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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $34,300 |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2811 |
| City (MPG) | 25 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 33 |
| Horsepower | 208@6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 192@1850-5600 |
| Wheelbase | 97.1 |
| Length (in.) | 146.8 |
| Width (in.) | 66.3 |
| Height (in.) | 55.7 |
The John Cooper Works Convertible is the most powerful four-seat drop-top in MINI’s lineup. Based on the convertible variant of the standard MINI Cooper, its highlights include a high-output turbocharged four-cylinder, upgraded suspension components and an open-air motoring experience.
MINI says it engineered the JCW Convertible to deliver the same go-kart like handling as its hardtop counterpart -- something not all convertibles manage to do effectively. MINI developed an extra-stiff chassis for the convertible, which provides sharp responses and good crash protection. Also giving a boost to handling and safety are Brembo four-piston front brake calibers with ventilated 12.4-inch discs. As with all MINI models, the steering is accurate and communicative, the suspension is biased towards handling and the overall dynamic character is nimble and playful.
The car's canvas roof takes just 15 seconds to open or close, and comes with a unique sunroof that provides a semi-open-air experience when dropping the whole roof is just too much. Not all convertibles offer a heated rear window, but that comes standard on the JCW Convertible.
Small convertible, big power
Under the JCW Convertible’s bonnet is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder motor complete with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. Maximum output is 208 horsepower all the way from 1,850 to 5,600 rpm, while the peak torque figure of 192 pound-feet increasing can be briefly increased to 207 lb-ft thanks to an “overboost” mode. As the JCW Convertible is a performance-minded model, the only transmission is a six-speed unit of the manual variety.
While those output numbers might not seem like much in today’s horsepower-crazed world, they are enough to allow the sprightly JCW Convertible to sprint from zero-to-60 mpg in a scant 6.6 seconds on the way to a 146 mph top speed.
A decided advantage of the car’s compact dimensions, small engine and low curb weight is outstanding fuel economy: the EPA estimates that the JCW Convertible will return 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
When sipping fuel is not your primary concern, the JCW Convertible offers a "Sport" mode with the push of a button. When engaged, this mode will optimize acceleration and tighten up the steering for maximum fun.
Standard and optional features
The JCW Convertible comes standard with manually-adjustable cloth sports seats, a tilt/telescope steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons, a six-speaker stereo with AM/FM/CD and Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio Technology, stainless steel pedals, a start-top button, A/C and power windows and locks.
There are a host of optional features to choose from. Stand-alone features include leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable seats, a sport suspension, a comfort access system, rear park distance control, a Harmon/Kardon sound system, a navigation system, automatic climate control and more. It should be noted that many of these items can be bundled together in equipment packages at a lower cost than purchasing them individually.
Additionally, a wide variety of racing stripes, graphics and unique upholstery options are available for customers desirous of additional personalization.
Occupant safety
The JCW Convertible is fitted with standard safety technology such as dual front and side-impact airbags, traction and stability control systems and electronic brake-force distribution.
Key competitors
High-performance compact or subcompact cars are hard enough to find in the U.S. market, let alone those without a roof. That said, the MINI Cooper JCW Convertible is likely cross-shopped with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, other MINI models or possibly larger drop-tops such as the Ford Mustang GT Convertible or Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible.
Similar Cars
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2013 Ford Mustang Convertible
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2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
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2012 Nissan 370Z Roadster
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2012 Volkswagen Eos
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2012 BMW 1-Series Convertible
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2012 Audi A5 Convertible
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2012 Audi TT Roadster
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2012 MINI Cooper Convertible
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2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible
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2012 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
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2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
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2012 Volvo C70
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2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible
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2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible
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2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
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- General
- Body Style: Convertible
- Size: Compact
- Market Segment: Sports
- Weight: 2811 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 146.8 in.
- Width: 66.3 in.
- Height: 55.7 in.
- Wheelbase: 97.1 in.
- Ground Clearance: TBD
- Front Track: 57.2 in.
- Rear Track: 57.5 in.
- Weight Distribution: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: 0.37
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 4
- Passenger Volume: TBD
- Cargo Volume: 9.2 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: TBD
- Head Room: 38.4 in.
- Shoulder Room: 50.3 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: TBD
- Head Room: 38.5 in.
- Shoulder Room: 39.2 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 1.6L I4
- Power: 208 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 1850-5600 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: 33 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
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- Wheels
- Front: 17" Aluminum
- Front Tires: 205/45 R17
- Rear: 17" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: 205/45 R17
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: N/A
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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