Boasting a duo of new models: the Mini John Cooper Works (Hardtop) and Mini John Cooper Works Clubman, Mini dealers will shift up another gear to handle any interest expressed in these sporting numbers.

Available for delivery starting in August 2008, the new models may be ordered from today.

Both Mini John Cooper Works models are powered by the same 155 kW version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged aluminium four-cylinder engine. This produces a maximum of 280 Nm of torque at just 1,850 rpm thanks to the Overboost function.

The engine churns out 260 Nm of torque, available from 1,850 rpm.

The Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop model accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, while the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman cracks the same sprint in 6.8 seconds. Both share an identical top speed of 238 km/h (where legal), with the Hardtop using 6.9-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle and the Clubman 7.0l/100 km.

The engine is all-but identical to that fitted to the Mini CHALLENGE race cars currently doing battle in the inaugural Mini CHALLENGE race series touring the country on the V8 Supercar Australia calendar.

The Mini John Cooper Works models are only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Both Mini John Cooper Works cars models are based on the Chilli specification of their respective models and additionally feature the following:

• John Cooper Works exhaust system
• 17-inch Cross Spoke Challenge S light alloy wheels
• Bigger brakes (316 x 22 mm front and 280 x 10 mm rear)
• 260 km/h speedometer
• John Cooper Works Badges
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Fascia Piano Black
• Anthracite Headliner
• Sun protection glazing, darkened side windows in rear as well as rear window
• Sports leather steering wheel

The standard Cross Spoke Challenge S light alloy wheels (7 J x 17-inches) are shod with 205/45 R17 run-flat safety tyres. Available as a no-cost option are 17-inch Crown spoke light alloy wheels fitted with the same size tyres.

There are more than 40 possible exterior colour combinations for the Mini John Cooper Works models, so high performance Mini enthusiasts have plenty of scope to build exactly the Mini they want.

The inside story is exactly the same, with options aplenty. Standard sport seat specification is the cloth/leather ‘Ray’ upholstery with the choice of four colour schemes. Each matches the Piano Black interior surface fitted standard, or the Fluid Silver interior surface finish available as an option.

The arrival of the Mini John Cooper Works brand delivers a new iconic nameplate to the Australian motoring scene.

The Mini John Cooper Works brand will appeal to drivers who desire a compact, luxurious, hard-charging thoroughbred sportscar, that is as unique as it is cheeky and engaging to drive.

The Mini John Cooper Works (Hardtop) is priced from $48,800, while the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman is priced from $51,300. Neither of the above prices includes dealer delivery or on-road costs.

“The Mini John Cooper Works brand has created a dynamic duo of collectable future classics,” said Justin Hocevar, National Manager for Mini.

“These are the fastest cars yet that Mini has brought to Australia but it is not their outright performance alone that will endear them to our customers. The cars are the complete package with bigger brakes, sportier exhaust, and an even higher degree of exclusivity.

“Given the race pace of the Mini CHALLENGE cars, on which the Mini John Cooper Works road cars are based, it will be easy to see why we expect many über-Mini enthusiasts to seek out these models.

“Racing Minis in the hands of John Cooper’s drivers forged the legend that remains indelibly etched into Motorsport folklore in Australia, and around the world, and made the 1960s Mini Cooper S the car to drive on road and track.

“Now with Mini John Cooper Works branded cars we are authentically returning to the showroom, road-going versions of today’s Mini racers, the Mini CHALLENGE cars.

“The launch of the Mini John Cooper Works brand reinforces the commitment Mini has to providing pulse-racing excitement for enthusiasts in an increasingly confused, crowded and conformist market.