Latest news with #BMW-owned
7NEWS
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Mini's new JCW range proves lightweight thrills aren't dead in the EV age
Mini has launched its most comprehensive JCW range to date, featuring everything from smoking-hot petrol-powered hatchbacks to stylish convertibles and, for the first time ever, all-electric variants. And yes, they've never looked better, while still offering the BMW-owned small car brand's trademark go-kart handling. For as long as I can remember, the Mini Cooper S was the one to have – the spirited, tightly wound hot hatch that could out-hustle a Porsche 911 on a tight ribbon of tarmac from Monte Carlo to Mayfair. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the game changed in 2002 when BMW, which purchased the iconic British brand in 1994, introduced the first JCW tuning kit for the R50-series Mini Cooper. Born from motorsport pedigree and crafted by John Cooper's son, Mike Cooper, the JCW sub-brand evolved quickly from official aftermarket upgrade to full factory performance hero. In 2006 – the same year Alborz Fallah and I founded CarAdvice – I got behind the wheel of the first factory-built JCW: the Mini Cooper S JCW GP (R53). It was stripped out, supercharged, and stuck to the road like epoxy. Limited to just 2000 units globally, it had no rear seats and no apologies. It was brutal and brilliant. We missed a drive in the turbocharged GP2 but were there at the Nurburgring – alongside Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper and son of Mike – for the reveal of the GP3 in 2019. Charlie, now shaping the future of JCW with an eye toward electrification, remains a proper enthusiast, as evidenced by a message he sent me not long ago. 'The new range of JCWs truly embodies what John Cooper Works is all about: razor-sharp handling, a proper go-kart feel that leaves a grin on your face. 'The three-door hatch, with its racing pedigree, has proven itself at the hardest race in the world, securing a class victory at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing. It's not just for the road – it's born for the track.' Mini Australia hasn't confirmed whether a GP4 is in the works, but the spotlight is now squarely on the all-new JCW lineup, which is head-turning, sharp-edged, and now officially electrified. Enter the all-electric Mini JCW (JCW E) – a car I drove on a tight gymkhana course at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland recently. It may be electric, but it has all the hallmarks of Mini's go-kart DNA, along with arguably the most desirable design in the current JCW stable. Finished in Midnight Black II, with body-coloured roof and subtle red accents (no stripes), it looks fast just standing still. From the pronounced diffuser and motorsport-style spoiler to the vertical air curtains and chequered-flag tailgate, it's unashamedly racy. Inside, a 9.4-inch circular OLED display anchors the dash, doubling as both infotainment hub and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, trimmed in vegan leather with retro vibes and modern functions, feels fantastic in the hands. Bronze metallic accents, race-style red straps, and subtle Easter eggs bring texture, tactility and curiosity to a cabin that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of premium feel. The JCW-specific seats in black vegan leather trim with contrast stitching are equal parts comfortable and supportive, even when pushing the limits. Under the skin, a 190kW front-mounted motor and 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery send 350Nm to the front wheels. The Mini JCW is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h, while offering a WLTP range of up to 371km. DC fast-charging at 95kW gives you 80 per cent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In Go-Kart mode, throttle response sharpens, the steering tightens, and the display glows red. A boost paddle on the wheel delivers an extra 20kW when you need it and synthesised cabin sounds (borrowed from BMW's i4 M50 playbook) add another layer of theatre. Despite being nearly 400kg heavier than the petrol JCW hatch, the electric version feels tight, responsive, and impressively agile. Revised suspension and steering calibration tame the heft. This is a genuine driver's car. I also sampled the JCW Countryman on the same course. Built on BMW's FAAR platform that's shared with the X1, it feels every bit the muscular crossover. With 233kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-four, it's the most powerful Mini ever. And the quickest – with a 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds. It hauls. It corners. And it stops on a dime thanks to JCW Performance brakes and adaptive dampers. And it does it all while offering space for five and up to 1660 litres of boot capacity. If there's a more complete compact performance crossover out there that looks this good and goes with equal flair, I haven't met it. Sure, the three-door JCW hatch remains the purist's pick – light, compact, and surgically precise. But as a daily weapon with all-weather confidence and punch, the Countryman has found its way onto my personal wish list. In a world of increasingly soulless EVs and anonymous electric SUVs, the 2025 Mini JCW lineup is a masterclass in how to stay fun, fast, and relevant. The badge might be small, but the experience lives large.
