For the past weeks, BMW is believed to be working on an all-electric MINI Cooper with reportedly high-performance specs and the automaker did not disappoint with the latest update. The German company confirmed that the electric vehicle will soon become real as part of the John Cooper Works sub-brand, boasting of the GP badge.
BMW's press statement said the JCW concept is now in the works and promised that the electrified MINI Cooper will indeed deliver the expected performance level, which the company dubbed as its thrust to achieve "electromobility."
In November, the automaker afforded an exciting tease of the John Cooper Works GP, and the images that leaked out painted a picture of the MINI Electric gaining the easily identifiable features of the JCW GP. As BMW made clear, the EV that is being developed will further push the brand to the centerstage.
"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," said the press release issued by BMW.
For now, the company withheld the juicy details but it was clear that the electrified JCW GP will be offered alongside the original fuel-fired version, and the plan is to make the brand synonymous with "sustainability, performance, and passion."
Also, the all-electric John Cooper Works GP when rolled out is a testament to the MINI Cooper playing a central role in the push to make electric mobility the new standard in the automobile industry.
How exactly the electrified JCW GP will make an impact in the real world is still a mystery as BMW opted to keep the world guessing on the important things to expect. According to Electrek, the MINI Electric should be the base model for the package that the JCW GP would be.
It could be that the electrified MINI Cooper GP will carry over the same battery chemistry found on the original JCW but more battery cells will likely be added. This would translate to a bigger battery and for the planned upgrade to be achieved, an extra powerful electric motor should be in the cards as well.
Such modifications would possibly make the all-electric John Cooper Works GP heavier but engineers can choose to use lighter interior components to ensure that the vehicle's performance will not be weighed down.
And to be sure, the electric JCW GP will get the same premium wheels and brake system that the original is rocking. This is key for the upcoming EV to reach the optimum level of performance that is comparable to the electric version.
It's possible too that BMW will release the all-electric John Cooper Works GP in the rear- and all-wheel drive variants but the precise timing of the final cut's unveiling will certainly not going to happen too soon.
