Previewed by a concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show->ke222 in January, the next-generation Mini John Cooper Works has been spotted testing Northern Europe since February. More recently, though, the Brits have moved their trials at the Nurburgring->ke999 track, the perfect environment for a beefed-up hatchback->ke304.

Although the spy shots we've just received from our paparazzi show a vehicle that has lost most of its camouflage, we're actually looking at a mule that wears a Cooper S body with a John Cooper Works front bumper attached to it. Still wearing the yellow wrap, the bumper has a more aggressive design and it appears to be identical to the one seen on the concept car.

The lighter, 18-inch aluminum wheels also carry a new design, but the upcoming hot hatch will receive more distinct features, such as a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, roof spoiler and side skirts. These features are likely to find their way on the prototype as development continues this summer.

Motivation will be provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's expected to crank 231 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That's 13 ponies more than the outgoing model and just enough for the vehicle to reach 60 mph from a standing start in less than six seconds.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mini John Cooper Works.

Why It Matters

With the new bumper and wheels in place, it has become quite clear that the upcoming Mini John Cooper Works won't be too different from the concept car we've seen in Detroit. The brand-new Mini Cooper may sport a take it or leave it design, but the John Cooper package gives it a whole new meaning.

Spy Shots

Mini John Cooper Works Concept