Jalopnik: 2008 Cooper John Cooper Works

Hot Hatch Showdown

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EDT

With auto show season officially, mercilessly and thankfully over, the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage stands to be full in just six weeks. A short time by any standard, but especially so when distilling over a hundred years of automotive excellence into just 50 vehicles. Two weeks ago saw the induction of the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, a car so finely crafted only a communist would disapprove. In this week's edition, we switch gears entirely. Compact, lightweight automobile construction, responsive suspension, spicy engine and a slick manual transmission. It's a simple formula which, if done properly, not only results in a car with character, but one which transcends the bottom-of-the-barrel genre and becomes something of legend, something which can ascend to the level of fantasy. This week, we examine the hot hatch.

Here's the deal, it's going to be a knock down, drag out fight with no elimination rounds, no brackets, no BS — a winner takes all match up between four of the most remarkable hot hatches ever to be tossed around a corner with glee. And in this fight, we'll let age go before beauty.

1963 Mini Cooper S
Arguably the very first hot hatch, despite its lack of said hatch, the Mini itself was a revolutionary leap forward in car design for post-war Britain. When notable F1 race car designer John Cooper approached the legendary designer of the Mini about a higher performance edition, Alec Issigonis thought the idea unacceptable, this was a working mans car after all, not a race car. Undaunted, Cooper went above his head and received the blessing of BMC directly for the project. 1961 saw the first high performance Mini Cooper but it grew into its skin in 1963 when a 1071cc short-stroke, four-cylinder replaced the long-stroke 997cc engine. The '63 Mini Cooper S was a fantastic performer with up to 70 HP from the tiny engine. To say the handling of the Mini Cooper S is the stuff of legend is something of an understatement - how many other compact cars can claim David-versus-Goliath-like wins at Monte Carlo over cars many times its size and power?

1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Mk1 Golf GTI is spoken about in hushed tones and with quiet reverence among fans of the econobox-turned-road-racer. The GTi was a breath of fresh air in a stagnant, malaise-mandated European market. The Golf was a handsome design to begin with, penned in the workshops of Guigiaro, and sporting a 1.5L four cylinder, the GTI got interesting upgrades that took it from everyman transporter to corner carving joy buzzer. Chief among the upgrades was one of the first entry market applications of fuel injection, wider track and tires, uprated anti-roll bars and stiffer springs, along with that famous red-rimmed grille. The Golf was rebadged as the Rabbit and produced in Pennsylvania for the 1978 model year, making it the first domestically produced European car in history. A GTI version followed for the US market in 1983. Though there aren't any Monte Carlo wins under its belt, few cars did as much to beat back the 'car as appliance' mindset which pervaded the '80s era auto industry, and the hot hatch survives today in large part due to it's existence.

1986 Dodge Omni GLH-S
Though Carroll Shelby is better known for his involvement in cars like the Cobra 427, Daytona, and Mustang, it's nut job projects like the GLHS that should really be putting him into the Automotive Hall of Fame. The 1985 Dodge Omni GLH was a bonkers car to begin with, starting with the turbo-four out of the Shelby Charger, but Carroll took the last 500 of the Omni GLH and added some more. Goes Like Hell - Somemore, a name only a speed crazed Texan could come up with, was apt. The already potent, for '85, Chrysler turbo 2.2L four was upgraded with an intercooler, prototype fuel rail and remapped fuel delivery curve and delivered 175 HP and 174 lb/ft of torque. The suspension gained Koni adjustable shocks up front and coilovers in the rear, and some sticky tires on custom wheels. Our favorite modification is a sticker on the speedometer hailing the possibility of 135 mph - it just has such a smirk inducing quality to it. All that added together to produce a real street burner. The GLH-S would do 0-60 in 6.5 ticks and run up to 130 mph. It takes a certain kind of mad man to make a Simca designed econobox run with a Corvette.

