In China, automakers are required to submit vehicle information and design specifications before that vehicle can be approved for sale in the country, and thanks to this rule, we now have an early look at the new Mini Electric Hardtop in sporty John Cooper Works form. Thanks to the information submitted to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, we also know some important technical details.
According to the filing, the Mini JCWe hatch will feature a single motor on the front axle delivering 255 horsepower, an increase of 40 hp. Torque figures were not revealed, but recent reports suggest the EV will generate 235 lb-ft, which is less than the gas-powered JCW Hardtop.
The JCW EV Is Heavier Than The Regular One
We also now know that the hot EV weighs 3,682 lbs, but this figure may change slightly with country-specific adjustments to safety tech and battery makeup. This makes it 143 lbs heavier than the SE trim. In terms of its other dimensions we’re looking at the following:
- Length: 152 inches
- Width: 69.1 inches
- Height: 57.4 inches
As a matter of interest, the electric motor will be shared with the JCW Aceman, whose information was also submitted to the MIIT.
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This makes the hot Aceman considerably less powerful than the combustion-powered JCW Countryman, which produces up to 312 hp. No acceleration figures were provided by either vehicle, but we expect the JCWe Hardtop to achieve 0-60 in under six seconds, and the Aceman will likely be close behind. In Europe, the former will do battle with the freshly launched Alpine A290, which is roughly 422 lbs lighter but only generates 220 hp/221 lb-ft of torque.
Sporty Styling
The images of the three-door hatchback reveal that the EV will have a massive grille-like panel dominating its front fascia, making it resemble a surprised catfish somewhat. The lower section of this panel is functional and the new JCW logo sits offset to the driver’s side (speaking of, the cabin hasn’t been revealed, but those seats look lovely). A pronounced lower side intake with a red accent leads the eye backward to the arches, within which 18-inch wheels and red brake calipers are housed. The rocker panel features an upturned flock at the rear arch, which gives us Mini John Cooper Works GP vibes, much like the rear spoiler that helps separate the glasshouse from the roof and body.
At the back, a checkered flag has inspired a motif in the black trunk panel between the taillights, and lower down, a large diffuser panel with a central reverse light and vertical reflectors on each end keeps the overall look compact but imposing. We’ll have to wait for the EV’s launch to get more information, but for now, this looks like a very attractive electric hot hatch. In the meantime, there’s a new JCW trim that apes the higher-performance model in looks only.
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