Mini Adds John Cooper Works Edition to Countryman

Two firsts are coming to Mini's John Cooper Works line: all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Mini is combining the sportiness of its John Cooper Works package with the off-road ability of its SUV with the new Countryman John Cooper Works. John Cooper Works models add race-inspired performance and cosmetic enhancements to Mini's Cooper and Clubman coupes and convertibles. For 2013, it's being offered on Mini's Countryman compact SUV. The new Countryman model retains the compact SUV's all-wheel-drive system, but it uses an updated powertrain: a 211-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Mini says it can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. It joins the Countryman's two other engines: a 121-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a 181-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. This same engine makes 208 hp in Cooper John Cooper Works versions of Mini coupes and convertibles and in the Mini Cooper Roadster. Features specific to the Countryman John Cooper Works include a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, an aerodynamic body kit, 18-inch light-alloy wheels with black rim wells, sport seats, a sport exhaust system with chrome tailpipes and John Cooper Works logos inside and out. Chili Red is a newly available interior and exterior color, exclusive to John Cooper Works models. Mini expects to launch the Countryman John Cooper Works edition in the fall. Prices have are not yet available, but the John Cooper Works trim adds $6,500 to the turbocharged S version of the Mini Clubman's base price. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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