Performance-hungry MINI drivers will be delighted to hear that a new John Cooper Works tuning kit for the MINI Cooper S has been developed to produce more power, greater performance and enhanced driving pleasure. The new kit is capable of generating 210bhp of power, a 0-62mph of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.

The kit will be available worldwide, for both the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible, following its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday, 23 September. Despite the increase in power, the price for the new John Cooper Works Kit will remain unchanged for the UK, at £2,999 (inc. VAT) + 10 hours’ labour fitting time.

The performance upgrade has principally been achieved through changes to the air filter system, allowing greater airflow at high revs (above 4500rpm) by triggering an extra air intake flap to reduce pressure losses within the intake system. New fuel injectors and engine management calibration are also required to ensure optimum performance and durability under all operating conditions.

The arrival of the new Works Kit was precipitated by the modifications made to the MINI Cooper S earlier this year, including changes to the gear ratios on the six-speed Getrag gearbox. In line with the enhancements experienced on the new Cooper S, the new Works Kit now accelerates from 50-75mph in just 5.4 seconds as well as its improved speed off the mark.

Mike Cooper, Managing Director of John Cooper Works commented:

“Whilst it equates to only a small increase on paper, it feels like a considerably bigger hike. With the improved feel, throttle response and sound quality, we’re delighted with the results and can’t wait to pass the benefits onto our customers.”

Great news for existing Works Kit owners is that they need not buy an entirely new kit to realise the new levels of performance, but can have an upgrade fitted (new air filter intake system, injectors and calibration) at John Cooper Works, or any other official MINI dealer, at a cost of £335 (inc. VAT) + one hour’s labour fitting time. Both the new kit and upgrade are fully approved by MINI which means that vehicle warranty and MINI tlc service pack remain unaffected.

Every component of the John Cooper Works is the result of years of development work and innumerable road tests. The gutsy performance and first-class handling are testament to 150,000 road miles of durability testing and 20,000 miles of high-speed testing undertaken by experienced and exacting engineers. It has been put through its paces in 35-degree heat and a freezing minus 20 degrees.

Text/Photos: MINI