The revamped Mini John Cooper Works Clubman is the
brand’s fastest ever production model to launch in Australia. The first cars
will arrive at dealers in the fourth quarter of the year in two guises, the AUD 57,900 (US$ 39,798) Pure and the AUD 62,900 JCW.
Both pack the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged
four-cylinder upgraded with new components such as a reinforced crankshaft
drive, adapted connecting rods with bushless bracket, new pistons with
different compression, modified injection valves with increased flow rate and
new exhaust turbocharger with integrated air-diverted valves.
The result is 302 HP and 450 Nm of torque, up 74 HP and 100 Nm over the previous iteration.
The output is channeled to the four-wheel drive system via a torque-optimized
8-speed automatic gearbox, or a shift-by-wire 7-speed DCT that replaces the old
8-speed auto. In this configuration, 0-100 km/h takes just 4.9
seconds.
Aiding grip and preventing torque steer is the
front-mounted mechanical limited-slip differential, while providing quick
takeoffs is the Launch Control. Stopping power comes from the enhanced brakes,
with 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated discs. Mini has also lowered by
ride height by 10 mm. Visual changes compared to the older model include new front and rear
bumpers, updated grille and splitter and revised lighting units on both ends.
The 2020 JCW Clubman Pure comes with 18-inch wheels
with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, black exterior highlights, adaptive
suspension, Dinamica/leather JCW sports seats, 8.8-inch infotainment system and
a few other special touches as standard. Upgrading to the JCW will get you
19-inch wheels, sports suspension, leather upholstery, head-up display,
Harman/Kardon audio and electrically adjustable seats with heating function.
The 2020 Cooper S Clubman also features some
revisions of its own and starts at AUD 45,900 (USD 31,550), with an 189 HP and 280 Nm of torque turbo four paired to a either a
manual or a DCT gearbox. Also launching Down Under is the JCW Countryman, from AUD 65,900
(US$ 45,297), packing the same mechanical and visual changes as the Clubman.
