With an all-new MINI Cooper on the way for 2014, it’s time to start figuring out how to make it hotter. At least that’s the way MINI thinks, and so the next John Cooper Works edition is already in the works, as indicated by the John Cooper Works Concept that the brand is preparing for the North American International Auto Show in January.
The John Cooper Works Concept applies the familiar themes of previous JCW models to the latest MINI, with race-ready handling and more performance coupled to familiar body modifications. The gray paint with red accents, unique spoiler and other aerodynamic features and light-alloy eighteen-inch wheels from the John Cooper Works are all familiar enough to make you feel like you’ve seen this concept before.
The new MINI’s wider track and longer wheelbase are put to good use, with a lowered suspension and big, red-painted brake calipers. The same red is used for the stripes, mirror caps and roof spoiler. Other aesthetic upgrades are also functional, from the air intakes replacing the fog lights to the air diffuser on the redesigned rear apron. A center-exiting dual exhaust provides a unique sound. The paint has a unique hand-polished surface for a multi-layered effect.
All of the upgrades featured on the MINI John Cooper Works Concept are taken directly from the current and past John Cooper Works models, and is a pretty solid indicator that there will be a new JCW model coming shortly. We’ll get a closer look when the car hits the podium in Detroit in a month.