Hardcore Mini John Cooper Works confirmed: “Extreme performance” EV coming soon

Mini has outlined its vision for its hardcore John Cooper Works models, promising that electrocution will underpin its performance future as it debuted its first heavily camouflaged concept car the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The brand has already dipped its toes in these waters, with its Mini Electric and the Countryman PHEV, and is about to dive head-first into electrification.

But this concept will have a stronger focus on “driver enjoyment” than efficiency, with the BWM-owned brand saying its upcoming JCW EV will offer “extreme performance” thanks to a new electric architecture.

“With the Mini Electric, we’ve shown how well brand-typical driving enjoyment and electric mobility can be combined,” says Bernd Körber, Head of the Mini brand.

“Now it’s time to translate the passion for performance of the John Cooper Works brand to electromobility. That’s why we’re working to develop concepts for electric John Cooper Works models.”

While BEVs will play a key role in Mini’s future, the brand is not yet ready to turn its back on combustion engines, saying they’ll still play an important role in the company’s performance future.

“John Cooper Works models with conventional combustion engines will still continue to have an important role to play, to make sure we’re addressing the wishes and needs of performance enthusiasts all around the world,” Körber says.

“With this new focus on electric performance, we’re also creating the opportunity to sharpen the distinctive profile of the John Cooper Works brand more than ever before.”