Cooper Electric Hardtop

Make
Mini
Segment
Hatchback

Mini's options couldn't be clearer: adapt to electrification or cease to exist. The Mini Cooper SE is only the beginning of an onslaught of all-electric vehicles that will shortly grace showrooms across the world, and today the BMW-owned brand is giving us an exciting preview of what's to come.

In many ways, the Mini brand is ideally suited to electrification and the prospect of JCW getting in on the action was only a matter of time. Not long ago, a report arrived claiming Mini intends to turn JCW into an all-electric sub-brand.

What you're looking at is a fully electrified advanced prototype developed by the John Cooper Works team. In other words, an all-electric hot hatch. Few details were provided regarding the vehicle, but the pictures speak for themselves.

It is shown here tearing its way around the famed Nurburgring, possibly giving its test driver a minor case of whiplash. Despite being covered in camouflage, a closer examination reveals a few details. Notice the lack of a traditional grille; there's now simply a single flat panel. Its performance credibility is defined by components borrowed from the John Cooper Works GP, such as the big rear wing and fender flares.

The electric John Cooper Works model appears to be in a relatively advanced development stage but Mini hasn't given any indication when it'll come to market. However, Mini chief Bernard Korber stresses combustion-engined Minis aren't going away just yet.

"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," he said. "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."

Traditional buyers still have models like the Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV to choose from, but those desiring instant all-electric torque in the form of a hot hatch that's been tried and tested on the Green Hell are the big winners here.