Mini reveals it's developing an electric John Cooper Works model
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From: California
Mini reveals it's developing an electric John Cooper Works model
The prototype suggests an electrified GP
Mini is also developing an electric John Cooper Works model.
Unfortunately, that's all Mini has actually said about a future electric John Cooper Works model: that it's in development. Anything else about it, such as how hardcore it will be, or what motor it will use, is entirely up for speculation. All we have to go on are photos of the prototype.
From the looks of it, the prototype is simply a Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) GP, but with an electric powertrain. The entire body, even the giant wing and funky fender flares, is the same as the uncompromising GP, except for the grille. The grille is the mostly solid example used on the Cooper SE. There aren't any tailpipes on this car either, for obvious reasons.
This certainly suggests Mini is planning a mean electric JCW, and not just a slightly stiffer upgrade from the S/SE models. It raises big questions about the motor, though. The gas-powered GP is the most powerful production Mini in history with over 300 horsepower. Only one BMW motor has been used in a Mini so far: the base i3 motor, which makes 181 horsepower. The i3s has a punchier motor that makes 195 horsepower that would probably drop in easily, but it wouldn't seem powerful enough for a GP-type car. Perhaps the iX3's motor, which makes 286 horsepower, could fit? It would certainly be near enough to the GP's engine. Maybe even one of the motors from the dual-motor, 500-horsepower BMW iX would do the job?
We'll just have to wait and see, and it's hard to say just how long, since Mini gave no information on reveals. Hopefully it won't be too long if the company is testing minimally camouflaged electric GP prototypes.
Unfortunately, that's all Mini has actually said about a future electric John Cooper Works model: that it's in development. Anything else about it, such as how hardcore it will be, or what motor it will use, is entirely up for speculation. All we have to go on are photos of the prototype.
From the looks of it, the prototype is simply a Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) GP, but with an electric powertrain. The entire body, even the giant wing and funky fender flares, is the same as the uncompromising GP, except for the grille. The grille is the mostly solid example used on the Cooper SE. There aren't any tailpipes on this car either, for obvious reasons.
This certainly suggests Mini is planning a mean electric JCW, and not just a slightly stiffer upgrade from the S/SE models. It raises big questions about the motor, though. The gas-powered GP is the most powerful production Mini in history with over 300 horsepower. Only one BMW motor has been used in a Mini so far: the base i3 motor, which makes 181 horsepower. The i3s has a punchier motor that makes 195 horsepower that would probably drop in easily, but it wouldn't seem powerful enough for a GP-type car. Perhaps the iX3's motor, which makes 286 horsepower, could fit? It would certainly be near enough to the GP's engine. Maybe even one of the motors from the dual-motor, 500-horsepower BMW iX would do the job?
We'll just have to wait and see, and it's hard to say just how long, since Mini gave no information on reveals. Hopefully it won't be too long if the company is testing minimally camouflaged electric GP prototypes.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Curious is full electric or PHEV. Also not sure how this will go hand in hand. Mini's are great for their go-kart like handling. Yes an EV with a full skateboard like battery can keep center of gravity low and planted, but it's still HEAVY. So nimbleness isn't really part of the equation for the most part.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I'm not sure about where you live, but, in the D.C. area, like bright-colored VW Beetles and VW Cabrios, Minis are a huge hit with the ladies....always have been. I don't have exact ownership-figures, but not only the base models but even the sport-oriented Cooper S models seem to have a strong percentage of female drivers, young and old.
One thing that seems to help with sales is the almost endless array of colors, patterns, graphics, and, in some cases, national-flags that the cars can be decorated with, even from the factory. It may no longer be the case today, but the old saying is that no two Minis ever went out of the factory exactly alike LOL.
My brother's girl friend has one that is clearly too small for her needs (now with two fairly large poodles), and she knows she needs something a little bigger, but, besides her physical injuries that have to heal (and seem to be doing so), she's very attached to that car, and reluctant to start shopping....it's got the aftermarket female-eyelashes over the headlight bezels and the wind-up key that sticks out of the hatch lid in back LOL.
One thing that seems to help with sales is the almost endless array of colors, patterns, graphics, and, in some cases, national-flags that the cars can be decorated with, even from the factory. It may no longer be the case today, but the old saying is that no two Minis ever went out of the factory exactly alike LOL.
My brother's girl friend has one that is clearly too small for her needs (now with two fairly large poodles), and she knows she needs something a little bigger, but, besides her physical injuries that have to heal (and seem to be doing so), she's very attached to that car, and reluctant to start shopping....it's got the aftermarket female-eyelashes over the headlight bezels and the wind-up key that sticks out of the hatch lid in back LOL.
Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 6, 2020 at 04:02 AM.
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