March 24, 2016 – When passion for motor racing is the driving force and intense open-air pleasure the goal, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible takes the ideal line from the word go. The second John Cooper Works model of the latest generation combines engine and suspension technology optimised for use on the race track with distinctive design and equipment features as well as the extensively refined qualities of the new MINI Convertible. This lends even greater fascination to the vehicle concept of an open-top 4-seater with outstandingly sporty performance properties that is still unique in the small car segment.
Like its predecessor, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible also features a fully automatic textile stop. This comprises a heatable rear window, a particularly high-quality liner and further optimised acoustic insulation. For the first time, soft top operation is purely electric and therefore particularly low-noise. The fully automatic soft top can be activated spontaneously at the press of a button and can be opened and closed in 18 seconds, even during speeds of up to 30 km/h. The sliding roof function is available at any speed, allowing the front section of the top to be retracted to continuously variable levels by up to 40 centimetres. As an alternative to the standard version of the soft top in black, a MINI Yours soft top is available for the first time, made up of an integrated woven graphic as a unique customisation option.
With its spontaneous power delivery and highly emotional sound, the most powerful engine in the British brand’s portfolio – with 231 hp drawn from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine developed on the basis of the latest engine generation with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology – is strikingly impressive, providing a truly unique racing feel when driving with the top open. With standard 6-speed manual transmission, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. In conjunction with the new generation of the optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission, the same sprint takes just 6.5 seconds.
The thrilling performance figures and handling properties of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible result from a precisely configured overall package comprising not just the powerful engine but also a sports exhaust system, the sports suspension including 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels, a sports brake system developed in collaboration with specialist manufacturer Brembo, the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit and the distinct cockpit design featuring John Cooper Works sport seats.
The passive safety of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is also enhanced by the extremely stable passenger cell, highly resilient bracket structures and deformation zones in optimum design. These are part of the integrated MINI safety concept, as are the standard front airbags, side head-thorax airbags integrated in the backrests, 3-point automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners at the front and ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear and for the front passenger seat. A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard.
In addition, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is fitted with a rollover protection system whose actuators are interconnected with the car’s safety electronics. As soon as the risk of a rollover is detected, the two high-strength aluminium bars retract within 150 milliseconds by means of a pyrotechnical trigger function.