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mini's new JCW range proves lightweight thrills aren't dead in the EV age
Mini has launched its most comprehensive JCW range to date, featuring everything from smoking-hot petrol-powered hatchbacks to stylish convertibles and, for the first time ever, all-electric variants. And yes, they've never looked better, while still offering the BMW-owned small car brand's trademark go-kart handling. For as long as I can remember, the Mini Cooper S was the one to have – the spirited, tightly wound hot hatch that could out-hustle a Porsche 911 on a tight ribbon of tarmac from Monte Carlo to Mayfair. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert But the game changed in 2002 when BMW, which purchased the iconic British brand in 1994, introduced the first JCW tuning kit for the R50-series Mini Cooper. Born from motorsport pedigree and crafted by John Cooper's son, Mike Cooper, the JCW sub-brand evolved quickly from official aftermarket upgrade to full factory performance hero. In 2006 – the same year Alborz Fallah and I founded CarAdvice – I got behind the wheel of the first factory-built JCW: the Mini Cooper S JCW GP (R53). It was stripped out, supercharged, and stuck to the road like epoxy. Limited to just 2000 units globally, it had no rear seats and no apologies. It was brutal and brilliant. Supplied Credit: CarExpert We missed a drive in the turbocharged GP2 but were there at the Nurburgring – alongside Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper and son of Mike – for the reveal of the GP3 in 2019. Charlie, now shaping the future of JCW with an eye toward electrification, remains a proper enthusiast, as evidenced by a message he sent me not long ago. 'The new range of JCWs truly embodies what John Cooper Works is all about: razor-sharp handling, a proper go-kart feel that leaves a grin on your face. 'The three-door hatch, with its racing pedigree, has proven itself at the hardest race in the world, securing a class victory at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing. It's not just for the road – it's born for the track.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert Mini Australia hasn't confirmed whether a GP4 is in the works, but the spotlight is now squarely on the all-new JCW lineup, which is head-turning, sharp-edged, and now officially electrified. Enter the all-electric Mini JCW (JCW E) – a car I drove on a tight gymkhana course at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland recently. It may be electric, but it has all the hallmarks of Mini's go-kart DNA, along with arguably the most desirable design in the current JCW stable. Finished in Midnight Black II, with body-coloured roof and subtle red accents (no stripes), it looks fast just standing still. From the pronounced diffuser and motorsport-style spoiler to the vertical air curtains and chequered-flag tailgate, it's unashamedly racy. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Inside, a 9.4-inch circular OLED display anchors the dash, doubling as both infotainment hub and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, trimmed in vegan leather with retro vibes and modern functions, feels fantastic in the hands. Bronze metallic accents, race-style red straps, and subtle Easter eggs bring texture, tactility and curiosity to a cabin that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of premium feel. The JCW-specific seats in black vegan leather trim with contrast stitching are equal parts comfortable and supportive, even when pushing the limits. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Under the skin, a 190kW front-mounted motor and 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery send 350Nm to the front wheels. The Mini JCW is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h, while offering a WLTP range of up to 371km. DC fast-charging at 95kW gives you 80 per cent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In Go-Kart mode, throttle response sharpens, the steering tightens, and the display glows red. A boost paddle on the wheel delivers an extra 20kW when you need it and synthesised cabin sounds (borrowed from BMW's i4 M50 playbook) add another layer of theatre. Despite being nearly 400kg heavier than the petrol JCW hatch, the electric version feels tight, responsive, and impressively agile. Revised suspension and steering calibration tame the heft. This is a genuine driver's car. Supplied Credit: CarExpert I also sampled the JCW Countryman on the same course. Built on BMW's FAAR platform that's shared with the X1, it feels every bit the muscular crossover. With 233kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-four, it's the most powerful Mini ever. And the quickest – with a 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds. It hauls. It corners. And it stops on a dime thanks to JCW Performance brakes and adaptive dampers. And it does it all while offering space for five and up to 1660 litres of boot capacity. If there's a more complete compact performance crossover out there that looks this good and goes with equal flair, I haven't met it. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Sure, the three-door JCW hatch remains the purist's pick – light, compact, and surgically precise. But as a daily weapon with all-weather confidence and punch, the Countryman has found its way onto my personal wish list. In a world of increasingly soulless EVs and anonymous electric SUVs, the 2025 Mini JCW lineup is a masterclass in how to stay fun, fast, and relevant. The badge might be small, but the experience lives large. MORE: Everything Mini
