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2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible John Cooper Works Road Test

When you put your foot down on the accelerator pedal of the Mini Cooper S Works

This is no ordinary Mini... it's one that really Works. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Convertible, something very strange happens. It will, with the dip of the clutch and flick of the wrist, hit 60 in 6.8 seconds. It will make a mess of your hair, if the convertible top is down. But what really opens your eyes is what your ears are subjected to, the sharp bark of the exhaust and the shriek of the supercharger. Foot to the floor, it sounds like that acid-shooting creature from Alien about to devour Sigourney Weaver, and on overrun its twin tailpipes fire blaap, blap, blap, like automatic gunfire. To think that such violent noises could come from something so cute and cuddly as a Mini. What a mad machine!

What's responsible for the aural amplification here is partly that lack of a roof, but mostly the John Cooper Works performance kit, the key component in this very special JCW model. The Works Performance kit featured is nothing new, and it consists of the same components that have been in use since 2005. The package is thoroughly comprehensive, and takes into account every last detail for building up the pint-size 1.6-liter engine. There's a lot of focus on the supercharger, which is bigger and quicker spinning (hence the increase in supercharger whine), but the fuel injection

Works kit doesn't just add power, it adds sound, too. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

system, cylinder heads, governing computer, air filter and exhaust have been upgraded to cope with the extra demand. That means 208, and not 168, completely certifiable, warranty-able horsepower at your disposal.

On its own, the standard Cooper S Convertible is engaging and addicting, but what allows it to attain this status is balance; the speed is countered by grip, handling and braking power. With the Works car, these aspects have been upgraded too. JCW cars get the limited slip differential that's otherwise optional, as standard equipment, as well as a sport brake kit, which is highlighted by bright red calipers adorned with the Works logo. Altogether the kit will set you back $6,000, an upgrade that makes the normally optional sport package standard.

Mini dipped into its extensive parts bin to create something special for our test car, if you hadn't already noticed from staring wide-eyed at the photos. The suspension, for instance, isn't tuned any differently

Red-painted calipers are a sign of the sport brake kit, which slows the Mini down in a hurry. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

than on the regular car, nor does it brake or steer any better than a regular Works vehicle. Instead, the extra add-ons offered on this particular JCW make the normally cute car look very serious indeed, and perhaps a little evil. It's got the full aerodynamic body kit, but unique mesh grilles, front and rear fog lamps, blacked-out trim, and 17-inch web-spoke alloy wheels fill out its arches nicely. Inside you'll find plenty of Works-endorsed frippery, much of which is split even between beautiful carbon fiber weave and grippy Alcantara, like the shifter, handbrake and their respective boots. These items cost quite a bit of money, but together, they contribute to the uniqueness and individuality of the Mini. Drive one like this, and you're unlikely to ever come across one like it in your lifetime.

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