Mini is out working on a new generation of its Countryman crossover and today we have new shots of a prototype for the high-performance John Cooper Works version.
The new Countryman is set to debut this year, most likely as a 2017 model, and we’re betting we’ll see the JCW version arrive alongside the standard lineup or shortly after. Pricing should come close to the $36k starting price of the outgoing model.
We know this is the JCW Countryman because of its unique front bumper, which sports a more aggressive look than the bumper seen on prototypes for the regular Countryman. We can also see upgraded wheels, tires and brakes. The latter features bright red calipers.
2017 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman spy shots – Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
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Expect the JCW Countryman to share its engine with the latest JCW Hardtop. That means a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder delivering about 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. In the JCW Countryman, drive should be to all four wheels. The transmission will either be a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
The new Countryman, including this JCW model, rides on the BMW Group’s UKL platform designed for compact cars. The platform is found in the latest Mini models as well as several BMWs. In fact, the new Countryman is closely related to the latest BMW X1.
Stay tuned for updates as development continues. Note, the JCW Countryman isn’t the only hot MINI in the works—we’ve also seen prototypes for a JCW-tuned version of the all-new Clubman.
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