2003 Renault Clio V6
Not many cars can make the claim to fame of being one of the ten Jeremy Clarkson would place in his personal fantasy garage. The Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport is an example of what happens when madness reaches its inevitable end. Yes, the DS is a beautiful automotive achievement and the CS has a nearly magical suspension, but this Renault may be the most impressive example ever of the French passion for the automobile. For those who have never seen a Clio in person, it is not a large or imposing car, not by any stretch of the imagination. Somewhere the bean counters fell asleep and the batshit crazy idea of dropping a V6 into the back seat of an econo-car slipped by, and the world is a better place for it. The 255 HP naturally aspirated V6 from a Renault Laguna motivates the Clio from just behind the drivers seat and spills its beautiful music into the open air. 0-60 comes in a quick 5.6 seconds and the car tops out at 153 MPH. Bonkers. Sure it loses pretty much all of its utility as a hatchback, the turning circle is atrocious, it's expensive, and it gulps fuel, but the insanity excuses all of that.

So there you have it, four cars from four decades, each with its own character and achievements. However, there can be only one. We know there will be rants over cars not included in this poll as the hot hatch has been a stalwart of automotive affection for a long time, but these are the four today. So what will it be? The British bulldog, the sharp steering German, a bold and brash American, or proof of France's sporting chops? Have at it folks.

Image sources here, here, here, and here.

2008 John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S, Revealed

Ray Wert — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST

Just in time for the Geneva Motor Show next month, the automaker all about the cars that are so small they're Mini has seen fit to release a bevy of shots and all the deets on their two big reveals for the show. The first is the official reveal of the John Cooper Works package for the 2008 Mini Cooper S. Other than the press shots we've got below, here's what we know about the up-powered Cooper S from a quick glance of the press release which we'll have up below the jump shortly. UPDATE:Full press release below the jump!

The output on the new JCW Mini Cooper S is significantly higher than the stock 172 HP — a full 218 HP, with torque hitting 206 lb-ft. The power boost needs something a wee bit larger to handle it. How about a new and bigger six-speed manual transmission? Yes, that will do quite nicely we think.

You'll also want to take a gander at the big new John Cooper Works logo splayed about on everything from the door sill, the front grille and the rear hatch. Even the brake calipers are sporting the logo. Now that Mini runs the show, they want everyone to know when they're looking at a JCW Mini. So is all the fancy packaging worth it? Well, we'll have to be the judge when we drive it, but we do know that speedo's been bumped from 240 km/h (150 MPH) to 260 km/h (160 MPH), so that's a good sign.

The John Cooper Works goes on sale in August, with U.S. pricing set at $28,550 for the Mini John Cooper Works coupe.

Full press release below.

IN THE NAME OF RACING: MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS AND MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS CLUBMAN 02/24/2008 Munich. A big name, a long tradition, outstanding performance, figures and an incomparable driving experience: the MINI John Cooper Works arouses motor racing passion which goes beyond the race track. In August 2008 the new model - produced at the British MINI plant in Oxford - will be coming to Germany along with the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. With their world premiere at the International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 6th-16th 2008), these versions are the first two models to be launched by MINI under the brand MINI John Cooper Works. The heart beating under the bonnet of each of the two new extreme sports cars is that of a racer. The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection delivers 155 kW/211 bhp (207 hp US) and develops its maximum torque of 260 Newton-metres (192 lb-ft US) between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm - by means of overboost the torque can actually be increased to 280 Nm. (207 lb-ft US). The power unit is based on the engine of the John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, which will see its premiere at the MINI CHALLENGE 2008. It accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works in 6.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman manages the spurt in just 0.3 seconds more.
It is not only the engines of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman that provide genuine racing feeling. Both models are also fitted with extensive motor racing technology as standard: exclusive light alloy rims with especially light and extremely high-performance brakes, a new exhaust system and the modified 6-speed manual transmission, also created with close reference to the new racing car for the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE. Rarely before has motor racing expertise found its way so directly onto the road. The MINI John Cooper Works will be available in Germany at a price of 27,700 Euros, the price of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be 29,500 Euros. (US Pricing yet to be announced)

