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Mini JCW arrives suitably early thanks to Aussie leak [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Mini has released official photos and details of the new John Cooper Works, which we've added above and below, respectively. Mini is set to reveal its most powerful model yet in the new John Cooper Works hot hatch, but before the Anglo-Saxon automaker has gotten the chance, the first images and details have leaked out, courtesy of CarAdvice.com.au. According to the Australian website, the new JCW packs a 2.0-liter turbo four with 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque – outstripping even the previous John Cooper Works GP hot hatch, which produced 211 hp and 207 lb-ft. That's said to be good for a 0-62 time of 6.1 seconds. Of course there's more to the new JCW than engine output, and the latest Mini hot hatch – previewed in concept form almost a year ago at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and spied undergoing testing mere weeks ago – also packs an upgraded version of the suspension in the Cooper S, with optional adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, upgraded rolling stock and an electronic differential. A full aero kit sets it apart visually, keep the greasy bits cool and the nimble little pocket rocket glued to the tarmac, while the cockpit has also appears to have been made over to provide a suitable environment from which to unleash the new JCW's performance potential. With these details and images spreading like wildfire across the interwebs, we'd imagine it's only a matter of time before Mini releases the full monte itself, so watch this space for more. Related Video: The new MINI John Cooper Works. 10.12.2014 - Green light for the latest edition of the top athlete in the small car segment; the new MINI John Cooper Works combines authentic race feeling with the premium characteristics and extended product substance of the latest MINI Generation; distinctive, tradition-steeped, based on a vehicle concept combining MINI and John Cooper Works, with performance qualities which are exceptional within the competitive environment. - Extreme driving fun and exclusive charisma based on technology for engine, suspension and aerodynamics derived directly from motor racing as well as model-specific design features for the exterior and interior; greater differentiation from the MINI 3 door highlights the model's individual character.

Mini's matte Countryman Black Knight Edition rises

Mini is certainly no stranger to a special edition, as unique option and styling packs have been a staple of the Mini line since its return to the US market, but it's next special trim is quite a big departure from previous cars. It's based on the Countryman, and is called the Black Knight Edition.
As you cans see from the image up top, it'll sport a sinister, matte-black paint scheme, making this Mini not unlike BMW's range of Frozen Edition cars. First reported on by those Mini-obsessed folks at MotoringFile, the Black Knight Edition Countryman will be limited to 60 units, and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, making this car quite a bit different from previous special editions, which generally stuck around for a full model year.
According to MF, the matte finish will only be available on the Cooper S Countryman, although oddly, one of the teaser images shows a John Cooper Works badge. BKE models should be coming nearly loaded, which means that there's not a lot of customization done and the price tag is probably going to be exorbitant for a Mini. Buyers will, though, have the choice of front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

2023 Mini Countryman PHEV could pack 322 horsepower

After having seen the 2023 Mini Countryman in spy shots late last year, we knew the brand known for diminutive was going to step up a weight class. A report in Autocar says the hatch will grow by an estimated eight inches or so, to about 178 inches — just three short of the Toyota RAV4. The report claims as well that not only will the 2023 Countryman be the longest Mini out there, but the most powerful. Word is BMW plans to apply the same PHEV powertrain as in the 2 Series Active Tourer, which combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with a 174-horsepower electric motor, producing a combined 322 horsepower and 353 pound-feet of torque. Such potency would put the coming Countryman beyond today's Countryman Cooper S E All4 banging out 221 hp and 284 lb-ft, and 21 ponies past the Countryman John Cooper Works. A battery with 14.2 kWh of usable juice, borrowed from the 230e xDrive, would make a healthy extension to the 18-mile all-electric range provided by the current Mini's 9.6-kWh battery. By increasing the vehicle's dimensions, Mini might be able to retain the 9.5-gallon gas tank in today's Countryman PHEV, despite the larger battery. Five more powertrains are said to complete the lineup, three of which might come here bringing 30 extra ponies over the present choices. The first is a less potent PHEV will be tuned to 241 hp., which might or might not make it Stateside. The next two could replace the engines already offered here. There's a a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder with 168-hp, trumping the 134-hp three-cylinder on offer now, and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 215 hp, outdoing the 189-hp in today's 2.0-liter. Both of those are aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Other markets that still enjoy diesel grunt can take advantage of a 2.0-liter oil burner. And the evolved UKL1 architecture shared with the X1 and X2 will produce a battery-electric Mini, which we'd expect to get U.S. papers at some point.  Spy shooters have caught a prototype fitted with a beefy rear hatch spoiler, large rims, and quad pipes, so there will be some kind of performance option. However, we don't know if that prototype was the PHEV, nor whether Mini plans to put the JCW moniker on the most powerful PHEV. With Mini having already announced changes for the U.S. 2023-model-year lineup, it's not clear when the new generation will debut here.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences.