World Premier: 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW – More Performance, New Tech & Petrol Powered

DimON · October 22

The petrol-powered MINI Cooper JCW isn’t dead yet. The long-awaited F66 MINI Cooper JCW is finally here, bringing higher performance, a new design, and upgraded technology. But how does it compare to previous JCWs and the new electric J01 MINI Cooper JCW it will be sold alongside? Let’s dive in.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW – Performance

This will likely be the last MINI Cooper JCW with a combustion engine. Under the hood is the familiar B48 engine (specifically the B48A20O2) with the same 231 hp as the F56 JCW. While the power figures may seem unchanged, there’s a notable improvement: the F66 JCW boasts 280 ft-lbs of torque at just 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.

	F56 Cooper JCW (’15-’24)	J01 Cooper JCW	F66 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)	1338 kg / 2,951 lbs	1730 kg / 3814 lbs	1405 kg / 3,097 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

Despite being down on horsepower compared to the electric JCW, the increased torque should make up for it, particularly when dealing with the extra weight. The F66 JCW weighs in at 3,097 lbs—146 lbs heavier than the previous F56 JCW automatic, which was listed at 2,951 lbs.

This added weight doesn’t hold back performance. The new MINI Cooper JCW accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, which should translate to about 5.9 seconds for a 0-60 mph time. The top speed is limited to 155 mph, a new high for a standard Cooper JCW.

How much faster is the F66 JCW compared to the F56? Based on Nurburgring 24 Hours lap times, the F66 JCW significantly outpaced its predecessor. In 2024, the F56 JCW clocked a fastest lap of 10:44.118 around the full circuit, while the F66 JCW posted a much faster 10:06.773. This improvement can largely be attributed to the increase in torque, as well as a few other enhancements.

The F66 JCW, like all F66 models, has a slightly wider track, which aids turn-in, cornering speed, and overall stability. Another key difference lies in the transmission. The F56 ran with a manual gearbox, while the F66 uses an updated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). While many have lamented the loss of the manual option, there’s no doubt the DCT is faster. The updated version offers faster shifts and improved software logic for better gear prediction in auto mode.

For drivers who prefer more control, the JCW comes equipped with short paddles for manual shifting. Other improvements, such as enhanced steering feedback and throttle response, should address our criticisms of the previous Cooper JCW.

Electric J01 JCW vs the Petrol F66 JCW: The Stats

Mechanically, the combustion F66 JCW and the electric J01 JCW are quite different. The F66 retains the 231 hp of the F56, while the J01 JCW produces 252 hp. However, the J01’s torque is lower at 255 lb-ft, though it’s delivered instantly, as is typical of electric vehicles.

The most significant difference is weight. The J01 JCW, with its battery pack, weighs 3,814 lbs—717 lbs more than the F66. While much of this weight is positioned low due to the battery design, it’s still substantial, and it will be interesting to compare the driving experiences of the two models.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW – Design

The first thing you might notice about the new JCW is how identical is appears to any Cooper equipped with the JCW Trim. We’ve just talked about this at length in our review of the new F66 Cooper S JCW Trim and many times previous. To say it’s controversial would be an understatement. But there are some differences.

First is a switch to a single exhaust pipe, simplifying the design and saving weight. We’ve seen this on MINI’s race cars for years but it’s still a little jarring after that centered dual pipe layout we’ve known for decades.

Additionally the red trim on the front corners and the red brake calipers are the key visual markers for a full JCW vs. JCW Style. Functionally there’s also real cooling on the left and right sides of the front bumper that the updated B48 requires. And then there are the four piston brakes, a noticeable upgrade over any other MINI wit the JCW Trim.

There will be eleven body color options, with contrasting roof and mirror caps available in Chili Red or Jet Black. Rebel Green, previously exclusive to JCW models, is no longer in the lineup.

Inside, the JCW models (like 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 that references the brand’s racing history. Additionally a Harman Kardon sound system comes as 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 – 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.

The F66 MINI Cooper JCW: 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.