Fascinating power due to motor racing expertise.
The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are driven by a true power package based on the current engine of the MINI Cooper S, extensively revised for the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing vehicle and now back on the road with refreshed power. Even the basic design of the 1,598 cc 4-cylinder engine has details which are drawn from motor racing. The cylinder block and bearing housing are made of aluminium, the four valves per cylinder are controlled by two upper camshafts, friction-optimised cam followers and hydraulic valve clearance compensation elements. The outlet valves are filled with sodium so as to meet the increased cooling needs of a turbo engine. The camshafts of the 4-cylinder are composite. Instead of using the conventional die-cast procedure, the cam rings are made of high-strength steel and shrink-fitted to the actual shaft. The intake camshaft has a continuously variable phase adjustment function by means of which the valve control times can be adapted to the relevant performance requirements.

The engines for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are made at the BMW Group engine plant Hams Hall (Great Britain) where the engine units for all MINI model variations are manufactured. In the case of the top-of-the-range engine, there are a number of special modifications to the production process to do justice to the increased output and the resulting higher temperatures in the combustion chamber, thereby guaranteeing maximum reliability of the drive system. The engines are fitted with reinforced and specifically ground pistons as well as a cylinder head with optimised rigidity and modified gasketing. The intake valves and valve seat rings are also made of especially resilient material, and as compared to the engine of the MINI Cooper S there is a slight reduction of the compression.

More air, more power, more torque - the formula for increased driving pleasure.
The power increase as compared to the engine of the MINI Cooper S is mainly achieved by means of optimised air intake and outlet due to an adapted turbocharger. The air filter, air mass sensor, exhaust system and catalytic converter have been modified so as to achieve a power-enhancing dethrottling on the induction and exhaust side. This is also reflected in an engine sound which is peculiar to this model. Due to the adaptation of the exhaust system,
a significant reduction of counterpressure is achieved. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman fulfil the requirements for adherence to the particularly stringent threshold levels defined by the exhaust norms EU5 in Europe and ULEV II in the US.

The through-flow capacity of the clean air duct to the turbocharger has also been increased. The design of the Twin Scroll turbocharger enables an especially spontaneous power build-up. In the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, the channels of two cylinders are separated in each case. The supercharger blades are set in optimum motion even at low engine speeds. A turbine was developed in very high-quality material especially for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, and the maximum boost pressure was increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar overpressure.

The maximum torque of 260 Nm ( 192 lb-ft US) is available even at an engine speed of 1,850 rpm and up to a level of 5,600 rpm. During acceleration, torque is raised to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft US) by means of a brief increase in boost pressure between 2,000 and 5,300 rpm. This overboost function gives the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman an even more powerful response. The engine reaches its maximum output of 155 kW/211 bhp (207 hp US) at 6,000 rpm. The spontaneous response is also reflected in the car's acceleration figures. The MINI John Cooper Works takes 6.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h, the time required by the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is 6.8 seconds. Both have a maximum speed of 238 km/h.

Petrol direct injection: fuel is precisely measured and efficiently used.
With a specific output of 132 bhp per litre of capacity, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman advance into the realm of
the purebred sports car. What is more, both new models have the characteristic MINI quality of offering unique driving fun in combination with exemplary efficiency. The key function here is the fuel supply system. The turbo 4-cylinder is fitted with petrol direction injection according to the common rail principle. Injection valves positioned laterally in the cylinder head feed the fuel in precise doses under a pressure of 120 bar from the tank directly into the combustion chamber. This means that in every situation on the road, precise fuel supply is guaranteed which is adapted to the given load requirements. The average
fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is at an unusually low level for vehicles of this output category. The MINI John Cooper Works makes do with 6.9 litres
per 100 kilometres, the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman requires 7.0 litres. The respective CO2 figures are 165 and 167 grams per kilometre.

