NAIAS 2015: 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop Revealed

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Looking for a high-performance MINI? Meet the 2015 John Cooper Works Hardtop.

The latest addition to the MINI family has a 2-liter turbo-four that makes 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 comes in under 6 seconds, but the brand adds that it can jump from 50 to 75 in 5.6 seconds. Six-speed auto or rev-matching manual helps direct the power to the front.

Suspension for the JCW Hardtop includes a single-joint strut axle up front and multi-link in the rear, with optional dynamic damper control for those who want to switch between comfort and sport modes.

Inside, the driver is greeted by a new gauge styling, including a dark dial for speedometer and engine speed. Bolstered seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers are standard, with heated front seats, glass roof and heated folding mirrors as some of the options available.

Price of admission for the JCW Hardtop begins at $30,600, and will go on sale this spring.





Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jan 13, 2015

    Why do they need to add the word "Hardtop" to the title? When I hear Mini JCW, I don't think "Oh yes, that's the convertible surely." Just seems like it's putting on more heirs than necessary. And the interior on these has always put me off. It's trying SO SO hard to be retro and cool. I hate the circular thing in the center - it puts me in mind of an 02 Taurus. Then of course the leather, piping, velour, quilted, race, contoured seats. It's all too much. EDIT: Looks like there is no sat nav option in this expensive premium car by the looks of the center set up. Is this true? And FWIW, I agree with the commenter above about the photos issue. Mine load much more slowly since a couple days ago.

    • See 1 previous
    • OzCop OzCop on Apr 26, 2016

      @Signal11 The "hardtop" moniker comes from the frameless door windows...hardtops of old used that descriptive term all the way back in the 50s...two door hardtop, and four door hardtops were pretty popular in those days..

  • Carguy Carguy on Jan 13, 2015

    "JCW Hardtop begins at $30,600" So well equipped it will cost as much as a Golf R?

  • DO I have owned a 2012 LR4 since day one and it has been the best vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of having in the garage. I know how easy it is to hate on Land Rover but this LR4 is comfortable, has a ton of storage room and is so versatile. With 110k miles, mine is now relegated to ‘other’ car use but is still the go to for off road adventures and snow runs. Nice to see one featured here - I think they are so underrated.
  • Tane94 I'd be curious to know whether 87 octane is no longer the most popular grade of gasoline by sales volume. My Costco often runs out of Premium grade and I suspect 93 octane might now be the most popular grade of gas. Paying 40-50 cents more per gallon 87 vs 93 octane because of turbo engines is the real story
  • Redapple2 125 large? You re getting into 911 territory.
  • Redapple2 Industry worst quality prevents any serious consideration. I ll take an Evil gm Vampire Denali first.
  • MaintenanceCosts Thing mentioned in the article: 77 pounds lighter than the standard version!Thing not mentioned in the article: The "lighter" curb weight is 3902 pounds. That is a few pounds heavier than my 2011 335i *convertible*.
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