- The 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Convertible is on the way
- Prototypes have been spotted on public roads
- Expect a debut this year as a 2025 or 2026 model
A new generation of the Mini Cooper Convertible is coming soon, and a prototype has been spotted.
The prototype is for the high-performance John Cooper Works Convertible, but prototypes for the regular Cooper Convertible are also out testing. Both versions are expected to debut later this year as 2025 or 2026 models for the U.S.
Clear giveaways that this is a JCW include the extra intakes in the front fascia, the front splitter, and the chunky side skirts. There's also a rear diffuser with a single exhaust tip exiting out of the center.
Mini last year revealed a new generation of its signature hatchback, now referred to as a Cooper instead of a Hardtop. The new Cooper arrives for the 2025 model year and, depending on the market, will be offered in gas and electric guises. The U.S. is only expected to receive the gas-powered version initially.
While electric versions of the new Cooper are based on a newly developed dedicated EV platform, the gas version is essentially a major update of the outgoing generation. The mechanicals are the same but the exterior and interior styling, as well as in-car technology, have been updated to match the electric versions.
In the case of the new Convertible, there will only be a gas version. Things may change. The outgoing Convertible offered a limited run of electric Cooper SE Convertibles last year. Just 999 were offered, all of them for Europe.
Look for the new Convertible to feature the same or similar powertrains as the gas-powered Cooper, which means 3- or 4-cylinder engines, depending on the market. In JCW guise, we should be looking at a 2.0-liter turbo-4, perhaps with a bit more horsepower than the outgoing model's 228-hp rating.
2025 Mini Cooper electric hatch
Drive will go to the front wheels only, and the range will only have an automatic transmission, as Mini has ditched manual transmissions in its cars.
Mini is also out testing the new JCW hatch, which will come in both a gas version and an electric version. Both are due for a debut in the fall.
