In the Automotive press world there are such things as embargoes. They allow the press to properly cover a subject with the appropriate time to not just write a cohesive piece but add intelligent and/or critical thought. They work great. Until someone breaks them. That happened this evening when when Australia’s Carsales.com.au accidentally hit publish on a story due next week. We imagine the black 7 Series are pulling up now to Carsales HQ and retribution will be swift. However for us that means we can publish a sneak peek at the new MINI JCW without such retribution. Now onto the details we’ve all been waiting for.

The 2015 MINI JCW will be the most powerful and fastest MINI ever produced. 230 HP and a 0-60 time of under six seconds signals that JCW is much more serious this time around. Here’s a quick run-through of the key stats:

– 231hp via the 2.0L B48B20O0 engine

– Peak power is spread evening from 5200rpm to 6000rpm

– 236 ft lbs of torque at only 1250rpm (400rpm above idle)

– Electronic differential standard (revised from the optional e-diff found on the Cooper S)

– Engine mods include larger turbocharger mounted directly in the exhaust manifold, new pistons, revised camshaft timing, freer-breathing exhaust and a 10.2:1 compression ratio

– 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds. (0.7 seconds quicker than the Cooper S)

– Available with both the manual & auto (the auto is both faster and more efficient)

– The auto has been re-maped for near-instantaneous shifts

– Revised gear ratios take advantage of the power and torque of the B48B20O0 engine

– Despite the final-drive ratio being taller, all ratios in the auto are shorter than in the manual

– 1205kg (2657 lbs) for the manual transmission and just 15kg (34 lbs) more in automatic form. The extra 45 kg (99 lbs) over the Cooper S are a result of larger brakes, more cooling and body stiffening.

– Exclusive colors: Chili Red, Rebel Green

– 17″ wheel standard, 18″ optional (shown)

– Unique interior trim, seats and colors

– Fender extensions necessitated by the slightly wider track.

– More aggressive (ie different than the Cooper S) Sport Suspension standard, revised Dynamic dampers optional

The Timeline

While the JCW will debut at NAIAS in early January, we won’t see the JCW hit showrooms until March throughout Europe and late Spring in the North American market. Pricing should be consistent with the previous generation JCW albeit with a substantial performance boost making it a bit more or a financially interesting prospect.

We’ll have much more on the 2015 Cooper S (including our thoughts) shortly.