Saturday, November 10, 2007

First Photos Leaked of John Cooper Works MINI Clubman



Hot on the heels of yesterday's sneak peek at John Cooper Work's uprated styling and tuning kit for the MINI Cooper S are these leaked official pictures of a re-worked Clubman, set to premiere at next year's Geneva Motor Show.

Drawing on its three-doored sibling for inspiration, the Clubman by JCW incorporates a new front bumper, (redundant) air scoop, carbon fibre mirrors and new exhaust tips. A unique stripe design has been applied, stretching from above the grille and over the bonnet, while it continues double-striped over the rear. Red brake callipers feature under extra light-weight 18-inch alloy wheels, for more precise road handling ability.

Power is expected to be hiked to near 215 hp from the MINI's 1.6-litre tubrocharged unit, in line with that of the JCW Cooper S hatchback. Torque is to rise to around 200 lb.-ft.

Further modifications such as carbon fibre instruments and switchgear can be expected, while an F1-style light on the instrument cluster indicating optimum gear shift time is also likely to feature. Stay tuned for more details ahead of the car's debut at Geneva next Spring.