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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $35,200 |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2767 |
| City (MPG) | 25 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 33 |
| Horsepower | 208@6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 192@1850-5600 |
| Wheelbase | 97.1 |
| Length (in.) | 148.0 |
| Width (in.) | 66.3 |
| Height (in.) | 54.8 |
The John Cooper Works Roadster is the all-out performance version of MINI’s most sporting convertible model. Tthe JCW Roadster is focused less on horsepower than on nimble handling dynamics and unique looks that blend traditional, quirky MINI styling cues with a newfound athleticism.
The two-seat JCW Roadster is heavily based on the JCW Coupe, which in turn borrows handling-enhancing components such as rigid, reinforced rocker sills from the four-seat JCW Convertible. This convoluted lineage essentially means that the JCW Roadster and JCW Convertible models share most of their major mechanical bits, yet MINI says the JCW Roadster is different thanks to an emphasis on performance and style over practicality.
Like all Roadsters, the JCW Roadster is distinguished from its drop-top kin by a more steeply raked windshield, a 0.9-inch lower roof and structural bracing (and storage space for the convertible top) where the rear seats would be in the normal Convertible. The top is a lightweight unit that can be raised or lowered manually, a task made easier by button-activated pneumatic springs that release the top from its stowage well and bring it into a more easily reachable position.
Unlike the multiple contrasting-color roof options for its Coupe sibling, the JCW Roadster’s top comes only in black. From the waist down, the car looks like a normal JCW Coupe model, but the steeply sloping convertible top and stubby trunk set it apart.
Truncated though it may be, the trunk is capable of holding a useful 8.5 cubic feet of cargo whether the top is up or down, and its usefulness is extended by a pass-through feature that allows the storage of long items such as skies. The passenger compartment utilizes the traditionally quirky Mini control and instrumentation layout, with an enormous speedometer in the center of the dash and a steering-column mounted tachometer. In keeping with the nature of the car, sport seats are fitted as standard.
The JCW Roadster utilizes a turbocharged and direct-fuel injected 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder with parent company BMW’s flexible VALVETRONIC variable valve timing technology. The mill makes a front-tire endangering 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque at 1,850-5,600 revs, the latter of which can be increased to 207 lb-ft in overboost mode for short periods of time, good for a quoted zero-to-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available.
Although far from slow, some competitors can offer significantly quicker acceleration than the JCW Roadster, although the car is set apart by its go-kart-like handling, which is aided by an Electronic Differential Lock Control system that apportions power as necessary between the two front wheels to maximize traction. Also helping the car’s moves is a spoiler built into the tailgate that automatically raises above 50 mph to provide up to 88 pounds of extra downforce.
Standard and Optional Features
Befitting the brand’s quasi-premium intentions, the John Cooper Works Roadster features a healthy list of standard equipment including speed-sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection.
Options include park distance control, adaptive headlights, comfort access, automatic climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, a navigation system, and MINI Connected, which has features like web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds, Mission Control, and in-car use of Facebook and Twitter.
Additionally, a wide variety of racing stripes, graphics and unique upholstery options are available for customers desirous of additional personalization.
Safety
In the event of a collision, the Coupe John Cooper Roadster comes equipped with dual front and head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests and protect the head, upper body and hip area from injury in the event of a side impact. In the event of a rollover, the car comes prepared with an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars that protect occupants’ heads.
Helping to prevent a crash in the first place are traction and stability control systems as well as ABS and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
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 Roadster 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.
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- General
- Body Style: Roadster
- Size: Sub-Compact
- Market Segment: Sports
- Weight: 2767 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 148.0 in.
- Width: 66.3 in.
- Height: 54.8 in.
- Wheelbase: 97.1 in.
- Ground Clearance: TBD
- Front Track: 57.2 in.
- Rear Track: 57.5 in.
- Weight Distribution: 61.8/38.2
- Drag Coefficient: 0.36
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 2
- Passenger Volume: TBD
- Cargo Volume: TBD
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: TBD
- Head Room: 39.6 in.
- Shoulder Room: 50.3 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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