Key Takeaways
- Mini’s first electric John Cooper works model to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
- The E Prototype, as it’s known, will take on the famed hill climb, demonstrating its performance prowess for showgoers.
- The all-electric Mini will be revealed in the spring alongside a gas-powered Mini JCW variant.
Mini is preparing to unveil its first-ever electric John Cooper works model. Due to be revealed in the fall, the electric hot hatch will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this month, where it will participate in the hill climb event.
The electric JCW will debut in E Prototype guise, with the production-ready model waiting in the wings. Mini introduced several new electric cars in the past year, but this model is particularly significant, representing JCW’s leap into electrification. Before the traditionalists panic, Mini also plans to offer gas-powered JCW models.
Special Livery Pays Tribute To A Rally Champion
Mini will pay tribute to its racing heritage with a livery inspired by the Cooper S that won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. The E Prototype has a prominent ’37’ logo and an eye-catching camouflage design. Fans of the Mini brand – and electric car skeptics – will be able to see the high-performance EV race up the hill climb. It certainly won’t set any records, but the winding track will be well-suited to the little Mini.
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This won’t be the first time a new JCW prototype will be shown to the public. Last month, the ICE version was showcased at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Mini is clearly trying to cultivate a following among motorsport and performance car fans, two groups that are likely to be most interested in the Mini John Cooper Works duo.
Sporty Styling Sets The JCW Apart From Lesser Minis
The JCW E Prototype may share its bare bones with the regular Cooper Electric, but some differences set the two apart. For a start, the JCW receives more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a blacked-out front panel, and prominent side skirts. At the rear, a diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler set the sporty model apart from the rest of the range.
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All-New Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop Gets Sporty JCW Trim
If you want JCW style but don’t require more performance, this package is for you.
Mini has made no mention of the performance capabilities, but we anticipate the JCW E Prototype will pack a mighty punch in production form. The standard Cooper SE produces 215 horsepower, while the gas-powered Cooper S has 201 hp. The outgoing JCW model offered up 228 ponies, so we can expect the E Prototype to have at least 250 hp. It’s worth noting that a JCW convertible is also in the cards, expanding the JCW lineup further.
