PressClub New Zealand · Article.
Fastest MINI ever set to roar into New Zealand
Tue Sep 17 14:26:00 CEST 2019 Press Release
The fastest ever production MINI will hit New Zealand shores this year with introduction of the new high performance MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman.
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Leanne Blanckenberg
BMW Group
Tel: +61-3-9264-4238
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Author.
Leanne Blanckenberg
BMW Group
The fastest ever production MINI will hit New Zealand shores this year with introduction of the new high performance MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman.
Extensive changes to the John Cooper Works four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine help it produce a whopping 225kW – an increase of 55kW over the previous model – and 450Nm of torque.
The power hike contributes to the JCW Clubman achieving the standard sprint in a staggering 4.9 seconds.
The JCW Countryman has also been updated with the new engine and now achieves the 0-100km/h time in just 5.1 seconds.
MINI New Zealand has complemented the engine upgrades for JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman with substantial specification updates to both models, new transmissions for petrol Clubman and Countryman models and an increased level of equipment for the Cooper S Clubman variant and the Countryman range.
“Spirited driving fun has been quintessential to the MINI experience since our brand’s inception in 1959, and the JCW engine update will make the new JCW Clubman a true firecracker ideal for performance-loving Kiwis,” said Head of MINI New Zealand Chris Roe.
“We are delighted to also offer this impressive engine in the JCW Countryman – which adds a whole new dimension to the way that car drives – which is an exciting addition to the most popular MINI in New Zealand.”
“Key updates have also been applied across Clubman and Countryman range including an upgrade of our transmission offerings as part of our ongoing plan to broaden and freshen our line-up for MINI customers.”
MINI JCW Clubman, which will also be available in a motorsport-inspired ‘Pure’ guise, will arrive in New Zealand alongside the new JCW Countryman, updated Cooper S Clubman and revised petrol Clubman and Countryman models in Q4, 2019.
Powertrain updates across the board
The 55kW power increase for the JCW engine is thanks to wholesale internal revisions including a reinforced crankshaft drive, new pistons with modified compression, adapted connecting rods with bushless bracket, modified injection valves with
increased flow rate and a newly developed exhaust turbocharger with integrated air- diverter valves.
Power is transferred via a new torque-optimised, shift-by-wire eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission that delivers rapid shifts while also featuring Launch Control for race-style starts.
The updated Cooper S Clubman also now features a shift-by-wire seven-speed Steptronic sports DCT unit, replacing the conventional eight-speed unit of the previous generation model.
In addition, Cooper S Countryman now includes the same transmission as the updated Cooper S Clubman, while the conventional six-speed transmission of the Cooper Countryman has been upgraded to a new seven-speed Steptronic transmission.
All updated models feature a new, ergonomically-designed gear selector.
Race-inspired set-up
Both the MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman are fitted with the MINI ALL4 all- wheel-drive system as standard to harness the engine’s full potential and put power to the ground.
A mechanical limited slip differential also aids front end grip and prevents torque steer.
An enhanced JCW sports braking system, which comprises ventilated 18-inch front discs (360x30) and ventilated 17-inch rear axle brake discs (330x20), provides immense stopping power.
The braking system features efficient cooling channel geometry, improved fatigue endurance and a sporty brake pedal feel for improved performance.
Ride height has also been lowered by 10mm on the Clubman JCW model to optimise handling. In conjunction with increased camber values and an extremely rigid chassis structure, the JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman deliver heightened agility and a new level of cornering pace.
Unique sporting aesthetic
The front styling package of the new MINI JCW Clubman includes new bumpers and a revised grille and splitter that showcase dynamic intent and highlight model-specific character.
Revised LED headlights with full elliptical LED Daytime Running light and LED Union Jack tail lights illuminate the rear and highlight the new rear bumper in signature MINI style.
The new grille and head and tail light designs also apply to the updated Cooper S Clubman.
JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman specification highlights:
- Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch touch display
- 19-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Circuit spoke in two tone
- Sports suspension (note: JCW Countryman fitted with adaptive suspension)
- Leather Cross Punch upholstery in Carbon Black with sports seats (featured on the JCW Clubman)
- John Cooper Works sports seat in Dinamica/Leather (featured on the JCW Countryman)
- Mirror package, extended
- Head-Up Display
- Active Cruise Control
- 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system
- Heated seat function, front
- Electric seat function (JCW Clubman)
- Interior surface in Piano Black
- Roof rails in Black (JCW Clubman) and Silver (JCW Countryman)
- Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light
ring featured on the JCW Clubman
JCW Clubman ‘Pure’ specification highlights:
- Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch touch display
- 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, Grip spoke in black
- Adaptive suspension
- John Cooper Works sports seats in Dinamica/Leather
- Mirror package, exterior
- Active Cruise Control
- Black Line grille, head and tail light surrounds
- Interior surface in Piano Black
- Roof rails in black
- Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring
Cooper S Clubman updated specification highlights:
- 18-inch light alloy wheels, Star spoke in silver
- Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch touch display
- Leatherette upholstery in Carbon Black with sports seats
- Interior surface in Piano Black
- Roof rails in black
- PDC front and rear including Parking Assistant
- Active Cruise Control
- Newly-styled LED head, tail and fog lights with continuous light ring
Key specification and pricing:
Power/Torque |
0-100km/h |
Fuel efficiency |
Price* | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MINI Cooper S Clubman | 141kW/280Nm | 7.3s (manual) 7.2s (DCT) | 7.1 l/100km (manual) 6.2 l/100km (automatic) | $51,900 |
MINI JCW Clubman | 225kW/450Nm | 4.9s | 7.7 l/100km | $73,200 $67,900 (Pure) |
MINI JCW Countryman | 225kW/450Nm | 5.1s | 7.9 l/100km | $73,900 |
Warranty andServicing
All new MINIs come standard with three year/unlimited kilometre warranty, a three year factory service plan and three year roadside assistance. The unlimited kilometre service inclusive package offers selected maintenance and scheduled servicing of the vehicle, including maintenance work and wear-and-tear repairs. *Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road and delivery costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest MINI dealer for all pricing enquiries.
For further information contact:
Lucy Houghton
Pead PR
Telephone: 09 918
5555
Mobile: 021 132 1190
E-mail: bmw@peadpr.co.nz