2020 Mini Clubman JCW, Countryman JCW get 301 hp

They're Mini's most powerful cars to date.

Mini is preparing to release its first series-produced electric car, but it's not forgetting about performance. As it puts the final touches on the battery-powered Hardtop, it unveiled a pair of hot-rodded, John Cooper Works-badged models that jointly stand out as the most powerful cars it has ever made.

The Clubman John Cooper Works and the Countryman John Cooper Works receive a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver 301 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,250 rpm and 331 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The turbo four spins the four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission -- the stick is gone, sadly -- and Mini's All4 all-wheel drive system.

According to the firm, motorists can expect to hit 60 mph from a stop in 4.9 seconds when flooring the Clubman, and in 5.1 seconds in the Countryman. In both models, top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. To add context, the Clubman John Cooper Works is a full second and a half quicker to 60 mph than its predecessor thanks in part to an engine that offers 73 extra horsepower.

Mini made suspension and chassis modifications, and it fitted bigger brakes to make sure both cars stop as well as they go. An adaptive suspension is standard; it lets the driver choose from several driving modes ranging from sporty to comfortable.

The design tweaks are minor at best. Up front, Mini added a new-look bumper with bigger air vents. Red accents and model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels add a finishing touch to the look. Inside, you'll find sport seats for the front passengers, among other minor changes. The 6.5-inch touchscreen remains, and an 8.8-inch unit with navigation is offered at an extra cost.

The 2020 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works and the 2020 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works will go on sale soon. Mini hasn't released pricing information yet.