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mini's new JCW range proves lightweight thrills aren't dead in the EV age
Mini has launched its most comprehensive JCW range to date, featuring everything from smoking-hot petrol-powered hatchbacks to stylish convertibles and, for the first time ever, all-electric variants. And yes, they've never looked better, while still offering the BMW-owned small car brand's trademark go-kart handling. For as long as I can remember, the Mini Cooper S was the one to have – the spirited, tightly wound hot hatch that could out-hustle a Porsche 911 on a tight ribbon of tarmac from Monte Carlo to Mayfair. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the game changed in 2002 when BMW, which purchased the iconic British brand in 1994, introduced the first JCW tuning kit for the R50-series Mini Cooper. Born from motorsport pedigree and crafted by John Cooper's son, Mike Cooper, the JCW sub-brand evolved quickly from official aftermarket upgrade to full factory performance hero. In 2006 – the same year Alborz Fallah and I founded CarAdvice – I got behind the wheel of the first factory-built JCW: the Mini Cooper S JCW GP (R53). It was stripped out, supercharged, and stuck to the road like epoxy. Limited to just 2000 units globally, it had no rear seats and no apologies. It was brutal and brilliant. We missed a drive in the turbocharged GP2 but were there at the Nurburgring – alongside Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper and son of Mike – for the reveal of the GP3 in 2019. Charlie, now shaping the future of JCW with an eye toward electrification, remains a proper enthusiast, as evidenced by a message he sent me not long ago. "The new range of JCWs truly embodies what John Cooper Works is all about: razor-sharp handling, a proper go-kart feel that leaves a grin on your face. "The three-door hatch, with its racing pedigree, has proven itself at the hardest race in the world, securing a class victory at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing. It's not just for the road – it's born for the track." Mini Australia hasn't confirmed whether a GP4 is in the works, but the spotlight is now squarely on the all-new JCW lineup, which is head-turning, sharp-edged, and now officially electrified. Enter the all-electric Mini JCW (JCW E) – a car I drove on a tight gymkhana course at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland recently. It may be electric, but it has all the hallmarks of Mini's go-kart DNA, along with arguably the most desirable design in the current JCW stable. Finished in Midnight Black II, with body-coloured roof and subtle red accents (no stripes), it looks fast just standing still. From the pronounced diffuser and motorsport-style spoiler to the vertical air curtains and chequered-flag tailgate, it's unashamedly racy. Inside, a 9.4-inch circular OLED display anchors the dash, doubling as both infotainment hub and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, trimmed in vegan leather with retro vibes and modern functions, feels fantastic in the hands. Bronze metallic accents, race-style red straps, and subtle Easter eggs bring texture, tactility and curiosity to a cabin that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of premium feel. The JCW-specific seats in black vegan leather trim with contrast stitching are equal parts comfortable and supportive, even when pushing the limits. Under the skin, a 190kW front-mounted motor and 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery send 350Nm to the front wheels. The Mini JCW is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h, while offering a WLTP range of up to 371km. DC fast-charging at 95kW gives you 80 per cent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In Go-Kart mode, throttle response sharpens, the steering tightens, and the display glows red. A boost paddle on the wheel delivers an extra 20kW when you need it and synthesised cabin sounds (borrowed from BMW's i4 M50 playbook) add another layer of theatre. Despite being nearly 400kg heavier than the petrol JCW hatch, the electric version feels tight, responsive, and impressively agile. Revised suspension and steering calibration tame the heft. This is a genuine