If there are three things we can count on when it comes to a new Mini variant, they are 1) it will look cute, 2) it will be introduced in Cooper and Cooper S form, and 3) at some point, a more intense John Cooper Works version will appear, to push the model’s envelope in terms of performance and price. The latest case in point is the new 2016 Mini Cooper convertible, which was unveiled last year, looking as adorable as ever, soon to hit dealerships in standard and Cooper S forms. And now, right on time, Mini has released photos and information on the range-topping 2017 John Cooper Works model.

The new JCW ragtop follows roughly the same performance-enhancement regimen as the JCW hardtop, including boosting the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder to 228 horsepower (available at 6000 rpm) and 236 lb-ft of torque from 1250 rpm, compared with 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft for the Cooper S. Mini promises a “highly emotional acoustic pattern across all load ranges.” Manual and automatic transmissions return for duty, both with six forward speeds. Beefy Brembo brakes and sportier suspension tuning are also part of the package. The stability-control system comes with an electronic locking differential as well as torque-steer compensation, while dynamic damper control is optional.

View Photos MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

Visually, the JCW convertible is distinguished by its aggressive aero kit; standard 17-inch wheels; and extra-fat, centrally mounted exhaust tips. As on the hardtop, Rebel Green paint is reserved for the JCW version of the convertible and, like lesser Cooper convertibles, the fully automated soft top can be ordered in black or a black-and-gray Union Jack pattern; it raises or lowers in 18 seconds.

We tested the current JCW hardtop last year and recorded a zero-to-60-mph time of six seconds flat; Mini says that the convertible, which adds 180–190 pounds of weight, should require 6.3 or 6.4 seconds, depending on the transmission (the automatic is quicker). Top speed is a stated 150 mph with the manual, 149 with the automatic.

View Photos MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

We spent a year with a JCW convertible in its previous iteration and found it to be fun, if a bit of a rattletrap. Time will tell if the Cooper’s new body, complete with added structural bracing under the doorsills and engine bay, will be better able to handle the performance duties of the JCW.

The new John Cooper Works droptop rolls into dealerships this April, on the heels of the Cooper and Cooper S convertibles, which arrive a month earlier. Base prices start at $36,450, with loaded examples expected to climb into the upper-$40,000 range.

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