As elsewhere, driving fun, premium quality and individuality MINI-style are proving to be an increasingly popular commodity in China as well. And customers with a taste for something extra can now also express their passion for motor sport through their choice of car in the small/compact segment, as MINI’s John Cooper Works sub-brand celebrates its Chinese premiere.
Five John Cooper Works models will line up at the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition ahead of an imminent market launch in China. These ultra-sporty cars stand apart from the crowd not only with powertrain and chassis technology developed on the back of established racing expertise, but also thanks to bespoke exterior and interior design features that ensure the special character of the five elite athletes is instantly recognisable.
The launch of John Cooper Works models in China means that customers here, too, will get to sample the feeling of the race track carried over to the road. And they will be able to soak up the experience in a variety of models: the range comprises the MINI John Cooper Works, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. Each of these sporting thoroughbreds boasts its own individual character and each can claim racing genes that put intoxicating performance capability at the driver’s fingertips.
As well as the Chinese premiere of the John Cooper Works sub-brand, MINI is also treating its Shanghai audience to a selection of design and individualisation attractions. An impressively stylish example comes in the form of the brand’s latest design model, the MINI Clubman Bond Street, which celebrates its Asian premiere at Auto Shanghai 2013. Visitors to the show, which runs from 21 – 29 April 2013, will also be greeted by new additions to the Original MINI Accessories and MINI Lifestyle ranges, as well as the latest innovations from MINI Connected.
Unmistakable design, individual style, premium quality and advanced technology designed to increase driving fun and efficiency underpin the status of MINI as a one-off in the premium small car segment. And the latest additions to its model range have ensured increasing demand among cutting-edge and discerning target groups in China, too, for the time-honoured British brand’s cars. MINI sold more than 15,500 cars in mainland China in 2012, an increase of exactly 50 per cent over the previous year. All of which means China once again generated the strongest sales growth for MINI brand cars worldwide. Fuelled by the launch of the MINI Paceman and the John Cooper Works models, this record of success may well continue in 2013.
Lining up with racing genes: the John Cooper Works models.
The John Cooper Works badge is found on models that are inspired by motor sport, both technically and in terms of design, and tailored precisely to the MINI character. The John Cooper name has been closely connected with the sporting heritage of the brand for more than 50 years now. Indeed, it was with the classic Mini that the legendary sports car designer laid the foundations for extraordinary success in motor sport and enhanced driving fun on the road. Today, the John Cooper Works brand logo represents a guarantee of outstanding sports performance working in harmony with the high quality standards of MINI.
The John Cooper Works models whip the hallmark MINI sensation of driving fun into a full-blooded race feeling, stoked by supreme performance and thrillingly precise handling properties. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine bolstered by numerous technical details sourced directly from motor sport competition lays on wonderfully vivacious power development. It produces a maximum 155 kW in the MINI John Cooper Works, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, or 160 kW in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman, which are fitted with ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard. Also included as standard in the John Cooper Works models on sale in China is a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Other key elements of the unique character of John Cooper Works models include a chassis configuration tuned precisely to the engine’s output, extremely powerful brakes, an aerodynamic kit, exclusive light-alloy wheels and bespoke design cues for the exterior and interior. Emphasising the sports car ambience in the cockpit are features including sports seats, a sports steering wheel, Piano Black interior trim strips, dark dials for the speedometer and rev counter, and an anthracite-coloured roof liner.
Blending a sense of style with an awareness of tradition: the MINI Clubman Bond Street.
MINI is delivering an eye-catching statement of signature charisma and premium quality at Auto Shanghai 2013 with the presentation of the MINI Clubman Bond Street. Exclusive design and equipment features make this new design model a purpose-built ambassador for the British way of life and premium quality, MINI-style. Its Midnight Black metallic paintwork teams up with the Cool Champagne contrast colour for the roof, exterior mirror caps, lower sections of the C-pillars and bonnet stripes to provide a striking showcase for the dynamically flowing body lines and extended wheelbase.
And, like the range of high-quality equipment provided, the bespoke interior colour and materials concept – which includes exclusively designed sports seats and a leather-covered instrument panel – makes the perfect fit for the generous levels of on-board spaciousness. Two engine variants of the MINI Clubman Bond Street will be available to customers in China; the design model can be ordered either in MINI Cooper Clubman form (developing 88 kW) or in 135 kW MINI Cooper S Clubman specification.
