Mini is gearing up to showcase the future of its John Cooper Works program at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the new Mini Cooper JCW E, an electric hot hatch. While technical details are still under wraps, Mini has hinted that the JCW E will feature an advanced electric powertrain, suggesting it will offer more power than the 215bhp Mini Cooper SE.
Mini product line boss Stefan Floeck has previously stated that the JCW E will be engineered to deliver similar performance to its internal combustion engine counterpart. The Cooper SE, for reference, can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, while the previous-generation petrol JCW achieved it in 6.1 seconds.
Floeck has also indicated that the JCW E will remain a front-wheel-drive vehicle with a single motor. He emphasized the benefits of this configuration, such as a lower center of gravity due to the battery placement. While the Cooper EV platform can accommodate dual-motor powertrains, Mini has not yet confirmed whether the JCW E will adopt this setup.
To maintain the iconic “go-kart feeling” that defines the Mini brand, Floeck highlighted the importance of weight balance and a low center of gravity. He mentioned that the JCW E will have a higher weight due to the battery but assured that it will be addressed through the use of different tires with a larger diameter.
The JCW E will be officially revealed in full later this year. Mini enthusiasts and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike can look forward to experiencing the electrified version of this iconic hot hatch, which promises to deliver thrilling performance while adhering to Mini’s core values of agility and driving dynamics.
