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Report: MINI Countryman John Cooper Works Possible

Report: MINI Countryman John Cooper Works Possible

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is an Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture, and... More

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2011 MINI Countryman

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 MINI Countryman

Reactions to MINI's new Countryman crossover have been mixed--some like the increased ride height and four- or five-passenger seating, others disparage the altered proportions and new face of the soft-road special. But what about a hot John Cooper Works version of the Countryman?

According to the latest reports out of the U.K., just such a vehicle is being considered within MINI, contrary to earlier word. MINI U.K. general manager Jochen Goller said this week that a JCW variant of the MINI Countryman is "definitely under consideration," indicating that the success of the JCW versions of the other MINIs in the range could spill over to the new crossover.

What would such a vehicle look like? With a new 184-horsepower twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder headed into the base vehicle, a JCW variant could dispense even more power than the current JCW MINI Cooper, which rates at 211 horsepower. The current MINI Cooper S has a 172-horsepower mill under its wee bonnet, and if the power jump stays consistent, the MINI Countryman JCW could have as much as 225 horsepower--driving all four wheels.

Such a vehicle would potentially also feature more on-road tuning for the suspension and an upgraded appearance package. That combo would potentially be enough to rival the rally-bred Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, especially considering the MINI's lighter weight.

If the MINI Countryman JCW does come along, we don't expect it Stateside until some time after the standard model launches early in 2011 following its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. That could put the JCW version arriving in late 2011 or early 2012.

[Autocar]