BMW SA has launched John Cooper Works tuning kits for the Mini Cooper and Cooper S models. With a higher-revving supercharger fitted, the tuned Cooper S pumps out 147 kW and can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6,7 seconds.
BMW SA has launched John Cooper Works tuning kits for the Mini Cooper and Cooper S models. With a higher-revving supercharger fitted, the tuned Cooper S pumps out 147 kW and can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6,7 seconds.
Ever since the latest incarnation of the Mini came to fruition, John Cooper Works have been developing tune-ups with the intention to rush the little cars to the nearest racetrack. In the ‘Sixties, British motorsport legend and F1 kingpin Cooper achieved many successes with the Mini Cooper, which was based on the standard Mini, at racetracks and rally courses. The Mini Cooper won the Monte Carlo Rally between 1964 and 1967 three times.
Even though the Mini Cooper was discontinued by BMC in 1971 after 150 000 units had been produced, Cooper produced tuning kits and accessories in the ‘Eighties for turning the Mini into the Mini Cooper.
Mike Cooper, son of John Cooper, now heads John Cooper Works and was in Durban for the launch of the cars at the weekend. And the result of his work was very apparent – the tuned six-speed Cooper S has the tautness, handling and, above all, soundtrack, to do follow in the footsteps of any of its highly-rated predecessors.
To use the new supercharger with the higher revs and load pressure, modifications to the cylinder head and the engine electronics were necessary. A special rear silencer gives the car a powerful acoustic impact.
BMW SA claims that the tuned Cooper S will deliver 147 kW at 6 950 r/min and reach a top speed of 226 km/h. The engine develops 240 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min and the little rocket can accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in 5,6 seconds!
The John Cooper Works tuning kit for the Cooper comprises a modified cylinder head with higher compression, altered engine electronics, and special air filter and rear silencer.
The tuned Cooper develops 93 kW at 5 750 r/min and maximum torque of 155 N.m at 4 700 r/min. BMW SA claims the John Cooper Works Cooper will achieve a top speed of 204 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,9 seconds. The burst from 80 to 120 km/h in fourth gear takes about 10 seconds.
The John Cooper Works Cooper and Cooper S tuning kits are available from all Mini dealers and may be fitted to new as well as used cars. Warranty and Motorplan benefits are not affected by the JCW tuning kits as they are fully factory approved. Service intervals remain unchanged and in the case of used cars, existing Motorplan benefits still apply.
Prices (including installation) for are: R26 500 (Cooper) and R43 285 (Cooper S). The standard Cooper costs R164 900, the Cooper CVT R175 400 and Cooper S R206 100.
