Known for its tuning kits for BMWs->ke178 and Minis,->ke57 AC Schnitzer has pulled the covers off of its latest program for the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works.

Like most of its programs, AC Schnitzer’->ke513s aftermarket update on the Cooper JCW->ke629 isn’t all about flashy aesthetics. The German tuner isn’t known for being boisterous. What customers will instead get is a program that focuses on the performance side of the hot hatchback.->ke304 The Cooper JCW, after all, is the most powerful Mini ever developed. But even with that claim to fame, everyone knows that there are still a lot untapped horses inside that turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. That’s what AC Schnitzer sought to unleash, and for the most part, the tuner successfully did just that.

That said, the impressive engine upgrade isn’t the only pertinent feature of the program. A handful of aerodynamic kits are also included. Same with the interior, which received its share of new accessories, and the suspension, which was fitted with lowering springs to help improve the hatchback’s handling and agility. Overall, this kit is what people in the aftermarket industry refer to as a “professional tuning program.”

That’s what AC Schnitzer is known for and as always, it delivers on that front yet again.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mini John Cooper Works by AC Schnitzer.

2016 Mini John Cooper Works by AC Schnitzer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mini John Cooper Works by AC Schnitzer
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 381
  • Torque: 350
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior of the Mini Cooper JCW retains most of its traditional look, although AC Schnitzer did add a few components to give it a fresh dose of aero improvements. The most important of these new components is the front splitter, which fits just below the Cooper’s front skirt. The splitter not only gives the Cooper JCW a sportier look, but it also helps provide better downforce. The German tuner also gave the Cooper JCW a rear skirt protective film, a Decor set, and a “Technology & Design” logo on the rear section.

A new set of AC1 wheels finish off the exterior upgrades on the Cooper JCW. These wheels have a double-spoke design and come in 19-inch measurements. Likewise, customers have the option of choosing between BiColor or anthracite and are fitted with 215/35 R 19 tires.

Interior

Moving inside, the upgrades are kept to a minimum, fitting in with AC Schnitzer’s reputation of focusing its programs on the technical side of the car. That said, the tuning firm does offer a number of accessories for the cabin, including the gear knobs, handbrake handle, aluminum pedals and footrest, and high quality velours foot mats. These add-ons don’t necessarily add anything to the Cooper’s interior, but they do provide a good imprint from AC Schnitzer.

Drivetrain

There’s a reason why AC Schnitzer has been voted the “best engine tuner across marques” by Germany’s Sport Auto magazine. The firm’s expertise in building engine programs is on full display with its program for the Cooper S and JCW models. Using its award-winning experience in building power upgrades, AC Schnitzer is able to improve the power coming out of the Cooper’s 2.0-liter inline-four engine. For the Cooper S, power jumped from 192 horsepower to 235 horsepower while the Cooper JCW saw its own performance number move north from 231 horsepower to 265 horsepower.

No mention was made on any performance improvements, but the added power on both the Cooper S and Cooper JCW should result in a faster 0 to 60 mph sprint time for both hot hatchbacks. With the standard Cooper JCW already capable of covering that sprint time in 5.9 seconds, it should be able to do sprint from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds with the AC Schnitzer engine program in tow. The hot hatch should also get a nice bump in top speed, possibly to about 156 mph from the standard top speed of 153 mph.

The German tuner also installed silencer systems made up of a back box and two "Sport" or "Sport Black" tailpipes. Rounding out the program is an integral AC Schnitzer "Track Mode" flap system with remote control for optimized sound.

Safety

To keep the Cooper JCW driving like a rock star after the engine upgrades, AC Schnitzer installed suspension spring kits that help lower the car’s ride height by as much as 1.18 inches at the front and 1.38 inches at the back. The lowered height gives the Cooper JCW a sportier stance, but more importantly, the lower center of gravity helps improve the car’s overall balance and agility.

Prices

AC Schnitzer’s pricing details are subject to the options and accessories customers choose. The best way to find out how much it’s going to cost you is to contact the German tuner directly so you can get a price quote on what you want done on your Mini Cooper JCW.

Competition

Ford Fiesta by Loder1899

The hot hatch market is arguably one of the most competitive segments in the business today. There are many options to choose from and with the popularity of these cars, engine tuners have likewise taken advantage of it by getting involved in the segment. Noted Ford tuner Loder1899 may not have the same cache as AC Schnitzer, but it still can pull off an impressive kit of its own. Back in 2013, it did just that by introducing a program for the Fiesta ST, highlighted by a nice bump in power.

The most important aspects of this program are the ECU remap and the upgrades on the Fiesta ST’s exhaust and intercooler. Once the updates were finished, Loder1899 was able to bring a whole new amount of power out of the hatchback’s 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine, taking it all the way up to 235 ponies and 247 pound-feet of torque. The figures still can’t quite approach the improvements AC Schnitzer gave to the Cooper JCW, but with a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph, Loder1899’s kit for the Fiesta ST at least makes the Ford hatchback competitive when lining up against the AC Schnitzer-tuned Mini Cooper JCW.

Read our full review here.

Audi S1 by ABT Sportsline

While it’s clear that Loder1899’s program for the Ford Fiesta ST still lacks in pace compared to AC Schnitzer’s program for the Cooper JCW, ABT Sportsline had no such problem matching its German rival with its own kit for the Audi S1.

Introduced in 2014, the kit for the S1 follows a similar blueprint. The aerodynamic improvements weren’t that extensive. In fact, ABT limited it to the addition of new fender inserts. The German tuner also offered new wheel options in the form of 18-inch DR Gun-Metal-Look wheels or 18-inch, one-piece cast, titanium-matte Z5 wheels.

But just like AC Schnitzer, ABT Sportsline’s program for the S1 was defined by the modifications made on the car’s 2.0-liter inline-four TFSI engine. As expected, ABT tapped its New Generation tuning kit to bring the output of the Audi hot hatch to 310 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. The result is an S1 that can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, even though top speed remained at 155 mph.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

Customers who avail of AC Schnitzer’s tuning programs should know what they’re getting into. The German tuner isn’t known for over-the-top exterior modifications, so if you’re looking to turn your Mini into a car that would make Mad Max proud, better find another tuner that can do it for you. Likewise, if you want your Cooper JCW to get an extensive interior update, better find another one for that too. But if you want your hot hatch to get an extra dose of power, there aren’t a lot of tuners in the business that know Minis (and BMWs for that matter) more than AC Schnitzer.

There’s a reason why the German tuner has received awards for its programs. For what it's worth, these reasons are what keeps customers coming back to AC Schnitzer.