driver's car. I also sampled the JCW Countryman on the same course. Built on BMW's FAAR platform that's shared with the X1, it feels every bit the muscular crossover. With 233kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-four, it's the most powerful Mini ever. And the quickest – with a 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds. It hauls. It corners. And it stops on a dime thanks to JCW Performance brakes and adaptive dampers. And it does it all while offering space for five and up to 1660 litres of boot capacity. If there's a more complete compact performance crossover out there that looks this good and goes with equal flair, I haven't met it. Sure, the three-door JCW hatch remains the purist's pick – light, compact, and surgically precise. But as a daily weapon with all-weather confidence and punch, the Countryman has found its way onto my personal wish list. In a world of increasingly soulless EVs and anonymous electric SUVs, the 2025 Mini JCW lineup is a masterclass in how to stay fun, fast, and relevant. The badge might be small, but the experience lives large. MORE: Everything Mini Content originally sourced from: Mini has launched its most comprehensive JCW range to date, featuring everything from smoking-hot petrol-powered hatchbacks to stylish convertibles and, for the first time ever, all-electric variants. And yes, they've never looked better, while still offering the BMW-owned small car brand's trademark go-kart handling. For as long as I can remember, the Mini Cooper S was the one to have – the spirited, tightly wound hot hatch that could out-hustle a Porsche 911 on a tight ribbon of tarmac from Monte Carlo to Mayfair. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the game changed in 2002 when BMW, which purchased the iconic British brand in 1994, introduced the first JCW tuning kit for the R50-series Mini Cooper. Born from motorsport pedigree and crafted by John Cooper's son, Mike Cooper, the JCW sub-brand evolved quickly from official aftermarket upgrade to full factory performance hero. In 2006 – the same year Alborz Fallah and I founded CarAdvice – I got behind the wheel of the first factory-built JCW: the Mini Cooper S JCW GP (R53). It was stripped out, supercharged, and stuck to the road like epoxy. Limited to just 2000 units globally, it had no rear seats and no apologies. It was brutal and brilliant. We missed a drive in the turbocharged GP2 but were there at the Nurburgring – alongside Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper and son of Mike – for the reveal of the GP3 in 2019. Charlie, now shaping the future of JCW with an eye toward electrification, remains a proper enthusiast, as evidenced by a message he sent me not long ago. "The new range of JCWs truly embodies what John Cooper Works is all about: razor-sharp handling, a proper go-kart feel that leaves a grin on your face. "The three-door hatch, with its racing pedigree, has proven itself at the hardest race in the world, securing a class victory at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing. It's not just for the road – it's born for the track." Mini Australia hasn't confirmed whether a GP4 is in the works, but the spotlight is now squarely on the all-new JCW lineup, which is head-turning, sharp-edged, and now officially electrified. Enter the all-electric Mini JCW (JCW E) – a car I drove on a tight gymkhana course at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland recently. It may be electric, but it has all the hallmarks of Mini's go-kart DNA, along with arguably the most desirable design in the current JCW stable. Finished in Midnight Black II, with body-coloured roof and subtle red accents (no stripes), it looks fast just standing still. From the pronounced diffuser and motorsport-style spoiler to the vertical air curtains and chequered-flag tailgate, it's unashamedly racy. Inside, a 9.4-inch circular OLED display anchors the dash, doubling as both infotainment hub and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, trimmed in vegan leather with retro vibes and modern functions, feels fantastic in the hands. Bronze metallic accents, race-style red straps, and subtle Easter eggs bring texture, tactility and curiosity to a cabin that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of premium feel. The JCW-specific seats in black vegan leather trim with contrast stitching are equal parts comfortable and supportive, even when pushing the limits. Under the skin, a 190kW front-mounted motor and 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery send 350Nm to the front wheels. The Mini JCW is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h, while offering a WLTP range of up to 371km. DC fast-charging at 95kW gives you 80 per cent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In Go-Kart mode, throttle response sharpens, the steering tightens, and the display glows red. A boost paddle on the wheel delivers an