The MINI JCW that debuted this spring with a manual gearbox will be the company’s last car where drivers can still row their own gears, CEO Stefanie Wurst told Top Gear in an interview.
She added that the automaker planned to continue producing sported-up modifications – just not manual. The recently introduced MINI Cooper, which debuted in Munich with an alle-electric powertrain, will not be available with the stick shift even though it will get a few ICE versions later on.
Wurst also admitted that she wasn’t opposed to the idea of MINI entering the world of motorsports, particularly all-electric car racing. However, the company has not yet decided what competitions it will be taking part in. According to Wurst, MINI will keep observing the EV racing scene for the time being, taking notes of the winners.
The MINI JCW touched down this spring and was the manufacturer’s means of saying farewell to the manual transmission. The car comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 231 PS (228 hp / 170 kW) and a six-speed gearbox, no other options on the list. Only 999 units will be made. You can find it in the gallery below.