Mini is gearing up to unveil a prototype of the upcoming John Cooper Works E at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom, scheduled from July 11-14. This model represents the new high-performance iteration of the electric Cooper hatch.
The most recent Cooper has been released with variants powered by both electricity and gasoline, and the JCW edition will also feature both propulsion systems. The official launch is set for the autumn season.
Distinctly, the latest Cooper gasoline and electric models are constructed on different platforms. While the gasoline iterations make use of an enhanced version of the previous-generation Cooper’s platform, the electric variants are based on a fresh dedicated EV platform jointly developed by Mini and Great Wall Motors. This specific framework delineation will persist for the JCWs as well.
No specific details have been disclosed by Mini regarding the JCWs; however, the gasoline variation is expected to retain the 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine from its predecessor, potentially with a slightly enhanced power output surpassing the previous model’s 228-hp mark. Propulsion is anticipated to be directed solely to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Mini John Cooper Works E prototype to debut at 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The electric JCW variant is expected to integrate a 54.2-kwh battery, the largest currently utilized in the electric Cooper range, combined with a single electric motor positioned at the front axle. The highest-performing electric Cooper presently available is the 215-hp Cooper SE grade, with the JCW likely to offer even greater performance.
Mini has only confirmed the availability of the gasoline-powered Cooper for the United States market. It will be introduced to showrooms later this year in the form of a 2025 model, initially in standard Cooper and sportier Cooper S versions.
Production of all electric Cooper editions is exclusively carried out in China, signifying that importing these models into the United States will incur substantial tariffs. Consequently, Mini is expected to hold off on U.S. distribution until EV production commences at the automaker’s U.K. facility, where the gasoline Coopers are assembled. This manufacturing shift is currently slated for 2026.
