Mini John Cooper Works Clubman
The British premium car manufacturer MINI presents what is by some measure the most powerful models ever approved for public road use in the brand’s sixty year history. The 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman both display outstanding performance in the compact premium segment. In both models, the extraordinarily powerful engine is combined as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, including mechanical differential lock on the front axle, an ALL4 all-wheel drive system, a specifically engineered chassis, and additional reinforcement modifications for the body structure, engine connection and chassis fastenings. This enables the John Cooper Works racing sensation to attain a completely new dimension of performance.
In these brand new versions of the two top sports models, both the individual six door model with its extreme driving fun and the robust all-rounder provide a challenging performance experience. The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology surpasses that of the previous drive by as much as 55 kW/75 hp at maximum output. Maximum torque has increased by 100 Nm to 450 Nm, and acceleration performance has also risen commensurately. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman turns in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman achieving the same in 5.1 seconds – 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models. The elasticity of the two models has never been as impressive as it is now.
With the concentrated power of their new engine and its optimised ability to transfer its output onto either a road surface or loose terrain, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman have assured their places in the leading line-up of sport models in the compact segment. And within the MINI model range, these two top athletes have never been more deserving of their top positions. Compared to the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, output has risen from its previous level of 29 kW/39 hp to 84 kW/114 hp. The resulting superior performance characteristics are accompanied by a range of model-specific design and equipment features that successfully underline the exclusive and rarefied nature of these two John Cooper Works models.
Maximum output from four cylinders: New 2.0 litre engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
As the power source for extreme driving fun, the comprehensively redesigned 4-cylinder engine has been consistently oriented towards maximum output. It is based on the 2.0 litre drive from the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman but has now undergone model-specific modifications to the crankshaft drive and also benefits from the latest generation of MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. These modifications are based on the John Cooper Works’ racing know-how and comprise a reinforced crankshaft, a main bearing with an extended cross-section, specific pistons, connecting rods, and a new vibration damper with optimised cooling.
The considerably increased output compared to the previous engine is also helped along by the bigger turbocharger. The compression ratio of the new engine has been reduced from 10.2 to 9.5 to match the increased system charging pressure. In addition, the turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold is fitted with a blow-off valve that contributes to its optimised response characteristics. The air intake duct has also been redeveloped and dethrottled as far as possible. The spontaneous power delivery in the engine is also supported by the latest generation of direct petrol injection. Its new multi-hole fuel injectors arranged between the valves enable an increased flow rate, transporting the fuel to the combustion chambers under an injection pressure of up to 350 ba. The fine vaporisation enables precise metering of the fuel, which makes for especially clean combustion in addition to enabling optimum efficiency. The MINI TwinPower Turbo technology also includes fully variable valve control along the lines of the VALVETRONIC system patented by the BMW Group, as well as variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust sides (double VANOS).
Independent cooling concept, specific sport gas system
Spontaneous response to even the slightest movement of the accelerator pedal with a power delivery that is sustained up to the high load ranges are what characterise the incredible, sports-car-typical performance characteristics of the new powertrain. Similarly, a newly developed cooling system has been developed to satisfy the resulting demands placed on the job of temperature management. An optimum running temperature for the engine is guaranteed at all times – even under extreme conditions on the race track – by two external radiators, a model-specific expansion tank with an increased volume, an independent cooling module mounting, an electric ventilator with increased output, and a third cooling level realised using a condenser. To optimise warm up, the cooling of the crankcase can be temporarily deactivated by a new split cooling valve. In addition, the transmission has its own coolant circuit and external transmission oil cooler.
The high-performance drive of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman generates a maximum torque of 450 Nm in the broad engine speed range between 1 750 and 4 500 rpm, which is around 28 percent higher than that of the previous engine. The maximum output of the new 4-cylinder engine has been increased by approximately 32 percent. The new top level of 225 kW/306 hp is reached between 5 000 and 6 250 rpm. The resulting pulling power enables the new engine of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman to produce an acceleration performance of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the figure for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is 5.1 seconds, ensuring an impressive level of elasticity during spontaneous speed bursts. For the first time with MINI vehicles, the maximum speed of the new top sports performer is now electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Speed burst manoeuvres are accompanied by the striking sound of the newly developed, model-specific sport exhaust system. The extreme output of the engine makes itself more intensively felt than ever before, with an emotionally charged acoustic design that matches the load requirements while underlining its performance character. When driving at a relaxed pace with optimised consumption and low engine speeds, the sound produced is more reserved and sonorous. The twin exhaust system leads into a new, particularly large-volume rear silencer. With its low level of exhaust back pressure, this benefits the engine’s spontaneous power delivery. The external diameter of the tailpipe trims integrated in the right and left of the rear apron is 95 millimetres for the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and 85 millimetres in the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. To optimise emissions, the sports exhaust system is fitted with a petrol particulate filter. Emission control in both of the new John Cooper Works models is in line with the Euro 6d-TEMP standard.
