World Premier: MINI Cooper JCW Convertible – The Ultimate Petrol Powered MINI Open Top

DimON · October 22

Debuting alongside the new MINI Cooper JCW hardtop today is MINI’s final piece of its combustion-powered family—the MINI Cooper JCW Convertible. Equipped with an updated engine, transmission, and a completely new look inside and out, it’s a fitting halo for MINI’s convertible range.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible – Performance

While MINI is calling the JCW Convertible “all-new,” if you’re familiar with the previous generation (F57), you’ll likely spot quite a few similarities. This starts with the performance and the B48 engine under the hood. Powering it is the venerable B48 (B48A20O2 to be exact), with the same 231 hp we saw in the F57 JCW. While that may sound initially disappointing, there’s an important upgrade to the B48A20O2 over the previous F57 JCW. As we’ve reported for almost a year, the new F67 JCW has a dramatic increase in torque, putting out 280 ft-lbs at only 1,500 rpm. That’s a 45 ft-lb (16%) increase over the previous generation and only 15 ft-lbs behind the new Countryman JCW.

	F57 Cooper JCW (’15-’24)	J01 Cooper JCW	F67 Cooper JCW
Power	231 hp	252 hp	231 hp
Torque	235 lb-ft / 1450 rpm	255 lb-ft	280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpm
Top Speed	153 manual / 151 mph DCT	124 mph	152 mph
Transmission	6 Speed Manual / 7 Speed DCT	Single Speed	7 Speed DCT
Track	1485 mm / 58 in	1538 mm / 61 in	1499 mm / 59 in
Length (mm/in)	3863 mm / 152.5 in	3858 mm / 151.6 in	3879 mm / 152.7 in
Height (mm/in)	1414 mm / 55.66 in	1460 mm / 54.4 in	1431 mm / 56.38 in
Wheelbase (mm/in)	2495 mm / 98.23 in	2526 mm / 99.4 in	2495 mm / 98.23
Curb weight (kg/lbs)	3197 lbs	1730 kg / 3814 lbs	3,307 lbs
Tires (Standard)	215/45 R17 91 Y XL*	225/40 R18 92 Y XL	215/45 R17 91 Y XL*
Wheels (Standard)	7Jx17 LM*	7,5Jx18 LM	7Jx17 LM*

*18″ wheels and tires were optional on the F56 and will be on the F66

As you can see above, the F67 JCW may be down on power compared to the new electric JCW, but the extra torque will likely compensate for it. It will also help offset the weight gain. Along with the F67 JCW’s performance improvement, there’s also an increase in weight to 3,307 lbs. That compares to the 3,197 lbs we’ve seen listed for the previous generation F57 JCW automatic, making this new generation 110 lbs heavier.

All of this means the new MINI Cooper Convertible JCW sprints from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.4 seconds, which should translate to 6.2 seconds for a 0-60 mph time. The top speed is 152 mph, a new high for a Cooper JCW Convertible model.

How much faster will the F67 JCW be compared to the F57 JCW? We’ll use the same approach we took when comparing the new JCW hardtop. If we look at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours lap times, we can see that the 2024 F56 JCW hardtop posted a fastest lap of 10:44.118 around the full circuit (including the GP track). At the same race, the F66 JCW hardtop had a dramatically faster time of 10:06.773. While these aren’t convertibles, they give us a clear view of the differences between the generations. As you can see, the performance improvement is significant.

How could that be, given that both cars have the same horsepower rating? The increase in torque is the main factor, but there are also a few other enhancements. Like all F6X MINIs, the new F66 and F67 JCWs have a slightly wider track, which helps with turn-in, cornering speed, and overall stability at the limit.

Perhaps the biggest performance differentiator between the two cars is the transmission. The F56 time mentioned above was with a manual transmission, while the F66 had the updated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). While we’ve lamented the loss of the manual since it was phased out 18 months ago, there’s no question about which of the two is faster. This updated version of the DCT features further refinements, with improved hardware and software. The result is faster shifts and better logic predicting when and where to shift (if left in automatic mode).

