2020 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
45The British premium car manufacturer MINI presents what is by some measure the most powerful models ever approved for public road use in the brand’s sixty year history. The 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (fuel consumption combined: 7.4 – 7.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 169 – 161 g/km) and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman (fuel consumption combined: 7.3 – 6.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 166 –156 g/km) both display outstanding performance in the compact premium segment. In both models, the extraordinarily powerful engine is combined as standard with a new 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, including mechanical differential lock on the front axle, an ALL4 all-wheel drive system, a specifically engineered chassis, and additional reinforcement modifications for the body structure, engine connection and chassis fastenings. This enables the John Cooper Works racing sensation to attain a completely new dimension of performance.
In these brand new versions of the two top sports models, both the individual six door model with its extreme driving fun and the robust all-rounder provide a challenging performance experience. The latest generation of the 4-cylinder engine developed for the John Cooper Works models with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology surpasses that of the previous drive by as much as 55 kW/75 hp at maximum output. Maximum torque has increased by 100 Nm to 450 Nm, and acceleration performance has also risen commensurately. The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman turns in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman achieving the same in 5.1 seconds – 1.4 and 1.5 seconds faster than in the respective previous models. The elasticity of the two models has never been as impressive as it is now.
With the concentrated power of their new engine and its optimised ability to transfer its output onto either a road surface or loose terrain, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman have assured their places in the leading line-up of sport models in the compact segment. And within the MINI model range, these two top athletes have never been more deserving of their top positions. Compared to the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman, output has risen from its previous level of 29 kW/39 hp to 84 kW/114 hp. The resulting superior performance characteristics are accompanied by a range of model-specific design and equipment features that successfully underline the exclusive and rarefied nature of these two John Cooper Works models.
The ALL4 all-wheel drive system plays a central role in optimising the cars’ traction, agility and driving stability; it is part of the standard equipment of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and was comprehensively redeveloped for the new edition of both models. The compact and weight-optimised all-wheel drive consists of a power take-off on the front axle transmission, a two-section propeller shaft, and rear axle transmission with an electrohydraulically regulated hang-on clutch. The intelligent controller of the ALL4 system is interconnected with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control and constantly calculates the ideal power distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. This means that the outstanding engine power is always channelled to the place where it can be most effectively and efficiently translated into driving fun.
In normal driving conditions with the DSC activated, it transmits the drive torque in the brand-typical manner to the front wheels. This allows the engine power to be converted into forward propulsion with maximum efficiency. But if the DSC controller detects a danger of slip on the front wheels, within a fraction of a second, the hang-on clutch will transfer the drive torque to the rear wheels with the aid of an electrohydraulic pump.
The most recent development in the ALL4 system was precisely coordinated with the extremely high engine output and enhanced drive dynamic potential of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. It consists of a reinforced gear set for the power take-off, a larger flexible disc for the propeller shaft leading to the rear wheels, and specific rear drive shafts with greater torsional rigidity.
The new, model-specific drive unit mountings are also of benefit to the increased precision in dynamic driving situations. The increased spring rate of the engine and transmission bearings results in a tauter connection between the drive units and the vehicle structure. This creates an effective acoustic barrier and optimises the reaction moment in particularly sporty manoeuvres. The new mounting also has a positive effect on both direct steering in bends and the response characteristics of the engine
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