Sun cream at the ready. BMW has revealed the brand-spanking new Mini John Convertible Works Convertible, which will be with us from April 2016.
The new Mini John Cooper Works Convertible will debut at the New York Motor Show in March, but full details have been spilled. A new 2.0-litre turbo is at the heart of the operation, complete with 231bhp and 236lb/ft (320Nm) of torque ─ 39bhp more than the Cooper S.
Being a convertible, 231lb (104.78kg) has been gained through the use of strengthening beams, which means the 0-62mph has suffered. 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds (0.3 seconds slower than the Hatch) with the Steptronic automatic and 6.6 seconds with the six-speed manual.
Fuel economy is, however, unchanged so drivers could see a claimed 47.9mpg and 138g/km of CO2 with the automatic and 43.5mpg and 152g/km with the manual. Part of the impressive fuel economy is down to auto start/stop and a Green Mode, which allows a coasting function between 30 and 100mph.
Suspension duties are undertaken by McPherson struts at the front and a multilink rear axle, while braking is left to a brake system designed in collaboration with Brembo, which is comprised a four-piston caliper and disc brakes.
A few key design differences separate the John Cooper Works Convertible from its siblings, including JCW badging, ‘Rebel Green’ paintjob, bonnet stripes (optional) and a sports exhaust system that sticks out in the centre of the rear apron.
Opening and closing the roof can be down in 18 seconds at up to speeds of 19mph. The sliding roof function can be operated at any speed, meaning you can enjoy up to 40cm of open roof without having to slow down.
On the subject of the roof, a Mini Yours Union Jack roof design and wind deflector can be specified – the former a world-first.
Should you manage to roll the Mini John Cooper Works Convertible, two high-strength aluminium bars retract within 150 milliseconds to keep your head in one place as part of an integrated rollover protection system.
The interior is also a sportier affair, thanks to sporty seats, sporty fabric and a newly designed John Cooper Works leather steering wheel and gear or selector lever. A head-up display, sports instruments for the oil and charge-air pressure and a stopwatch function are available as options.
Just in case you forget to close the roof and rain comes-a-knocking, the pricier Mini Navigation XL infotainment system and 8.8-inch display comes with a ‘rain warner’ function that texts you to warn you. If you’re in the car, it will provide an alert. At speeds beyond 30mph it will suggest places to pull in to close the roof.
Standard gadgets include the Mini Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera.
Prices start from £26,630 for the manual rising to £28,205 for the automatic, meaning that extra fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions and improved performance it affords is £1,575 extra. The Hatch starts from £23,050.
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