2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible John Cooper Works Headed for Geneva

The MINI Cooper S Convertible JCW is expected to get a Geneva debut. When fixed with the John Cooper Works package, the driver will get the benefit of almost 50 more horsepower than a stock MINI Cooper S.

John Cooper Works, now located at the MINI factory in Oxford, England, makes their installations on the production line, cutting down on dealer-installation costs. The JCW package includes an aluminum, 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine, a step up from the supercharged iron engine previously found on the car. The new engine is tuned up to 211 hp, a nice gain compared to the Cooper S' 172 hp. Torque is improved to 192 ft-lb, from low engine revs up to 5,600 rpm. Overboost increases the torque to 207 ft-lb.

The JCW kit provides new engine pistons, a new turbo housing, and an electronic locking differential. The company also installs larger dual exhaust pipes to give the car a more unique sound. Owners of the JCW will also be pleased with the bigger brakes, new aero kit, and the 17-inch alloys. Not happy with the wheels? Step up to the 18-inchers instead.

Currently, a MINI Cooper S JCW hardtop costs about $29,000, pre-tax. We think the convertible will come in at around $34,000. The new 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible JCW will be introduced in March at the Geneva Motor Show.