Want to shift manually? Unlike the standard Cooper and Cooper S, the JCW comes with short paddles that allow for manual override of the system.

If the Cooper S with the JCW Trim is anything to go by, you can also expect improved steering feedback and throttle response—two areas where the previous Cooper JCW received criticism.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible – Design

The first thing you’ll notice about the new JCW is how similar it appears to any Cooper equipped with the JCW Trim. The second is how similar the overall design is to the previous F57 JCW Convertible. Let’s first address the JCW Trim vs. JCW controversy.

We’ve discussed this extensively in our review of the new F66 Cooper S JCW Trim and on previous occasions. To say it’s controversial would be an understatement. But there are some differences.

The most obvious is the single exhaust pipe. It’s something we expected and have seen in numerous spy photos, but seeing it confirmed marks a significant design decision for MINI. Why a single exhaust pipe? While the F57 JCW had two pipes, they both originated from the same muffler. This new design simplifies things and likely saves weight. These are typical considerations in MINI race car designs.

Additionally, the red trim on the front corners and the red brake calipers are key visual markers that distinguish a full JCW from the JCW Style. Functionally, there’s also real cooling on the left and right sides of the front bumper to accommodate the updated B48. And, of course, the four-piston brakes are a noticeable upgrade over any other MINI with the JCW Trim.

The overall shape of the new JCW Convertible will also feel familiar. In fact, casual observers might have trouble distinguishing between the F67 and the previous F57 generation. Why? MINI is heavily investing in electrifying its product lineup with models like the J01 MINI Cooper, J05 MINI Aceman, U25 Countryman SE, and the forthcoming J03 electric MINI Convertible.

This significant investment led to a decision: either drop the internal combustion engine (ICE) family entirely, spend billions on developing a new one, or thoroughly rework the current generation with added performance, technology, and fresh design. Ultimately, the F66 family of cars is the answer.

F67__F66_JCW_711.jpg?resize=798%2C532&ss

As a result, MINI’s unique three-stage convertible top has been retained in this new generation. This top allows the F67 to open partially, creating a sunroof effect, or fully for the complete open-top experience. It can retract in just 18 seconds at speeds under 18 mph (30 km/h), as before.

Another surprising carryover is the previous generation’s rear light layout. As we exclusively reported over a year ago (to the delight of some MINI fans), the new F67 Convertible will not adopt the triangular light design seen on other models. While the LED layout inside the enclosure mimics the new triangular lights, the F57 (and now the F67) rear design couldn’t accommodate the new shape used on the F65 and F66. MINI worked within the existing shape to integrate the new LED design, which will offer different signatures in line with the rest of the new MINI range.

The F67 Convertible will be available in a dozen paint finishes, including the exclusive and elegant Copper Grey, a new color featuring a sunburst effect within a cool grey tone. However, the previously JCW-exclusive Rebel Green will not be part of the lineup.

Inside, the JCW models (like those with the JCW Trim) feature sports seats with Vescin synthetic leather and red accent stitching, alongside a JCW sports steering wheel with shift paddles. The dashboard incorporates a red-and-black knitted design, referencing the brand’s racing history. A Harman Kardon sound system comes standard.

Like all new MINIs, the cockpit is centered around a high-resolution OLED display and MINI’s new toggle bar, with a 240 mm central instrument that provides driving information and access to media, climate, and navigation controls.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible – Technology

The circular display and MINI OS9 system are major focal points across all new MINIs, including the JCW (watch our full review of the system here). The JCW also offers advanced assistance systems, including twelve ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras for driving tasks. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and 3D navigation with Augmented View are included.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible: Debut, Production And Launch Timing

As a combustion-powered MINI, the F66 JCW will be produced at the MINI Oxford Plant in the UK, with production starting in November. Sales will begin in the UK and EU shortly after, with North American availability expected around early next year. Pricing will be announced in the coming weeks.