Conceived for maximum driving fun: chassis, brakes, assistance systems.
The standard range of features of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman not only includes a particularly high-performance engine but also a wide range of other components which ensure that this irrepressible power is put safely onto the road. As is characteristic
of MINI, the engine powers the front wheels. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission whose components have been adapted to the very high level of torque of this new top-level engine. In addition to the sophisticated chassis technology with McPherson struts at the front axle and the central control arm
rear axle, which is itself unique in the small car segment, the electromechanical EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering) is a further guarantee of reliable
and precise handling. The electrical servomotor also contributes to efficiency in that it is only activated when steering support is required or desired by
the driver.

The steering system EPAS allows various settings to be programmed. The basic set-up guarantees balanced steering support depending on road speed. With the sports button, which is positioned as standard next to the gearshift lever in the centre console in the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, it is possible to activate a perceptibly more dynamic characteristic curve with higher steering torque and increased steering precision. In keeping with this, pressing the sports button also changes the accelerator pedal to a much sportier characteristic setting.

The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are fitted with sporty suspension settings as standard. As an alternative, a sports chassis with harder damper characteristics and stronger stabilisers is available for the front and rear axle. For a more extreme racing orientation, there is also a John Cooper Works chassis available in the accessory range for the MINI John Cooper Works. It includes a lowering of the suspension by 10 millimetres, even harder damper characteristics and stabilisers with a diameter which is larger than those of the sports chassis.

The standard sports brake system guarantees short braking distances and is characterised by precise response and fine controllability. The fixed calliper
disc brakes with aluminium callipers finished in red - inner vented on the front wheels and bearing the John Cooper Works emblem on the callipers - are large in their dimensions. The type and function of the brake system is based on those in the MINI CHALLENGE racing vehicle. The same applies to the exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in John Cooper Works Cross Spoke CHALLENGE design. Weighing less than 10 kilos, they are the lightest standard wheels within the competitive environment of the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The high-speed tyres in 205/45 W 17 format have runflat properties, and both models are equipped with a tyre damage display function.

As standard and unique in front-wheel-drive vehicles: DSC with DTC.
In addition to sporty suspension settings and powerful brakes, the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman also have sophisticated driving stability systems. Their standard equipment includes ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including hill-start assistance and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). By applying the brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power, DSC applies a stabilising effect when required, intervening early on to prevent the vehicle from swerving at the front or
rear wheels in especially dynamic driving situations or on slippery surfaces. The brake assistance function, likewise an element of DSC, detects
emergency braking situations and ensures instant build-up of maximum brake pressure should the need arise.

DTC is a sub-function of DSC which is available here for the first time in a vehicle with front wheel drive. It enables the response threshold levels
of driving stability regulation to be increased so as to allow controllable slip on the drive wheels. In this way, the models MINI John Cooper Works
and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman can be controlled on snow-covered surfaces or loose sand with slightly spinning front wheels, or taken more intensively to the physical limits in highly dynamic driving situations. When
the threshold range is reached, the stabilising intervention of DSC is also guaranteed in DTC mode. If necessary, DSC can be entirely deactivated.

What is more, in DSC-Off mode an electronically controlled lock function for the differential of the drive axle is activated. This system is also a standard feature and known as Electronic Differential Lock Control: it supports an ambitious, sporty driving style when accelerating out of bends and hairpins, for example. The electronically controlled lock function has the effect of applying specific, appropriate brake force to a spinning drive wheel on tight bends.
This enhances the forward propulsion of the vehicle without having a negative impact on self-steering response. The bend can thus be taken more smoothly but also more swiftly.

Interior:
sports car ambience and a wide range of individualisation options.
In the interior, the standard fittings of the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman boast a strikingly impressive elegance which is both simple and sporty in style. A three-spoke steering wheel in leather is the point of connection between the driver and his sports machine, while the anthracite roof liner and the interior surfaces in a glossy Piano Black finish create a calm atmosphere which promotes concentration on the road. Another feature of the two top-of-the-range sports cars is a speedometer scale which goes up to 260 km/h.

