MINIUSA Releases the Refreshed 2022 JCW Hatch and JCW Convertible

MINI USA is officially taking the wraps off of the refreshed JCW hatch and JCW convertible for the 2022 models year. As with the rest of the range the front of the car has been simplified visually and features have been added inside. it also serves as a precursor to the full redesign MINI will launch in 2024.

In some ways we actually prefer the Cooper S design as it’s more honest about the form vs function in the bumper, but the aesthetics of the 2022 JCW MINI are hard to argue with given the brand’s heritage. And if you don’t like the black mustache look of the Cooper S, the JCW fixes that by making the entire front portion black.

Around back we see MINI’s most aggressive take on a rear diffuser we’ve ever seen in this generation. While it’s not the massive diffuser we saw on the second generation GP, it does affect pressure which allows or more uninterrupted airflow.

2022 JCW Hatch: Power

No there is no power increase. Let me say that again. MINI has not borrowed any of BMW’s B48 tunes (of which there are plenty) and bumped up the 2022 MINI JCW hatch from it’s 228 hp. That will disappoint many would be JCW buyers. But stay with me here. The revisions that MINI has made to the 2022 MINI JCW are many, and in some cases significant and aggressive. In fact those are the two words you will keep coming back the more you look at the revised car. And seeing them compared to the Cooper and Cooper S it’s clear that the MINI Design Team worked hard to create greater distinction between the normal line-up and the hottest MINIs. In other words, if you were worried that your JCW would be mistaken for a standard Cooper or Cooper S, worry no more.

The Brembo brakes and rest of the drivetrain remain with one addition; MINI’s optional adaptive suspension now includes an extra valve incorporated into the dampers to smooth out the ride over bumps and potholes. 

But make no mistake, the 2022 MINI JCW Hatch is a fresh take that’s squarely focused on design. And what MINI has done is to further differentiate the JCW sub-brand from the standard MINI range. Read the full release from MINI USA below.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Offering maximum fun-to-drive performance in the premium small car segment, the new 2022 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible take their rightful place at the top of the starting grid. With fresh design and new equipment features, the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible expresses the enhanced performance character of the two models.

In addition to the round LED headlights, the simplicity of its clear design also emphasizes the larger hexagonal radiator grille, which, together with the large side openings, ensures air supply for the drive and brake systems.  There are also modified side scuttles on the front side panels and the particularly striking diffuser in the rear apron of both models, which has also been redesigned.

Individual style and performance come through with the spontaneous power delivery of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, under the front bonnets of both models, generating a maximum output of 228 hp and a maximum torque of 235 ft/lbs.  This power accelerates the MINI John Cooper Works from zero-to-60 MPH 6.1 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual transmission and in just 5.9 seconds with the optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.  The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible which comes exclusively with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission which clocks in at 6.3 seconds for its zero-to-60 MPH time. For those who wish to enjoy open-top driving, the electrically powered soft top of the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible fully opens with the touch of a button in 18 seconds at driving speeds up to 18.6 MPH.  Available as an option, the MINI Yours soft top features a woven-in Union Jack graphic. Complementing the sound of open top driving, the characteristic exhaust note from the two 85-millimetre stainless steel tailpipes on the sports adds to the performance driving experience of this drop-top model.

No matter whether open or closed, the model-specific chassis technology, which, like the engine, was developed and tuned with the many years of racing expertise of John Cooper Works, ensuring maximum driving fun, especially when cornering at speed. A sporty suspension set-up is as much part of the standard equipment of both models as the sports brake system developed in cooperation with the specialist manufacturer Brembo, and the 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels. The four-piston fixed caliper brakes with internally ventilated discs on the front wheels and red brake calipers bearing the John Cooper Works logo enable powerful performance braking. For further enhanced road contact, 18-inch light-alloy wheels are also available as an option, including a new John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke 2-tone designed wheel.

One of the characteristic features of the John Cooper Works models is the combination of impressive performance with suitability for everyday use. The latest version of the optionally available Adaptive Suspension provides an ideal balance between sportiness and ride comfort. It features a new frequency-selective damper technology that operates with an additional valve acting on the traction side. Within 50 to 100 milliseconds, pressure peaks within the damper are smoothed out. This leads to a particularly confident compensation of slight unevenness in the road surface. At the same time, the maximum damping force of the Adaptive Suspension is up to ten percent higher than before, so that steering precision and agility in bends are increased even further.

For tailor-made driving pleasure in everyday life and on long journeys, the new equipment packages in the areas of comfort, connectivity and driver assistance can also be provided. These include new options such as heated steering wheel, lane departure warning in the Driving Assistant and the Stop & Go function for Active Cruise Control.

The newly designed central instrument cluster with an 8.8-inch touch display in black panel design and integrated audio and favorite buttons comes as standard. The likewise new operating system facilitates intuitive control of vehicle functions, audio program, navigation, communication and apps. Live widgets are now available for this purpose, which can be selected by means of a swiping motion on the touch display. In addition to the modern graphic display, the operating system also offers new possibilities for individualization. Two different color schemes are available for the displays on the central instrument and on the optionally available multifunctional instrument display on the steering column. In “Lounge” mode, the display surfaces appear in relaxing shades of blue and turquoise. Switching to “Sport” mode causes the screen backgrounds to glow in red and anthracite. If desired, the color worlds of the displays can be linked to the standard MINI Driving Modes.

The fresh touches in the areas of controls and color blend harmoniously with the racing-inspired design of the cockpit of both models. John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated headrests, a Nappa leather steering wheel with newly designed multifunction buttons, grey contrast stitching and a John Cooper Works logo on the center spoke, an anthracite-colored roof lining, a stainless steel pedal gallery and a model-specific gearshift or gear selector lever create a genuine sports car flair in the interior.

MINI John Cooper Works US MSRP

Pricing listed above does not include the additional $850 Destination & Handling fee.