extra 20kW when you need it and synthesised cabin sounds (borrowed from BMW's i4 M50 playbook) add another layer of theatre. Despite being nearly 400kg heavier than the petrol JCW hatch, the electric version feels tight, responsive, and impressively agile. Revised suspension and steering calibration tame the heft. This is a genuine driver's car. I also sampled the JCW Countryman on the same course. Built on BMW's FAAR platform that's shared with the X1, it feels every bit the muscular crossover. With 233kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-four, it's the most powerful Mini ever. And the quickest – with a 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds. It hauls. It corners. And it stops on a dime thanks to JCW Performance brakes and adaptive dampers. And it does it all while offering space for five and up to 1660 litres of boot capacity. If there's a more complete compact performance crossover out there that looks this good and goes with equal flair, I haven't met it. Sure, the three-door JCW hatch remains the purist's pick – light, compact, and surgically precise. But as a daily weapon with all-weather confidence and punch, the Countryman has found its way onto my personal wish list. In a world of increasingly soulless EVs and anonymous electric SUVs, the 2025 Mini JCW lineup is a masterclass in how to stay fun, fast, and relevant. The badge might be small, but the experience lives large. MORE: Everything Mini Content originally sourced from: Mini has launched its most comprehensive JCW range to date, featuring everything from smoking-hot petrol-powered hatchbacks to stylish convertibles and, for the first time ever, all-electric variants. And yes, they've never looked better, while still offering the BMW-owned small car brand's trademark go-kart handling. For as long as I can remember, the Mini Cooper S was the one to have – the spirited, tightly wound hot hatch that could out-hustle a Porsche 911 on a tight ribbon of tarmac from Monte Carlo to Mayfair. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the game changed in 2002 when BMW, which purchased the iconic British brand in 1994, introduced the first JCW tuning kit for the R50-series Mini Cooper. Born from motorsport pedigree and crafted by John Cooper's son, Mike Cooper, the JCW sub-brand evolved quickly from official aftermarket upgrade to full factory performance hero. In 2006 – the same year Alborz Fallah and I founded CarAdvice – I got behind the wheel of the first factory-built JCW: the Mini Cooper S JCW GP (R53). It was stripped out, supercharged, and stuck to the road like epoxy. Limited to just 2000 units globally, it had no rear seats and no apologies. It was brutal and brilliant. We missed a drive in the turbocharged GP2 but were there at the Nurburgring – alongside Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper and son of Mike – for the reveal of the GP3 in 2019. Charlie, now shaping the future of JCW with an eye toward electrification, remains a proper enthusiast, as evidenced by a message he sent me not long ago. "The new range of JCWs truly embodies what John Cooper Works is all about: razor-sharp handling, a proper go-kart feel that leaves a grin on your face. "The three-door hatch, with its racing pedigree, has proven itself at the hardest race in the world, securing a class victory at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing. It's not just for the road – it's born for the track." Mini Australia hasn't confirmed whether a GP4 is in the works, but the spotlight is now squarely on the all-new JCW lineup, which is head-turning, sharp-edged, and now officially electrified. Enter the all-electric Mini JCW (JCW E) – a car I drove on a tight gymkhana course at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland recently. It may be electric, but it has all the hallmarks of Mini's go-kart DNA, along with arguably the most desirable design in the current JCW stable. Finished in Midnight Black II, with body-coloured roof and subtle red accents (no stripes), it looks fast just standing still. From the pronounced diffuser and motorsport-style spoiler to the vertical air curtains and chequered-flag tailgate, it's unashamedly racy. Inside, a 9.4-inch circular OLED display anchors the dash, doubling as both infotainment hub and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, trimmed in vegan leather with retro vibes and modern functions, feels fantastic in the hands. Bronze metallic accents, race-style red straps, and subtle Easter eggs bring texture, tactility and curiosity to a cabin that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of premium feel. The JCW-specific seats in black vegan leather trim with contrast stitching are equal parts comfortable and supportive, even when pushing the limits. Under the skin, a 190kW front-mounted motor and 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery send 350Nm to the front wheels. The Mini JCW