Mini is moving towards electric cars, but it’s not abandoning its iconic hot hatches. The company announced a new petrol-powered John Cooper Works (JCW) hatch will debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this month. This new model will sit above the 201bhp Cooper S in Mini’s lineup.
Petrol hot hatches are becoming rare as manufacturers focus on electric vehicles. Despite this trend, the JCW will continue into the next generation. Mini will offer it alongside a battery-powered equivalent, aiming at competitors like Alpine’s A290. The petrol JCW will likely use the same 2-liter turbocharged engine as the outgoing model, delivering around 228bhp and 236lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The electric version will probably retain the front-motor layout of the Cooper SE but with increased power. Details about Alpine’s A290 remain scarce, but it is expected to produce over 200bhp. The petrol JCW will feature enhancements over the Cooper S, including a design makeover and more aggressive suspension tuning.
The new JCW will premiere on June 1 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with a full production-spec reveal expected this autumn. This debut highlights Mini’s commitment to traditional petrol engines and new electric innovations.