, John Cooper Works badges, large disc brakes with upgraded bright red performance calipers and large twin tailpipes denote this car as having something special under the metal. A full range of styling accessories is available from all Mini dealers.