is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h, while offering a WLTP range of up to 371km. DC fast-charging at 95kW gives you 80 per cent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In Go-Kart mode, throttle response sharpens, the steering tightens, and the display glows red. A boost paddle on the wheel delivers an extra 20kW when you need it and synthesised cabin sounds (borrowed from BMW's i4 M50 playbook) add another layer of theatre. Despite being nearly 400kg heavier than the petrol JCW hatch, the electric version feels tight, responsive, and impressively agile. Revised suspension and steering calibration tame the heft. This is a genuine driver's car. I also sampled the JCW Countryman on the same course. Built on BMW's FAAR platform that's shared with the X1, it feels every bit the muscular crossover. With 233kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-four, it's the most powerful Mini ever. And the quickest – with a 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds. It hauls. It corners. And it stops on a dime thanks to JCW Performance brakes and adaptive dampers. And it does it all while offering space for five and up to 1660 litres of boot capacity. If there's a more complete compact performance crossover out there that looks this good and goes with equal flair, I haven't met it. Sure, the three-door JCW hatch remains the purist's pick – light, compact, and surgically precise. But as a daily weapon with all-weather confidence and punch, the Countryman has found its way onto my personal wish list. In a world of increasingly soulless EVs and anonymous electric SUVs, the 2025 Mini JCW lineup is a masterclass in how to stay fun, fast, and relevant. The badge might be small, but the experience lives large. MORE: Everything Mini Content originally sourced from: Mini has launched its most comprehensive JCW range to date, featuring everything from smoking-hot petrol-powered hatchbacks to stylish convertibles and, for the first time ever, all-electric variants. And yes, they've never looked better, while still offering the BMW-owned small car brand's trademark go-kart handling. For as long as I can remember, the Mini Cooper S was the one to have – the spirited, tightly wound hot hatch that could out-hustle a Porsche 911 on a tight ribbon of tarmac from Monte Carlo to Mayfair. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But the game changed in 2002 when BMW, which purchased the iconic British brand in 1994, introduced the first JCW tuning kit for the R50-series Mini Cooper. Born from motorsport pedigree and crafted by John Cooper's son, Mike Cooper, the JCW sub-brand evolved quickly from official aftermarket upgrade to full factory performance hero. In 2006 – the same year Alborz Fallah and I founded CarAdvice – I got behind the wheel of the first factory-built JCW: the Mini Cooper S JCW GP (R53). It was stripped out, supercharged, and stuck to the road like epoxy. Limited to just 2000 units globally, it had no rear seats and no apologies. It was brutal and brilliant. We missed a drive in the turbocharged GP2 but were there at the Nurburgring – alongside Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper and son of Mike – for the reveal of the GP3 in 2019. Charlie, now shaping the future of JCW with an eye toward electrification, remains a proper enthusiast, as evidenced by a message he sent me not long ago. "The new range of JCWs truly embodies what John Cooper Works is all about: razor-sharp handling, a proper go-kart feel that leaves a grin on your face. "The three-door hatch, with its racing pedigree, has proven itself at the hardest race in the world, securing a class victory at last year's Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing. It's not just for the road – it's born for the track." Mini Australia hasn't confirmed whether a GP4 is in the works, but the spotlight is now squarely on the all-new JCW lineup, which is head-turning, sharp-edged, and now officially electrified. Enter the all-electric Mini JCW (JCW E) – a car I drove on a tight gymkhana course at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Queensland recently. It may be electric, but it has all the hallmarks of Mini's go-kart DNA, along with arguably the most desirable design in the current JCW stable. Finished in Midnight Black II, with body-coloured roof and subtle red accents (no stripes), it looks fast just standing still. From the pronounced diffuser and motorsport-style spoiler to the vertical air curtains and chequered-flag tailgate, it's unashamedly racy. Inside, a 9.4-inch circular OLED display anchors the dash, doubling as both infotainment hub and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel, trimmed in vegan leather with retro vibes and modern functions, feels fantastic in the hands. Bronze metallic accents, race-style red straps, and subtle Easter eggs bring texture, tactility and curiosity to a cabin