John Cooper Works 2009 Black Mini - Excellent Condition "street Legal Go-kart" on 2040-cars

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2015 Mini Cooper stuns crowd, itself [w/videos]

Remember the Mini Rocketman concept from 2011? While we were really, really hoping for a production version - a properly mini Mini - that never happened. And it won't. But what we are getting is a whole lot of that showcar's styling cues applied to the third-generation Mini Cooper hardtop, a model making its debut here at the LA Auto Show. And while from most angles, the new Mini is as cute as ever, we just can't quite warm up to that face - or that huge front overhang. The car simply looks like a frightened goldfish (that yellow paint isn't helping, either).
The car simply looks like a frightened goldfish (that yellow paint isn't helping, either).
It should probably be pretty nice to drive, though, with the base Cooper using a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine good for 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Friskier Cooper S models get a healthy power increase, their 2.0-liter turbo engines putting out a full 189 hp and 207 lb-ft, with both engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Road & Track names its 2013 Performance Car of the Year

Road & Track recently staged its first annual Performance Car of the Year test, pitting 13 new and updated performance cars against each other on track, then graduating the top six to a road test before picking a winner. Additionally, the magazine staff picked the best automobiles of the year in eight categories.
But first, let's cover the PCotY segment. Here's the list of cars brought to the comparison test: Audi R8 V10 Plus; BMW 435i; BMW M6 Competition Package; Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51; Ferrari F12 Berlinetta; Ford Fiesta ST; Jaguar F-Type V8 S; Jaguar XFR-S; Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model Wagon; Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series; Mini John Cooper Works GP; Nissan GT-R Track Edition; and Porsche Cayman S.
To find out the results of the comparison, head over to Road & Track's website or check the press release below, where you'll also find the magazine's top-rated vehicles in eight categories. Want more? Head over to the 2013 PCotY hub. But before you do that, take a stab at guessing the winner of PCotY (we'll give you one hint: it isn't a Porsche).

2020 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman, Countryman crack 300 horsepower

Mini got our attention a few months ago when it announced the upcoming Mini John Cooper Works GP would get over 300 horsepower. But apparently Mini's ultimate hot hatch isn't the only car getting a major power infusion, as the company announced the 2020 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman are both getting 300-horsepower engines. Specifically, they'll make 301 horsepower each along with 331 pound-feet of torque from a revised 2.0-liter inline-four. That engine features a stronger crankshaft, new pistons and rods and a lower compression ratio to handle extra boost. All the power is sent through a standard all-wheel-drive system that comes with a mechanical limited-slip differential up front. Like past all-wheel-drive Minis, the system mainly operates in front-drive mode until slippage is detected, at which point power goes to the rear. The all-wheel-drive system has been beefed up with stronger gears and rear axles. Launch control is a standard feature, too. Also standard, a bit disappointingly, is an eight-speed automatic transmission. No manual will be offered on these models. Hopefully manuals will still be offered on later JCW Hardtop and Convertible models. These engine and drivetrain changes help the Clubman and Countryman improve their 0-to-60 mph times by about 1.5 seconds. The Clubman now gets to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and the Countryman in 5.1 seconds. Both Minis are the first to be given a 155-mph electronic speed limiter, too. Previous models didn't have enough power to reach that mark. Mini John Cooper Works Countryman View 4 Photos Mini also made some upgrades in the handling and stopping departments. Both models get additional chassis bracing along with small suspension revisions. A package with electronically adjustable shocks is available. The rear brakes now feature fixed four-piston calipers. Front brake rotors are 14.2 inches in diameter, while the rears are 13 inches. Despite these major mechanical upgrades, visual changes are extremely subtle. The Clubman has a different main grille insert and the new Union Jack taillights, but the Countryman is effectively identical to the current model. The interiors on each are basically unchanged as well. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet. Since large portions of the vehicles are shared with the current model, we would expect to see them go on sale at least within the year, possibly in the next few months. Prices likely won't change too much from the current model year.