The MINI John Cooper Works Concept offers a look into the next generation MINI sports model.

The study car will be presented for the first time at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014, and flies the flag for innovative sportiness in time-honoured John Cooper Works (JCW) style, with features including exclusive body paintwork in Bright Highways Grey, familiar MINI red accents, bespoke aerodynamic features and 18-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in a newly developed design.

As many enthusiasts would know, a JCW model is the result of an overall concept developed on the back of the brand’s many years of motor sport experience. The precise interplay of ultra high performance powertrain and chassis technology, with the car’s aerodynamically optimised exterior features ensures that the agile and surefooted handling - or also known as the 'go-kart feeling' - shines brightly in extremely sporty driving situations as well. The result is hardcore driving fun, taken into a new dimension by this new MINI John Cooper Works Concept.

The John Cooper Works Concept is based on the latest-generation MINI (F56). Weight savings and improved aerodynamic properties have also contributed significantly to the new car’s driving talents – and these developments, likewise, have a positive influence on the MINI John Cooper Works Concept.

Large air intakes – filling the space reserved for fog lights in 'regular' MINI models – precisely formed air-channelling elements, marking out the front apron of the MINI John Cooper Works Concept which also features LED headlights and a black surround for the front grille. The model-specific JCW aerodynamic kit also comprises specially contoured side skirts and a rear apron with flaps and a diffuser. The study car further features a roof spoiler and additional body components designed to channel air efficiently around the C-pillars for optimised aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

The Bright Highways Grey exterior paint shade comes about via a special manufacturing process: The hand-polished surface layer is finished with a clear coat and the resulting lustrous sheen of the paintwork further accentuates the eye-catching structures of its pigment layer.

This paint finish is then complemented by John Cooper Works' hallmarks, such as contrasting red for the roof, roof spoiler and exterior mirror caps. Also included are Sport Stripes – in Chili Red for the bonnet and boot lid, and in white for the roof. Additional red accents adorn the rim wells of the JCW light-alloy wheels, the callipers of the sports brakes, the side indicator surrounds and the contour lines of the front and rear apron. A red accent line also lends particular emphasis to the John Cooper Works logo on the radiator grille.

The MINI John Cooper Works Concept is also fitted with a sports exhaust system, including a JCW silencer system. The striking twin tailpipes with chrome finish also carry the John Cooper Works logo. The result? MINI promises an unmistakable engine soundtrack.