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Report: Mini planning John Cooper Works crossover

 
4 2,353 views Mar 17, 2009
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2008 mini crossover concept live paris 019

2010 mini crossover crossman maxi spy shots oct 003

2010 mini crossover crossman maxi spy shots oct 003

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Heating up the hot hatch world has become a game of diminishing returns - finding a way to fit 300hp, smart looks and a roomy interior all into an affordable price tag is not easy. But Mini has decided to take a new tack: turning the Cooper into a crossover, and maybe even adding diesel into the mix.

To show they're serious about the Mini credentials of the new Crossover, the company is planning a John Cooper Works (JCW) version of the new soft-roader, reports Autoweek.nl. Powetrains will be shared with the standard JCW hatch, which means a 211hp (157kW) turbo-four with 192lb-ft (260Nm) of torque.

That is, unless another rumor proves true: a diesel JCW hatch may be in the works. If it comes to be, that would add an even torquier, though somewhat less free-revving option to the hottest of the Mini family of hatches. A diesel would make a fitting solution on the JCW Crossover especially, melding all three of the car's aspirations together: sport, utility, and economy.

The diesel JCW, if it does materialize, could use a pumped-up version of the 1.6L diesel used in the Mini Cooper D. It would likely be rated at about 160hp (119kW) and 220lb-ft (300Nm) of torque or more.

And Americans, don't get envious just yet - it might even be coming to America. A smallish crossover would likely be a hit, and with new CAFE standards looming, using Mini to minimize BMW's footprint and consumption numbers might be part of the strategy. A U.S.-market diesel could hit the streets by 2010 or 2011.
2008 Mini Crossover Concept at the Paris Motor Show
2009 John Cooper Works Mini
2010 Mini Crossover spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: 2008 mini crossover concept live paris 019

HI-RES GALLERY: jcw mini 1

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 mini crossover crossman maxi spy shots oct 005




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Comments (4)

  1. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 3/17/2009 8:32am PDT

    The Mini Crossover deserves a rally version, be it WRC or IRC. BMW needs racing success for the Mini brand.
     
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  2. ma_Nelson avatar Nelson Posted: 3/17/2009 9:14am PDT

    The Mini Crossover deserves a rally version, be it WRC or IRC. BMW needs racing success for the Mini brand.

    Actually, Mini has tons of racing success at the grassroots level in the U.S. through autocross and road racing/time trials. Aside from Mazda, it's probably the biggest single brand in amateur racing.
     
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  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/17/2009 2:23pm PDT

    I would love the diesel version
     
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  4. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 3/20/2009 5:08pm PDT

    Nelson, I was talking about worldwide success, not club racing. Of course that the current strategy fits the Mini brand. But Minis are better known for Monte Carlo, so I believe that BMW should revive that tradition.
     
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