What's clearly the next logical step of Mini's all-electric evolution is just days away. The soon-to-be all-electric BMW-owned brand has released another teaser for what could be called the Mini SE John Cooper Works. The teaser comes by way of Mini's official Twitter account, showing the vehicle's rear end with familiar Union Jack taillights and an F1-style brake light. This isn't the first time Mini has provided a preview of its first-ever EV hot hatch.
Last December, the JCW division released several images of an advanced prototype covered in only light camouflage. No specific details were provided but the car definitely had all of the performance hallmarks. The big rear wing and fender flares were the most noticeable upgrades.
Like the Mini SE, the traditional grille has been replaced by a flat panel. There's no longer a combustion engine requiring cooling. We don't know performance specifications just yet, but they'll surely exceed those of the standard all-electric Mini. It's rated at 184 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds. Top speed is 93 mph.
The SE also has a single motor layout and we're hoping Mini has upgraded this to a dual-motor setup for the JCW version. A second motor has another benefit: the possibility of all-wheel drive.
Earlier this month, BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse confirmed Mini will drop internal combustion engines by the early 2030s.
Its last all-new combustion-engined model will debut in 2025, though chances are even that vehicle will have a plug-in hybrid setup. Changing to battery electrics could ultimately prove to be the best thing for Mini. Not long ago, the brand was facing an existential crisis. Sales were down as consumers have become less interested in small cars like the original Mini hardtop. They prefer crossovers but the Mini Countryman alone would not be enough to sustain the brand.
The onset of full electrification presents new possibilities, ranging from a new breed of hot hatches to city cars and other mobility alternatives. Hopefully, we won't have to wait much longer for Mini's next EV launch.