Mini Countryman John Cooper Works edition revealed prior to Geneva show

Mini has revealed the new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works edition, which comes with all-wheel drive and an improved engine making 211 hp. It debuted on Tuesday ahead of its live reveal next week at the Geneva motor show.

The Countryman JCW edition will be the first of the performance Minis to offer an automatic transmission in place of the standard six-speed.

The engine, now with a variable valve control system based on BMW's Valvetronic technology, gets a boost of turbocharged horsepower, to 211 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 207 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm to 5,600 rpm. It also has reinforced pistons and intake valves.

The Countryman JCW can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds with a standard six-speed, and in 7.5 seconds with the automatic.

Standard features include 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, sport seats, a dark speedometer and rpm gauge and an anthracite-colored roofliner.

The Mini Countryman John Cooper Works edition will be available this fall.

By David Arnouts