that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of premium feel. The JCW-specific seats in black vegan leather trim with contrast stitching are equal parts comfortable and supportive, even when pushing the limits. Under the skin, a 190kW front-mounted motor and 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery send 350Nm to the front wheels. The Mini JCW is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h, while offering a WLTP range of up to 371km. DC fast-charging at 95kW gives you 80 per cent of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In Go-Kart mode, throttle response sharpens, the steering tightens, and the display glows red. A boost paddle on the wheel delivers an extra 20kW when you need it and synthesised cabin sounds (borrowed from BMW's i4 M50 playbook) add another layer of theatre. Despite being nearly 400kg heavier than the petrol JCW hatch, the electric version feels tight, responsive, and impressively agile. Revised suspension and steering calibration tame the heft. This is a genuine driver's car. I also sampled the JCW Countryman on the same course. Built on BMW's FAAR platform that's shared with the X1, it feels every bit the muscular crossover. With 233kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-four, it's the most powerful Mini ever. And the quickest – with a 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds. It hauls. It corners. And it stops on a dime thanks to JCW Performance brakes and adaptive dampers. And it does it all while offering space for five and up to 1660 litres of boot capacity. If there's a more complete compact performance crossover out there that looks this good and goes with equal flair, I haven't met it. Sure, the three-door JCW hatch remains the purist's pick – light, compact, and surgically precise. But as a daily weapon with all-weather confidence and punch, the Countryman has found its way onto my personal wish list. In a world of increasingly soulless EVs and anonymous electric SUVs, the 2025 Mini JCW lineup is a masterclass in how to stay fun, fast, and relevant. The badge might be small, but the experience lives large. MORE: Everything Mini Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Supercar sales soaring in Australia despite cost-of-living crisis
Sales of some of the most expensive cars in Australia have soared in 2025, with April showing significant jumps for exotic sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. While Australian new vehicle sales reached a record 1,220,607 units last year, analysts predicted a sales decline into 2025, and while there have been fewer new car purchases so far this year, exotic brands continue to boom. Ferrari sales in April rose 44.4 per cent year over year – the third successive month of gains following increases of 69.2 and 22.3 per cent in February and March – with 71 cars sold so far this year. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The year-to-date gain for the Italian brand is at 12.7 per cent, made more impressive given the overall new vehicle market has fallen 5.1 per cent (not including Tesla and Polestar brands, reported separately). Ferrari is not alone, with rival Lamborghini – which posted record sales in Australia in 2024 – up 40.0 per cent in April, with 103 cars sold compared to 63 at the same point in 2024. Lamborghini's year-to-date growth so far in 2025, too, is a staggering 68.9 per cent – with only Chery (+234.0 per cent), BYD (+103.3 per cent), Mini (+71.9 per cent) and Rolls-Royce (+130.8 per cent) recording greater increases. While the Rolls-Royce figure may seem flattering given its low volumes, the BMW-owned brand has sold 30 cars in 2025 compared to 13 by the end of April 2024. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Aston Martin, too, posted 77.8 per cent growth in April, helping it to a 42.0 per cent increase compared to the first four months of 2024 and – despite having a slow April (down 27.3 per cent) – McLaren remains 33.3 per cent up so far this year. The upward trend follows trends from 2024, following the last interest rate rise in November 2023 and inflation steady with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 2.4 per cent for more than two years. While Ferrari sales grew 14.4 per cent for the full calendar year, Lamborghini set a record local sales result of 273 sales, up 13.3 per cent on the previous record of 241 set in 2023. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It wasn't all good news for high-end brands in April. Bentley saw an 8.3 per cent fall and is down 25.9 per cent year-to-date, while Maserati suffered a 44.8 per cent dive in April for a 20.0 decline so far this year. Maserati has denied repeated rumours it is for sale given a more than 50 per cent slide in global sales in 2024 and €260 million ($A455 million) loss.
The Guardian
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
Which UK carmakers will be hit hardest by Trump's latest import tariffs?
