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Mini juices up Convertible with John Cooper Works model

Almost one year ago today, we caught our first and only look at the new Mini John Cooper Works Convertible, courtesy of a set of spy photos. Now, the new hot droptop has arrived, and no surprise, it's basically the same thing as the JCW Hardtop. The new model blends the standard three-door hardtop's 2.0-liter, 228-horsepower, 236-pound-foot, four-cylinder with the folding canvas roof of the new Mini Convertible, which debuted in October of last year. Available with a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic, the three-pedal JCW Convertible will hit 60 in 6.4 seconds while the two-pedal will do the run a tenth of a second faster. The brawnier powertrain is backed up by a standard sport suspension – dynamic damper control is an optional extra – and convertible-specific chassis enhancements, including a new stiffening plate underneath the engine. To bring proceedings to a halt even quicker, Mini attached JCW-specific Brembo brakes. There's also the usual array of interior and exterior enhancements. Outside, there's a sportier body kit, standard, JCW-specific 17-inch wheels (or optional 18s), and standard LED headlamps. We're aching to try out the new JCW sport seats, which feature a fixed headrest and some serious bolstering. They're also rocking a pretty nifty black-and-red color scheme. Mini has paired its latest announcement with a full pricing release for the Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW Convertibles. Adding the softtop kicks up the price $5,000 to $5,500, with the base model starting at $26,800. The S model just barely cracks the $30,000 mark, coming in at $30,450, while the Works model is $36,450. That, friends, is a lot of money, and you'll be putting it down before even dipping into Mini's deep options catalog. Read on for both official press releases from Mini. EXTREME DRIVING FUN, INTENSIVE OPEN-AIR PLEASURE: INTRODUCING THE NEW MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS CONVERTIBLE Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 14, 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 optimized for use on the race track with distinctive design and equipment features as well as the extensively refined qualities of the new MINI Convertible.

2022 Mini JCW Hardtop and Convertible add new dampers, styling and tech

Mini released broad details on updates to its entire Hardtop and Convertible lineups back in January, and while photos of the John Cooper Works version were available, what Mini did to the car for 2022 was less clear. Today, Mini is clearing that up with a dedicated 2022 JCW information drop. There’s only one major mechanical change to speak of, and thatÂ’s a new set of optional adaptive dampers for both the Hardtop and Convertible. They feature new “frequency-selective damper technology that operates with an additional valve acting on the traction side.” Mini says this should make for better compensation on uneven roads. Additionally, the maximum damping force is 10% higher than before, so Mini promises even more control and stability in corners. WeÂ’ll also note that the standard suspension is fixed — these new dampers are part of the Adaptive Suspension package. Beyond the new suspension, this JCW is very similar to the last. ThereÂ’s still a BMW-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood that makes 228 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The Hardtop continues to be available with a six-speed manual transmission (eight-speed auto optional), the Convertible carries on with the automatic as its only transmission option. Mini claims the Hardtop will reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the Convertible does it in 6.3 seconds. On the appearance front, Mini updated the looks of the JCW with a new face and redesigned diffuser. ThereÂ’s a new 18-inch JCW-exclusive two-tone wheel option, and the interior enjoys all the tech and feature updates gained from the non-JCW 2022 refresh. The updated JCW lineup is available now, and starts at $33,750 for the Hardtop and $39,750 for the Convertible.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

BMW's new strategy: Electric everything

Mercedes isn't the only car maker determined to beat Tesla before it gets huge. Sources speaking to German business daily Handelsblatt claim that BMW is in the midst of planning an executive shuffle that will also include a big shift in its electric vehicle strategy. While the company would still offer ground-up EV designs like the i3, the new strategy would greenlight electric versions of some of BMW's most important vehicles, including the 3-series sedan, X4 crossover, and iconic Mini. If the leak is accurate, management is likely to approve the change at the end of September. We've asked BMW for its take on the report, although it declined to comment to Handelsblatt. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Munich crew change tack, though. While Tesla has received hundreds of thousands of Model 3 pre-orders, i3 sales dropped in 2016 – the upscale (if oddly-shaped) EV just isn't as hot as it once was. If BMW electrifies some of its most popular cars, you wouldn't have to choose between a super-efficient, eco-friendly EV and the familiar designs of the brand's mainstream driving machines.The story originally appeared on Engadget, your guide to this connected life.Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Vision Next 100 Concept View 38 Photos Green BMW MINI Electric Hybrid engadget