When Mini->ke57 launched the next-generation Cooper last month (in two simultaneous auto shows, no less), it was only a matter of time before a John Cooper Works version would show its face.

But even our expectations were thrown for a loop after finding out that Mini wasn't wasting any time with debut of the John Cooper Works Concept->ke169, which is now penciled to arrive at the 2014 North American International Auto Show->ke222.

Thinking about it now, it does make perfect sense because Mini always earmarks its major debuts for major auto shows, and the next one on the docket is Detroit this coming January.

More importantly, the buzz generated by the debut of the next-generation Cooper is still circulating to this day, and nobody likes to play around with 'buzz' more than Mini.

So yeah, it makes perfect sense, if you really consider the circumstances.

Oh, and the Mini John Cooper Works Concept is all sorts of awesome. That, alone, should be worth an extra jolt of anticipation in time for its debut in Detroit in a month's time.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Concept.

Exterior Details

In the time-honored tradition of the JCW Mini, the new John Cooper Works Concept offers a plethora a unique Bright Highways Grey finish that's far more awesome than the name suggests. Seriously, take a closer look at the photos and you'll notice how the color has that kind of brushed-aluminum finish to it that sparkles under the sun. Serving as a sick contrast to the Bright Highways Grey color is Mini familiar red accents, which you can see on the roof, the roof spoiler and exterior mirror caps.

Running down the length of the concept, from the bonnet all the way to the rear hatch is another Mini trademark: the sport stripes. This time, though, Mini went for a two-color dress-up, giving the hood and hatch a Chili Red finish, while the roof gets the white-stripe treatment.

The sharp balance that the three colors have give the John Cooper Works Concept that truly distinct look that you really kind of expect from Mini at this point.

As if the colors of the John Cooper Works Concept aren't stunning enough, Mini also unloaded a plethora of bespoke aerodynamic features on the vehicle, none more prominent than the modified front apron that now features air intakes in place of the fog lights on the standard Cooper.

It's pretty clear that Mini worked on turning the JCW Concept into a more performance-oriented Cooper, hence all the work in fine-tuning the vehicle's aerodynamic characteristics. The contoured side skirts and the roof spoiler play their equal parts, too, improving the channel of air around the car and ensuring that even when its blasting along the roads, it's still maintains that balance drivers want out of their cars, specifically something as fun to drive as the JCW Concept.

The final piece of the puzzle for the JCW Concept is as important as any yet is located specifically in a place where not a lot of people pay much attention to it. Go the the rear, crouch down, and observe the tailpipes. That's a new sports exhaust system that comes with a JCW silencer, ensuring that even when you're running on high speeds, the vehicle remains calm, cool, and collected.

In many ways, that's really how you can best describe this concept: it's calm, cool, and collected, with a sprinkle of spice added to the mix.

2014 Mini Cooper

The next-generation Mini Cooper made its long-awaited debut last month and while initial glances seem to point to a relative lack of distinctive changes, a closer look will tell you the exact opposite.

Among other things, the new Cooper received a revised grille with a smooth, one-piece chrome frame. The headlights were also revised with new graphics and clearly structured inner workings. But the biggest change is the overall shape of the nose, which is far less upright than the previous generation, a change that has given the Cooper a more athletic profile.

Under its hood, the new Cooper gets a variety of engine options, including a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder that delivers a total of 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds with the manual transmission or 7.8 seconds with an automatic with a top speed of 130 mph.