8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, mechanical differential lock
The transverse-mounted front engine in both of these extreme sport vehicles transmits its phenomenal power to the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission – another new development. The latest generation of the transmission displays enhanced internal efficiency and an extended steering axis inclination. This means lower engine speeds when driving in a higher gear, which translates to lower fuel consumption. A new transmission control increases both the gear shift dynamics and driving comfort. Gear shifting and acoustic comfort have also been further optimised. The converter lockup clutch closes immediately after driving off, creating a direct connection to the engine, accompanied by a spontaneous driving experience. Shift paddles are mounted as standard on the steering wheel for manual gear selection. Moreover, the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission offers a launch function for accelerating from standing with optimum traction and maximum dynamics.
The new automatic transmission also features an integrated differential lock It functions transversely to reduce the speed compensation between the front wheels. Under load conditions, this means that a locking effect of up to 39 percent can be generated. The mechanical differential lock is interconnected with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which aids both the traction of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman on loose terrain or in poor weather conditions, as well as the driving dynamics when taking bends with a sporty driving style. The locking effect has the result of transferring the drive torque to the other wheel should one front wheel start to spin. This prevents a loss of traction while maintaining propulsion – even with differing frictional values between the left and right wheels. Similarly, the differential lock supports the vehicle’s agility when changing direction quickly or accelerating dynamically out of a bend, by applying targeted shifting of the drive torque.
ALL4 all-wheel drive with model-specific components
The ALL4 all-wheel drive system plays a central role in optimising the cars’ traction, agility and driving stability; it is part of the standard equipment of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and was comprehensively redeveloped for the new edition of both models. The compact and weight-optimised all-wheel drive consists of a power take-off on the front axle transmission, a two-section propeller shaft, and rear axle transmission with an electrohydraulically regulated hang-on clutch. The intelligent controller of the ALL4 system is interconnected with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control and constantly calculates the ideal power distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. This means that the outstanding engine power is always channelled to the place where it can be most effectively and efficiently translated into driving fun.
In normal driving conditions with the DSC activated, it transmits the drive torque in the brand-typical manner to the front wheels. This allows the engine power to be converted into forward propulsion with maximum efficiency. But if the DSC controller detects a danger of slip on the front wheels, within a fraction of a second, the hang-on clutch will transfer the drive torque to the rear wheels with the aid of an electrohydraulic pump.
The most recent development in the ALL4 system was precisely coordinated with the extremely high engine output and enhanced drive dynamic potential of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. It consists of a reinforced gear set for the power take-off, a larger flexible disc for the propeller shaft leading to the rear wheels, and specific rear drive shafts with greater torsional rigidity.
The new, model-specific drive unit mountings are also of benefit to the increased precision in dynamic driving situations. The increased spring rate of the engine and transmission bearings results in a tauter connection between the drive units and the vehicle structure. This creates an effective acoustic barrier and optimises the reaction moment in particularly sporty manoeuvres. The new mounting also has a positive effect on both direct steering in bends and the response characteristics of the engine.
Evolved sport chassis, new sport brake system
At the same time as the engine was undergoing further development, the chassis technology of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman was being enhanced to a new level of performance. The model-specific versions of the single-joint spring-strut-type axle for the front wheel and the multi-joint rear axle were optimised in terms of their component rigidity, kinematics and weight, to create a thrilling racing sensation from the amazingly high drive output. Newly designed swivel bearings enable improved camber values on the front wheels. Also thanks to the specific rear-axle kinematics, this meant that it was possible to improve the potential for transmitting lateral guide forces in dynamic bends.
Moreover, the readjusted suspension and damping systems, the DSC Dynamic Stability Control and the electromechanical steering are precisely oriented towards the extremely agile character of the new top sports model. Optionally for both models, there is also an adaptive chassis with electronically controlled dampers. Judder dampers operate in line with a choice of two characteristic diagrams, coordinated for either sporty or more comfort-oriented driving scenarios; these can be activated in the MINI Driving Modes.