The UK's automotive sector describes itself as 'the engine room of Britain's international trade', boasting how it generates '£1 in every £8 the UK earns from exporting goods'. But the UK's carmakers – including Jaguar and Land Rover owner JLR, the BMW-owned Rolls-Royce and Mini, and Aston Martin – are weighing up the potential impact of Donald Trump's planned 25% tariffs on cars imported into the US. The new levies on cars and light trucks are due to take effect on 3 April. Of the nearly 780,000 cars produced in Britain in 2024, eight in 10 were destined for overseas, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Of the vehicles produced for international markets, almost 80% – representing 467,937 units – were exported to the top three markets: the EU, the US and China. While the EU remains the top market for British-made cars, the US is the second most important market, representing just under a fifth (16.9%) of car exports in 2024. By contrast, just 18,000 US-made vehicles were imported into the UK last year. If blanket tariffs are imposed on 3 April, the UK's car industry is likely to be caught up in them, although some in business have been holding out hope that a post-Brexit UK-US economic deal could finally be forthcoming. Most of the UK-made cars exported to the US are premium, such as Volkswagen-owned Bentley, while others are high-end vehicles such as McLaren supercars, selling just over 2,100 annually, some costing upwards of £250,000. UK-based makers of high-end cars have traditionally been more reliant on US sales, whereas high-volume car manufacturers, including Japanese companies Nissan and Toyota, have built cars in the UK for the European market. Luxury vehicle companies, some of whom have models with a starting price of £100,000 and rising to multiples of that figure, will hope they are able to pass the cost of tariffs on to wealthier customers without knocking their sales. Nissan operates the largest car plant in the UK in Sunderland, where it manufactures the Qashqai, Juke and all-electric Leaf. More than 284,000 cars rolled off the production lines there in 2024. The Sunderland plant was intended as a crucial manufacturing hub for the European market, which has remained the case since Brexit, and it does not currently export to the US market from the UK. Nissan has sizeable manufacturing operations outside Japan, particularly in the US, Mexico and China. The hybrid version of Toyota's Corolla, primarily destined for the European market, is built at the Japanese company's car plant at Burnaston in Derbyshire. More than 5m cars have rolled off the production line there since it opened in 1992, with almost 133,000 Corolla hybrid vehicles built there in the year ending March 2024. Toyota's UK arm said in its most recent set of annual accounts that the success of Corolla sales in Europe meant it expected to produce the vehicle at Burnaston for European destinations for the rest of its model life. The three- and five-door versions of the petrol Mini Cooper as well as the new Mini Cooper convertible models are all made at Mini's plant on the outskirts of Oxford. It produces cars which are destined for both the UK market and overseas, including the US. Just over 26,000 Mini brand vehicles were sold in the US in 2024, according to BMW's North American operations, although this was 21% lower than the 33,500 cars it sold there in 2023. Mini's owner, BMW, said the company 'remains committed to reducing tariffs and trade barriers between the EU and the USA, which would benefit consumers in both regions.' All of Rolls-Royce's cars are built at its manufacturing facility in Goodwood, in West Sussex. The brand, owned by Germany's BMW since 2003, sold 5,712 cars in 2024. The US is its largest sales region, although the company has previously said that global demand meant it was not dependent on any single market. The company said it was 'evaluating the announcements [on tariffs] in detail'. Crewe-based Bentley produces the company's five models including the Continental GT and the Bentayga. Owned by Germany's auto giant Volkswagen since 1998, Bentley describes itself as a 'major UK exporter', adding: 'We continue to advocate for open markets and stable trade relations. These are essential for a competitive economy and especially for the automotive industry.' Bentley delivered 10,600 vehicles in 2024, of which 30% – or 3,180 – were exported to the US. Bentley has said it will no longer disclose how many cars it produces each year. The carmaker's chief financial officer, Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, told reporters earlier in Marchthat Trump's introduction of 25% tariffs would ultimately be added on to customers' bills. 'We are assessing different scenarios on how to handle it, but it will be finally passed on to the consumer,' Lafrentz said. Aston Martin, famed as the manufacturer of cars driven by James Bond on film, makes cars at Gaydon in Warwickshire and St Athan in Wales. The US is its key market. The loss-making manufacturer generated around a third of its £1.6bn revenue for 2024 in the US, outstripping the revenue it made in the UK and Asia Pacific combined. It sold 6,030 cars in 2024, a drop of 9% on the prior year. The supercar maker produced 2,137 cars in 2023, the last year for which figures are available, of which just over a third, or 787 vehicles, were exported to North America, by far its most important overseas market. McLaren said deliveries across the Atlantic jumped in the first three months of 2024, when there was 'strong uptake' of its 750S Coupe and Spider models, all produced at its factory in Woking, Surrey.
