Latest News
The forthcoming Mini SUV could get a John Cooper Works version after the company said it is planning to do a JCW model for every future Mini variant.
Although Mini sources stopped short of confirming such a model is in the product plan, saying only that 'performance' versions were already testing at the Nurburgring, the SUV will be launched next year and it’s likely a JCW model will appear either towards the end of 2010 or early 2011.
Currently known as Cross, the four-wheel drive Mini is based on the platform used on the Clubman and Mini hatch, re-engineered for four-wheel drive. A two-wheel drive Cross is also under development, and it could be this car that gets the JCW treatment.
The production Cross will look a lot like the Crossman concept seen at last year’s Paris motor show, but will lose much of the more extravagant detailing such as the parallelogram hinges on the split rear doors. The doors themselves will become a conventional single piece hatch, although they may retain the concept’s wind-down window.
Mini is also evaluating high-performance diesel models, but these cars are more likely to be pitched at Cooper S level rather than being full-on JCW diesels. However, there will not be a diesel Mini convertible in this generation of cars.
Dan Stevens
Your Say
Comments: 29 Join the discussion
News archive
Today's hottest stories
Join the debate
Our Say
Autocar's team blogs.
Your Say
Join the debate in our forums.
