Mini Working on Electric John Cooper Works Cars

• EV versions of quickest Minis coming

• Brand boss says gas sticking around too

Still worried about electrification meaning the end of compact sporty hatchbacks? So is Mini, and that’s why they’re working on cars like this one: a John Cooper Works Electric.

The brand knows that electrification is coming, and it also knows that driving enjoyment is as much a part of its brand as small size and being stylish. So it looks as electrification as both a challenge and an opportunity to improve the cars wearing the JCW badge.

“With the MiniElectric, we’ve shown how well brand-typical driving enjoyment and electric mobility can be combined,” says Bernd Körber, head of the Mini brand. “Now it’s time to translate the passion for performance of the John Cooper Works brand to electromobility.

Körber says that combustion engines still have an important role to play for the brand, but Mini wants to make sure it can meet the needs of enthusiasts around the globe.

So does that mean they’re announcing and revealing a JCW-E? No, there are no specs to be found in this press release, just recognition that Mini is up to around 10 percent of its sales electrified. Instead, this is more a statement of intent. Mini will be adding more electric models to its lineup and is actively working to develop a John Cooper Works Electric.

We’re to believe that this is it in Mini’s photos, and wearing the JCW GP bodywork (including that massive rear wing and wide fenders) it certainly looks the part. Here’s to hoping that the Mini JCW electric’s camouflage wrap showcasing racing circuits from around the world isn’t just for show.