Mini to Use Rolls Royce-Prepped Goodwood as a Sub-brand for Bespoke Models

In the same way the John Cooper Works moniker designates high-performance models, Mini plans to use the Goodwood name as a sub-brand for high-end luxury versions of its cars. According to British magazine Autocar, which quotes sources from within the company, the Goodwood badge will be used on luxurious, bespoke Minis just like the JCW badge is put on its high-performance models.

The first model of the Goodwood line is the “Mini Inspired by Goodwood”, which made its world premiere at the Shanghai auto show. The car is essentially a Cooper S that sports unique styling cues and trim options designed “in close collaboration” with Rolls-Royce. The name itself pays tribute to Rolls-Royce's headquarters, while the Shanghai unveiling signals the importance of the Chinese market for very expensive Minis.

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Officially-Official: Limited Edition MINI JCW World Championship 50

Revealed for the first time at the 2009 MINI United Festival in Silverstone, the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 is yet another special edition model built to commemorate the Cooper racing team's first Formula One World Championship title with Jack Brabham at the wheel in 1959. The car that will be produced in a strictly limited run of 250 units is based on the MINI JCW and driven by the same 1.6-liter twin-turbocharged engine that pumps out 211HP. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.5 seconds going on to a top speed of 238 km/h or 148mph.

All cars are finished exclusively in a new color named 'Connaught Green' that harkens back to the British race cars of the 1950s and 60s era. It is combined with the roof and bonnet stripes in 'Pepper White' while the 17-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels are finished in 'Jet Black'.

Other exterior features includes the JCW aerodynamics package, a plethora of carbon fibre parts, among them the bonnet scoop on the bonnet, rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and tailgate handle along with the special insignias.

The 'World Championship 50's' interior has been upgraded with carbon fibre trim overlaid by red touches, black leather seats with contrasting red piping. The red theme is also used on the knee-rolls, armrests and the stitching on the floor mats, gearshift and handbrake gaiters. The look is rounded off with a new sports steering wheel with an Alcantara rim.

Prices for the special edition MINI John Cooper Works model have yet to be confirmed.

Geneva Preview: MINI John Cooper Works Convertible 211HP

The hottest drop-top variant of the new MINI Cooper has been officially revealed ahead its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. Not surprisingly, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible features the same performance engineering and chassis modifications as the hatch model including a more powerful version of the 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine that produces 211 hp and up to 280 Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox which has been strengthened to handle the extra available power. The MINI JCW Convertible goes from zero to 60 (96 km/h) in 6.9 sec or 0.4 sec slower than the hatch, and onto a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h) while returning a combined 39.8 mpg UK that translates to 33.2 mpg US and 7.1 lt / 100km.

Other modifications concern the uprated brake system with bright red Brembo performance calipers, a series of electronic aids such as the EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control incorporating Hill Assist) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control).

Like the hatch, the JCW Convertible also features a sport button located in front of the gear stick that activates a bespoke engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range and sharpening steering and throttle response.

Visually, the JCW Convertible subtly stands out thanks to an aero kit and a set of unique cross-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels while inside, it features a bespoke John Cooper Works Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, JCW floor mats and glossy piano black interior.

2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible John Cooper Works Set for Geneva Debut

Fans of the new MINI Convertible will be excited to learn that according to Carscoop's sources, the British firm will launch the all-new John Cooper Works version of the drop-top model in Geneva. Like its hardtop sibling, the JCW MINI Cooper S Convertible's 1.6 litre twin-scroll turbo engine receives a power increase to 211 hp, from the standard unit's 172 hp. Maximum torque is also extended from 240 Nm to 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) and is available from 1,850 rpm to 5,600 rpm. By means of overboost the torque can be increased to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft).

Elsewhere, the MINI Convertible will feature upgraded brakes and suspension as wellas a series of visual upgrades including John Cooper Works branding on the front grille and tailgate, a subtle aerodynamic kit and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels (18's optional).

‘Mini’ Recall for 2009 MINI and MINI Clubman John Cooper Works

Parent company BMW has issued a recall for 560 MY2009 MINI and MINI Clubman John Cooper Works models equipped with 16 inch diameter front brake discs - rather than 17 inch discs. According to the NHTSA, under conditions of intense brake usage, braking performance on these models would be reduced. The company’s dealers will inspect the front brake discs and pads and, if necessary, replace them free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during October 2008. If you have any questions, we’d advise you to contact BMW/MINI directly at 1-866-275-6464.