In the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, both the standard sport chassis and the adaptive chassis, which enables the vehicle to be lowered by 10 millimetres in comparison with other vehicle types, are associated with a standard chassis. Also part of the standard equipment are the 18 inch John Cooper Works light metal wheels in Black Grip Spoke design. However, John Cooper Works light metal wheels in 18 inch and 19 inch sizes are also optionally available.
The sport brake system has also been redesigned and now contains 4-piston, fixed-caliper disc brakes on the rear wheels to ensure constantly high braking values even under intensive use. The large brake discs of 360 × 30 millimetres at the front and 330 × 20 millimetres at the rear combined with optimised coolant duct geometry also play their part in achieving the high level of stability. The red-coated brake calipers at the front bear the John Cooper Works logo.
Body structure and chassis fastening with optimised rigidity
The long wheelbase, large track width and low centre of gravity that both models display are ideal for a chassis design and tuning aimed at consistent sports performance. In addition, the systematic reinforcement of the body structure and extremely taut chassis connections in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ensure maximum driving precision. Both models possess a newly developed precision strut for the engine compartment, which connects the right and left spring strut domes. The bracing of the front end is provided by specific arrow struts and a dome-bulkhead strut in the undercarriage
The overall package put together by the John Cooper Works with its sheer dynamics, agility and precision, is completed by model-specific design features in the exterior, which serve to optimise the vehicles’ aerodynamic features and air duct design. The large air inlets on the front of the vehicle are designed to serve the cooling requirements of both the drive and the brake system. In addition, the outstanding performance characteristics are reflected in the model-specific design of the side skirts and the independent rear aprons with integrated diffuser elements. Model-specific roof spoilers play a role in reducing uplift at high travel speeds. In addition, the two new John Cooper Works models are equipped with aerodynamically optimised mirror caps.
Exclusive standard equipment, high-class options
Other model-specific accentuations in the exterior include the optional contrast paintwork in red for the roof and the mirror caps, an individual design for the side scuttles by the additional indicators, and the John Cooper Works logo in the radiator grille and tailgate. The central air inlet of both models has a honeycomb pattern structure. The inlet of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also has a red surround. A red cross-member subdivides the newly designed radiator grille of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Its headlamps, rear lights and rear apron also display the new design of the latest model revision for the MINI Clubman.
The racing sensation has been elevated to new dimensions, which can be enjoyed on all five full-feature seats of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The characteristic interior sports car flair of both cars are partly down to the John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated head rests, the John Cooper Works sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the John Cooper Works selector lever, and the anthracite headliner.
The exclusive standard equipment of both top sports models in the MINI range also includes LED headlamps, keyless ride, MINI Driving Modes, and the Radio MINI Visual Boost including 6.5 inch display with touchscreen function and a redesigned graphical display. The integrated Connected Media equipment is able to access numerous MINI Connected online services. Alternatively, there is also a choice of special equipment options, including Connected Navigation, with its easy-to-use routing function and additional infotainment options, as well as Connected Navigation Plus with an 8.8 inch touch display. In conjunction with these options, the Real Time Traffic Information service is also available, providing real-time data on the current traffic situation, a personal Concierge service and the MINI Online Internet portal, and it is also Apple CarPlay-ready. In addition, navigation map updates are automatically downloaded to the vehicle via the mobile network connection.
From the Rambla to the race track: with the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman on Mallorca.
Tourism is picking up again on the largest island of the Balearic Islands. The possibilities for active leisure activities are as varied as the landscape and beach life. They make the Spanish holiday paradise a popular destination not only for cyclists, tennis players and sailors, but also for motor sports enthusiasts.
Almost 14 million tourists were counted on the Spanish Mediterranean island of Mallorca in 2019. Due to the recent travel restrictions, the rush of visitors was slowed down considerably in the meantime, but now the holidaymakers are returning. There is no shortage of reasons for this. Some long for relaxation on the beach or in luxurious hotel complexes, for some the party atmosphere at Playa de Palma is the focus of interest, and still others swear by “the other Mallorca”.
Lonely bays, unspoilt landscapes and small, unspoilt villages away from the tourist strongholds can be found in almost all regions of Mallorca, as a round trip of the island in the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (fuel consumption combined: 7.9 – 7.4 l/100 km according to WLTP, 7.0 – 6.6 l/100 km according to NEDC; CO2 emissions combined: 180 – 168 g/km according to WLTP, 161 – 151 g/km according to NEDC) shows.
