Does the John Cooper Works Really Need an Automatic?

“I drove the new 6AT model of the MINI John Cooper Works on the circuit”

I admit, the sentence feels rather awkward. After all, who buys a MINI John Cooper Works (hereafter referred to as JCW) unless they are a true enthusiast? And while tuning the 1.6-liter turbo engine to extract a potent 211ps is impressive, the starting price of 3.9 million yen is simply too high. For nearly the same amount, one could get an attractive model like the BMW "120i M Sport."


And to hold a test drive event for such a seemingly contradictory model as the MINI JCW with a 6AT, at a prestigious circuit like Sodegaura Forest Raceway, left me utterly baffled as to BMW Japan's intentions. Was this a historical miscasting? Or am I simply too rigid and old-fashioned in my thinking? Sitting in the passenger seat of a first-generation MINI (the BMW version, that is) driven by S from the OPENERS editorial department, I earnestly tried to comprehend the purpose of the day's event.

Perhaps the Automatic is More Fun

My doubts remained unresolved until we arrived at the circuit. However, the moment I started driving the 6AT JCW at Sodegaura Forest Raceway, the mystery dissolved instantly. In fact, I felt ashamed of my own narrow-mindedness. It turned out to be an exceptionally exhilarating experience.

Firstly, the 6AT, which had been a source of concern, proved to be quick and responsive. The engine power was barely interrupted, meaning it posed no negative factor even during circuit driving. Although a 6MT JCW was also available for comparison that day, I actually found the 6AT model more enjoyable because it allowed me to focus on steering and throttle control without being distracted by gear changes.

The JCW and the Circuit: A Perfect Match

Driving the JCW on the circuit is, without a doubt, a thrilling experience. With a maximum output of 211ps and a curb weight of 1,250-1,310kg (depending on body style) for the 6AT JCW, the power-to-weight ratio is 5.9-6.2kg/ps. This means you won't feel a lack of power, even on a circuit.

Furthermore, this abundant power is reliably transmitted to the road through the front wheels, indicating excellent traction performance. This allows for confident acceleration out of corners. You might think, "Isn't it obvious that engine power is transmitted to the drive wheels for acceleration?" However, this 'obvious' feat is surprisingly difficult on a circuit.

Why is it So Nimble?

Improving handling response while simultaneously enhancing traction is a formidable challenge. Yet, the MINI JCW achieves this brilliantly. As a result, it enables a remarkably nimble driving experience: a sharp turn of the wheel, followed by a swift acceleration out of the corner.

Another difficulty with high-powered FWD cars like the MINI JCW is managing understeer. The front wheels are responsible for transmitting power to the road, meaning they have to handle a significant amount of longitudinal work (acceleration). Consequently, their ability to perform lateral work (cornering) is diminished, a fundamental characteristic of tires. It's the same principle that makes steering less responsive during sudden braking.

This is why high-powered FWD models traditionally tend towards understeer during acceleration, as steering response decreases. To compensate, reducing rear grip to balance the car would lead to instability under braking or in high-speed corners. Therefore, the conventional approach for high-powered FWD models has been to prioritize stability and tune them for understeer.



And the MINI JCW manages to retain this nimbleness while also ensuring fundamental stability. The MINI engineers who have overcome these seemingly contradictory challenges truly deserve admiration.

The Landscape Has Changed

Incidentally, the 6AT has been added to all MINI JCW models. This means that the Hatchback, Clubman, Convertible, Coupe, and Roadster are all now available with either a 6MT or a 6AT. Previously, only the 6MT was offered for the JCW, so it's no exaggeration to say the situation is now the complete opposite.

Furthermore, just before the test drive event,JCW Added to the Crossover Tooit was announced that a JCW version would be added to the Crossover model as well. This will also be available with both a 6MT and a 6AT, and will be the first JCW model with all-wheel drive. Its maximum output will be slightly higher than other JCWs, at 218ps. Although it wasn't ready in time for this test drive event, it's a vehicle I'm eager to get behind the wheel of.

Differences in Character Between Models

While the JCW offers a wide range of body variations, there are subtle differences in their handling. Although the fundamental characteristics of good cornering, strong traction, and high stability remain consistent, the tuning within these parameters varies slightly.

First, the three "tall boy" models – the Hatchback, Clubman, and Convertible – offer a smoother ride and feel more composed in their handling.

We Also Tested the Fastest Road-Legal MINI: the JCW GP

Finally, I'd like to introduce a limited edition model produced in a run of just 2,000 units worldwide: theMINI JCW GPWhile the aforementioned JCW aims to be a high-performance car usable on both circuits and public roads, the JCW GP places a greater emphasis on circuit driving. Its interior and exterior have been given a sportier makeover, the rear seats have been removed, and a robust strut tower bar has been installed in their place. The engine output is 218ps, a slight increase of 7ps over the "regular JCW."



I also tested this car at Sodegaura, and was struck by how the suspension was further tightened, suppressing unnecessary body movements. What surprised me most was how, upon turning the steering wheel into a hairpin bend, the rear end immediately began to slide outwards.

At that moment, I counter-steered with the wheel turned almost 180 degrees to navigate the situation. I wondered, "Does this car not have the stability control DSC installed?" Upon checking, I found that it could, in fact, be deactivated. This meant DSC was indeed present.



The JCW GP, of which only 200 units will be released in Japan, is exclusively available with a 6MT and is priced at 4.6 million yen.

MINI John Cooper Works
Body Size | Length 3,745 x Width 1,685 x Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,465 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,455 / 1,460 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.1 meters
Trunk Capacity | 160-860 liters
Weight | 1,230 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Twin-Scroll Turbo
Maximum Output | 155kW (211ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 260Nm / 1,750-5,500 rpm (280Nm with overboost)
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/45R17
0-100km/h Acceleration | 6.5 seconds
Maximum Speed | 236 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 13.0 km/ℓ
Price | 4.03 million yen

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster
Body Size | Length 3,745 x Width 1,685 x Height 1,385 mm
Wheelbase | 2,465 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,455 / 1,460 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.1 meters
Trunk Capacity | 240 liters
Weight | 1,260 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Twin-Scroll Turbo
Maximum Output | 155kW (211ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 260Nm / 1,750-5,500 rpm (280Nm with overboost)
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/45R17
0-100km/h Acceleration | 6.5 seconds
Maximum Speed | 235 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 13.0 km/ℓ
Price | 4.64 million yen

MINI John Cooper Works GP
Body Size | Length 3,775 x Width 1,685 x Height 1,420 mm
Trunk Capacity | 723 liters
Weight | 1,180 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Twin-Scroll Turbo
Maximum Output | 160kW (218ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 260Nm / 1,750-5,750 rpm (280Nm with overboost)
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 215/40R17
0-100km/h Acceleration | 6.3 seconds
Maximum Speed | 240 km/h
Price | 4.3 million yen