The 2020 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and
Countryman are reportedly going to be much more powerful than the current
models thanks to a new, 302 hp four-cylinder engine. Mini has been working on the new performance-focused
Clubman and Countryman for quite some time, and according to Motoring File, the
duo will feature the same powertrain as the BMW X2 M35i. BMW hasn’t specified
what engine the new Clubman and Countryman JCW will use. but admitted that it is
indeed working on the cars.
The X2 M35i engine, officially dubbed the B48A20T1,
displaces 2.0 liters and features a turbocharger for an output of 302 hp
between 5000 rpm and 6250 rpm, while torque sits at 450 Nm from
1750 rpm to 4500 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic
transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system.
If the new JCW Mini Clubman and Countryman adopt the
same engine, they will be significantly quicker than the outgoing models which
utilize a 228 hp four-pot. Unfortunately, the inclusion of this new engine and
all-wheel drive system may see the British automaker abandon a manual gearbox
in favor of an 8-speed auto. While that’s sad, there’s talk that Mini will fit
a Torsen limited-slip differential up front, which should help with power
delivery and improve agility and handling.
The new JCW Mini Clubman and Countryman are expected
to be released in the coming months before going on sale in the U.S. shortly
after.