MINI Cooper JCW in Palm Beach

Being a spy photographer can have its slow moments. But then something great comes along and that means they get to share the photos everywhere – along with plenty of excitement at seeing something new.

In this case, photos were snapped of the MINI JCW Cabrio prototype doing some test driving out in Germany. The camouflage wasn’t very extensive though, so it’s interesting to see just what it is that MINI is trying to keep under wraps. The swirling designs run up the center in a kind of psychedelic sports stripe, cover t tip of the windscreen where it meets with the fabric drop-top, and then the rear quarter panels, the tail lights, and the tailgate. Amusingly enough, it almost looks like a regular MINI with a very interesting paint job.

But it has been identified as most likely a MINI JCW Cabrio. Speculations tend to agree in that the rear area that is camouflaged shares the most in common with the three-door JCW Hatch. That particular MINI JCW isn’t out yet either, but will go on sale this August in Australia. Still, it’s too early to jump to conclusions about this MINI JCW, including when it will go into production. It’s looking pretty good right now, but you never know what a company might decide to do to any given car, no matter how far along it may seem.

It’s also been assumed that the MINI JCW Cabrio will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that currently can get the three-door MINI JCW from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. That’s with the 6-speed automatic transmission, but it will also likely give customers the chance to choose a 6-speed manual.

Can’t wait for a new MINI JCW? Understandable. Head to Braman MINI for your pick of some of the top MINIs available right now. You’re sure to find what you like, and perhaps a lease for a brand new one is in order while you wait for the MINI JCW Hatch – unless MINI sees fit to release the Cabrio earlier!