Competes with: Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen GTILooks like: A Mini on a missionDrivetrain: 207-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual; front-wheel drive A new John Cooper Works version of the Mini debuts for 2009 and is available as both the regular two-door hatchback and the new extended-length Clubman. Whereas previous JCW Minis featured a supercharged four-cylinder, both of these models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 207 hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 pounds-feet of torque at 1,850 rpm. (The engine, according to Mini, can briefly raise boost pressure to achieve 207 pounds-feet of torque when accelerating.) With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Mini says the John Cooper Works can achieve 62 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.8 seconds for the Clubman). Besides the extensive changes under the hood, these hot-rod Minis also feature unique 17-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and a different exhaust system. As with other Minis, the automaker offers a number of different ways to personalize the John Cooper Works cars. If the enhancements offered here aren't enough, you might want to take a look at the available John Cooper Works accessories. These include a sport suspension with red springs, drilled brake discs, a rear spoiler, a suspension brace and carbon-colored trim pieces. For a small front-wheel-drive hatchback, the Cooper S is a blast to drive, and with what we already know about that model, the new JCW goodies make the hatchback even more appealing. We'll know how much more once we have a chance to drive it.

Source: Kicking Tires