Fresh off the heels of the Cooper Convertible's debut in Detroit, Mini will debut the racing-derived John Cooper Works variant of the drop-top. It's more powerful, faster and of course, more expensive than the comparatively run-of-the-mill Mini Cooper S Convertible due out next month.
Like the two other models from JCW -- the Cooper JCW and Clubman JCW -- the convertible receives all the uprated components derived from Cooper's racing tenure. Stiffer springs and dampers, bigger yet lighter 17-in alloys, stickier rubber, bigger brakes and let's not forget, a more powerful turbocharged powertrain, are all included in the range-topping edition.
Under the hood, engineers optimized the supply and extraction of air from the intake and exhaust system to improve power to the direct-injected 1.6L four-cylinder. A more robust twin-scroll turbocharger running at 1.3 bar of boost was bolted on and is good for a maximum 208 hp at 6000 rpm and 207 lb-ft at 2000-5300 rpm (with overboost). Mini claims the JCW-prepped convertible can hit 60 mph in 6.6 sec and a top speed of 146 mph, all the while achieving an EPA rated 26 mpg city/ 34 mpg highway. In true JCW fashion, only a six-speed manual transmission will be available.
Inside, all the quirky Mini-esque tidbits such including its aviator-style window switches and huge instrument displays make their way into the JCW drop-top. Appropriate badging inside and out clearly indicates this little Mini is not the garden variety Cooper 'Vert.
U.S. deliveries are slated for this April at a price of $34,950 (including destination and handling), or around $7500 more than the 2009 Cooper S Convertible.

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