Mini is gearing up to introduce their new JCW lineup this fall, but China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has beaten them to the punch. In usual fashion, they’ve published pictures and technical specifications for the electric variant well ahead of its scheduled unveiling. Previewed by the John Cooper Works E PROtotype, the production model has a familiar design and is dominated by a fully enclosed grille that features a JCW logo with a checkered flag. Elsewhere, there’s a sporty central intake as well as what appears to be vertical air curtains.
The sporty styling continues further back
as we can see aggressive side skirts and aerodynamically optimized 18-inch
wheels. While the rear end largely carries over, the JCW variant is
distinguished by a unique bumper that features a painted diffuser. We can also
see taller reflectors and no less than three JCW badges. While the liftgate has
a checkered flag motif, it’s presumably an option. Pictures also suggest the
car will be offered with hood stripes, contrasting mirror caps, a panoramic
sunroof, and a multitone roof.
The MIIT listing was light on performance
specifications, but revealed the model will have a lithium-ion battery as well
as an electric motor producing 255 hp. To put that into
perspective, the Cooper E has 181 hp, while the Cooper SE
packs 215 hp.
Thanks to the extra oomph, the 1,670 kg JCW Electric will be able to hit a top speed of 200 km/h.
That’s quite a bit faster than the UK-spec Cooper SE and the similar curb
weight suggests the JCW variant may have a 49.2 kWh battery pack. The latter
provides a WLTP range of up to 401 km, but the JCW’s performance
will likely cause that number to drop.