In addition, MINI also offers a wide range of individualisation options for configuring the two new extreme sports cars. In terms of exterior paint finishes, interior design, seat upholstery types, interior colours and decor options
as well as the comfort features, the full breadth of variety is available as for the other model variations. Additional comfort, versatility and sporty flair can be achieved with items from the extensive accessory range of MINI and of
John Cooper Works.

Ten exterior paint finishes are available to choose from for the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. Contrasting roof finishes and roof decor options provide a wide range of possible combinations. The basic fittings of the interior include seat covers in the fabric Chequered. Optional extras include leather upholsteries, sports seats with fabric/leather covers, sports leather seats and Recaro sports seats from the John Cooper Works accessory program. The decor strips of the interior can be selected in Fluid Silver as an alternative to Piano Black. The accessory program also includes an interior strip in Carbon.

The high-quality entertainment and navigation systems of the MINI equipment range are also available for the two top-of-the-range sports cars. The
controls of the audio system - with CD player as standard - and the 6 ½ inch TFT colour display of the optional navigation system are situated in the central circular instrument. The standard AUX socket enables music saved on
an MP3 player to be played through the audio system, for example. A special interface for full integration of an Apple iPod is also available as an accessory. For optimum and safe communication on the road there is an optional mobile phone preparation or integrated hands-free facility with Bluetooth interface
and USB connection. An interface for integrated operation of the audio and telephone functions is also specially available for the Apple iPhone.

Performance at premium level: John Cooper Works accessories.
The highlights of the John Cooper Works accessory program include the aerodynamics package and sports chassis with springs finished in red for the MINI John Cooper Works, as well as perforated brake discs and rear spoilers
for both model versions. Other items include a suspension cross-brace for the engine compartment, mirror caps in carbon finish and so-called side scuttles - direction indicator surrounds with a sporty grid structure. To match this there are also decor strips, handbrake handles and sports gearshift levers in carbon decor which provide an even sportier ambience. The gear shift indicator in the John Cooper Works accessory program also contributes to an intensive driving experience.

With the John Cooper Works Performance components, the character of the two new models is given even greater emphasis and visually highlighted, too. Premium-quality sporty flair characterises them as it does the two
new models themselves, both of which bear the John Cooper Works logo.

The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
have to be able to meet both the extreme challenges of the race track as well as the extensive requirements of everyday traffic in terms of functionality, design, reliability and durability. Together, the brands MINI and John Cooper Works stand for a promise of quality which is uniquely powerful within the competitive environment of MINI.

MINI and John Cooper Works: shared roots in motor racing.The two top sports cars are sold through the MINI dealer network. Like all variations of the MINI and MINI Clubman, both models are manufactured at the MINI plant in Oxford according to customer wishes. In this way, the integration of the John Cooper Works label under the umbrella MINI is now also reflected in the range of vehicles available ex works.

The close connection between MINI and John Cooper Works, based on a motor racing tradition stretching back decades, has a defining influence on the development of new vehicles and components. The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman represent the shared values of driving fun, premium quality and individuality in an especially concentrated form. In terms of reliability, quality of workmanship and authenticity of design, they fulfil the high standards of the BMW Group, as do the John Cooper Works Performance components with their perfect adaptation to MINI. The new models are thus also subject to the warranty conditions applicable to MINI.

Mini to Build a Lighter, Faster Cooper S

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 13:40:57 EDT

After months of rumors on Mini enthusiast sites, BMW still hasn't confirmed it's bringing a faster, lighter version of its Cooper S to Frankfurt. That doesn't mean it's not going to happen, however, it just means the Mini folks are inclined to make us work for it. The new, factory-built model will be appointed for maximum weight savings to make the most of its 210hp John Cooper Works tuning package, upgraded suspension and grippier brakes. Only 2,000 will be built, and no prices have been announced, but track day will never be the same.

Current Mini Will Go Out With a Bang [Edmunds]