Let’s face it: MINI’s John Cooper Works Concept looks hotter than the GTI

By Davis Adams Published January 14, 2014

This time next month, we’ll jump behind the wheel of the all-new MINI Cooper Hardtop for the first time. To up the ante on our anticipation, MINI unveiled its performance-oriented John Cooper Works Concept at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Following suit with the new MINI, The JCW Concept is slightly longer and wider than past Cooper Works cars, which should benefit its go-kart-like handling. While MINI hasn’t announced the performance specs on the JCW Concept, we have big hopes for the hot hatch. Both the new Cooper and Cooper S models have more torque and more power, so we’re going to assume that the new JCW model will see more than its former 208 horsepower, too.

Aerodynamic bits help set the JCW apart from the standard models. There are larger air dams up front, contoured side skirts, and a rear apron with diffuser, all unique to the Cooper Works Concept. We’re also smitten by the Bright Highways Grey hand-polished paintwork, which gives off the illusion that concept is made of brushed stainless steel.

With a concept that looks this close to production-ready, we don’t expect much to change in terms of aesthetics for the JCW Cooper that will debut on showroom floors. However, we’ll be curious to see how this car’s new drivetrain sizes up against other hot hatches like the VW GTI.

Let us know what you think of the MINI John Cooper Works Concept in the comments below.

Check out all of DT’s coverage from the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

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Whether you're talking about gadgets or cars, Davis always seems to prefer "next year's models." He's a neophile to the core…

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