My local dealer received the new Stage 2 JCW MINI earlier this week, giving us MINIacs more to drool over. Since I will be out of town for the next week, I won’t be able to go check it out in person. However, here is the official MINI press release that should give you an idea of what is in store:

The short story behind the new MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

Production of the new MINI began in 2001 in Oxford and soon after, the Cooper Car Company in East Preston launched a wide range of John Cooper Works tuning kits and accessories for MINI. This gave MINI owners, obsessed with personalisation and performance, an even greater opportunity to create their perfect MINI. John Cooperís achievements in world motor sport laid the foundations for the John Cooper Works brand. Now in 2008, fans of MINI and the John Cooper Works brand have something new to lust after: the new MINI John Cooper Works, hot off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford.

The MINI John Cooper Works will go on sale in the UK from 22 July 2008, priced at £20,995 on the road. First deliveries of the Clubman edition will not take place until early in 2009, when a bespoke aerodynamic kit will have been developed for that model, giving it an even more dynamic presence on UK roads. Pricing for the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be confirmed nearer the time.

Both Hatch and Clubman derivatives will be assembled at MINIís Plant Oxford site. The John Cooper Works models will seamlessly integrate into the production schedule alongside other Hatch, Clubman and Convertible MINIs. Sixty per cent of MINI suppliers are UK-based and with body panels from MINIís Plant Swindon and engines from Plant Hams Hall, the MINI Production Triangle is a thriving asset to UK manufacturing.

Fastest ever production MINI* is the torque of the townÖand track

A strengthened, larger version of the award-winning twin-scroll turbocharger, partly responsible for the grin on the face of every MINI Cooper S owner, is the heart and lungs of the new MINI John Cooper Works. Developing 211hp and an impressive 260 Nm of torque, turbo boost can be extended even further to 280Nm on deployment of the carís Overboost system. This gives the MINI John Cooper Works the highest peak torque figure ever of any open production MINI. Because full boost is available between 1,850 and 5,600rpm, the car is an outstanding performer on road or track.

A race car for the roadÖwith a conscience

The engine, transmission and braking system of the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch and Clubman models is adapted from the MINI CHALLENGE race car. Little wonder then that a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds is the result of extensive performance tuning. All this and a potential 40 miles per gallon. Have your cake and eat it!

The difference is in the differential

To ensure power is transferred to the wheels with minimal fuss and maximum dynamic performance, every MINI John Cooper Works car is supplied with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard. ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Hill Assist complete the line-up of chassis management technologies fitted to the John Cooper Works cars.

Strength of appearance

Making the MINI John Cooper Works stand out from a standard MINI Cooper S is a range of specific styling and performance features. An aerodynamic kit, bespoke 17î alloy wheels, John Cooper Works badges, large disc brakes with upgraded bright red performance calipers and large twin tailpipes denote this car has something special under the metal. A full range of John Cooper Works styling accessories is available from all MINI dealers or online at www.mini.co.uk

MINI John Cooper Works highlights

ï On sale in the UK from 22 July 2008 priced at £20,995 for the Hatch model
ï Engine modifications produce 211 hp and give the MINI John Cooper Works a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds
ï 132 hp per litre
ï 40.9 mpg
ï Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard
ï Engine, brakes, suspension and transmission tuning adapted from the MINI CHALLENGE race car

*2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit official 0-62mph time was also 6.5 seconds. UK sales of this car were limited to 454 units.