Mini's 2014 John Cooper Works Is A Big Fat Golf GTi Beater

Pictures of the Mini John Cooper Works Concept have been revealed ahead of its official January launch. Sporting new design features alongside some trademark Mini lines, the car mixes the old-school with modern racey details that suggest it's poised to take on the current hot hatch giants.

Continuing the form of growth between Mini generations, this concept is certainly the largest of the family tree. But providing this larger car with added punch will be a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing an expected 220bhp. Curiously though, that's just 9bhp more than the current car's 1.6-litre.

To keep this added power in check the future car will sit on 18-inch wheels set at a wider track, whilst a rear diffuser will work the air to drag some downforce into the equation. Styling details such as the side vents and air intakes look sporty, though it's unlikely these serve any purpose other than boosting the JCW's race car credentials.

With its aggressive styling, distinctive paint finish and promising technical spec, there's no doubting this concept model can talk the talk. But with the official unveiling not taking place until the 2014 Detroit motor show, we'll have to wait to see if the new Mini JCW can walk the walk.