Mini previews John Cooper Works concept before Detroit auto show

A new Mini John Cooper Works concept will bow at the Detroit auto show in January. It gets exclusive gray paintwork, red accents, new aerodynamics and new 18-inch JCW light alloy wheels.

Mini says the concept has a longer wheelbase and wider track than the outgoing model, which is hardly surprising -- the Mini gets less Mini every year. What is surprising is that the concept has lost weight.

The JCW concept gets new air intakes in place of fog lights, and a general reworking of the bumper all around. LED headlights and a black grille surround complete the package in front.

The “Bright Highways” gray paint is made with a special manufacturing process that gives it the look of brushed aluminum, or aluminium, as the Brits say. “Chili” red stripes run across the hood and rear. Red accents are also present on the wheels, calipers, turn signal surrounds and contour lines.

The tailpipes are made from carbon fiber and sport the JCW logo on top. Mini says a new engine soundtrack will come with the vehicle.

The last JCW mini came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter making 211 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, plenty for the 2,612-pound hatch. With upgrades all around, we’d be surprised if the engine compartment didn’t get a boost as well.

We’ll find out more at the Detroit auto show.

The North American International Auto Show, known to most as the Detroit auto show, continues to serve as a barometer for the entire industry. This year, we'll expect to see the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 2015 Ford Mustang and the BMW M3 and M4. The 2014 Detroit auto show is held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, MI and is open to the public from January 18-26.

Mini

By Jake Lingeman