MINI’s John Cooper Works (JCW) could soon become a proper sub-brand like BMW M GmbH.
According to Car & Driver, MINI CEO – and former BMW M boss – Kay Segler wants to position future JCW vehicles as standalone products rather than just S models with performance packages. The magazine says this could result in highly-modified engines with unique internals or a larger displacement.
For the time being, models besides the Countryman will remain front-wheel drive. However, JCW variants could eventually be offered with a hybrid all-wheel drive system which has a petrol engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear wheels.
Despite the increased performance, upcoming JCW vehicles could get a price drop to make them more competitive. This would be a welcome change since the entry-level Cooper JCW costs about as much as a BMW 1-Series Coupe in some countries.