With its storage space that can be expanded from 360 to up to 1 250 litres, the extremely sporty premium compact model offers enough room for holiday luggage and, with ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard, is also confidently on the move where a particularly beautiful stretch of beach can only be reached via unpaved roads or gravel tracks.
The standard equipment of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman not only includes an emphatically sporty flair in the interior, but also a multifunctional instrument display on the steering column as well as a new operating system with which vehicle functions, audio programme, communication, navigation and apps can be controlled particularly quickly and intuitively.
The respective menu items are now displayed in modern form as live widgets on the 8.8-inch touch display in the central instrument and can be selected with a swiping motion similar to that on a smartphone. This makes it even easier to enter destinations when searching for island locations worth seeing, and the right music programme for the journey there is also available in no time at all. There is also a choice of two colour worlds for the graphics on both displays: relaxing blue and turquoise tones in “Lounge” mode or a combination of red and anthracite in “Sport” mode.
The discovery tour in the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman begins in Palma de Mallorca. Like many Spanish coastal towns, the island capital has a Rambla. On the plane-lined promenade in the centre of the city, numerous florists offer their wares. It was once built in a dry riverbed, so the term rambla can also be translated as “street leading to the sea”. The Passeig des Born, further south and not far from the cathedral, also has the character of a Rambla with its shady trees. From there it is only a few hundred metres to the marina of Palma.
The Real Club Náutico de Palma has its headquarters there and organises one of the most important sailing competitions in Spain every year. Members of the Spanish royal family have taken part several times in the Copa del Rey regatta, which is held in the bay of Palma. However, Mallorca offers ideal conditions not only for sailing, but also for numerous other disciplines.
The many opportunities for active leisure activities are what make the island so appealing to many visitors. For example, the varied route profile with winding coastal roads and sometimes quite steep mountain stages forms a training ground that is popular with amateur and professional cyclists alike. Extreme swimmers cross the 40-kilometre-wide strait between the east coast of Mallorca and the neighbouring island of Menorca in less than ten hours. And for some years now, adventurous people have been practising coasteering, climbing on steep coastal cliffs.
Travellers to Mallorca who are enthusiastic about motor sports will also find what they are looking for on the island. Directly on the motorway, about halfway between Palma airport and Llucmajor, you will find the Circuit Mallorca, a car and motorbike race track with an attached kart track, which has been in operation for almost 25 years. Mallorca’s motor sport associations use the track for competitions on two and four wheels. For this purpose, there is a control tower, a pit lane, a starting light, an electronic timing system and grandstands for up to 1,500 spectators. In addition, both local and foreign racing enthusiasts can optimise their driving skills on the Circuit Mallorca alone or under professional guidance. There are five left-hand and eight right-hand bends to negotiate on the asphalt track of the main circuit, which is around 3,200 metres long.
For the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, the excursion onto the racetrack is a more than welcome opportunity to demonstrate the qualities of its drive and chassis technology developed with sound racing know-how. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology develops a maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The furious temperament enables acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The launch control function of the standard 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission ensures perfect acceleration from a standstill. The MINI-specific ALL4 all-wheel drive system also contributes to traction-optimised power transmission.
In the tight and fast-stepping bends of the Circuit Mallorca, the precisely controlled power distribution between the front and rear wheels also promotes the agility and driving dynamics of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The ALL4 system is supported by the differential lock integrated into the automatic transmission. Its mechanical locking function shifts the drive torque from the unloaded inside front wheel to the outside front wheel during particularly sporty driving.
This makes it possible to turn in and accelerate out of every bend with maximum dynamics and without loss of traction. The sports braking system developed in collaboration with the specialist manufacturer Brembo ensures maximum precision when braking in front of the bend. With its four-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes on the front axle, it offers constant deceleration performance and optimum pedal feel even after various high-speed laps on the Circuit Mallorca.
The fact that the powertrain also remains largely unimpressed by the heat of the race track and the Spanish sun is thanks to the model-specific cooling system of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Two outsourced coolant radiators, an expansion tank with a particularly large volume, an independent cooling module storage, an electric fan with increased power and a third cooling level realised by means of a condenser ensure an optimal operating temperature of the engine at all times, even under extreme load. In addition, the transmission has a separate cooling circuit with a separate oil cooler.
So the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman remains a fascinatingly “cool” top athlete even after several laps on Mallorca’s hottest track. And the driver can also be helped. From the Circuit Mallorca it is only five kilometres to the beach of El Arenal, where the tides of the Mediterranean Sea provide cooling.
