With a top speed of 240km/h, it's the fastest MINI and the world's "fastest small cabrio".

Due to debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2009, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible features the same high performance engineering modifications as the hatch model carrying the JCW badge.

The Convertible’s 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine produces 157kW and up to 280Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed. The newcomer’s petrol power plant is a significantly revised version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit found in MINI Cooper S models, and the same as that in the MINI CHALLENGE race car. The engine is lighter, stronger and is supplied with a larger air intake and an exhaust system specifically designed for John Cooper Works cars.

The transmission’s gearing is strengthened to handle the extra available power; power that pushes the car to a remarkable output of 98kW per litre, yet still able to offer 7.09litres/100km.

The standard kit list of every MINI John Cooper Works Convertible includes a bespoke John Cooper Works Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, John Cooper Works floor mats and glossy piano black interior. Air conditioning is fitted as standard.

Performance of the Works car is underlined by an exclusive speedometer, which runs to 160mph to account for the car’s higher top speed than that of any other MINI.

A Sport button is located in front of the gear stick. When pressed it activates a bespoke engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range and sharpening steering and throttle response. The gear knob featuring a red gearing diagram is unique to the MINI John Cooper Works.

Unique lightweight 17” alloy wheels in Cross-spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, feature on the new Convertible. A John Cooper Works Aero kit is standard and the tuning brand’s logo is positioned on the boot, grille, brakes and door sills. Extra-large disc brakes paired with upgraded bright red Brembo performance callipers are supplied.

ABS brakes are backed up by EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, EDLC Electronic Differential Lock Control, DSC Dynamic Stability Control (incorporating Hill Assist), and DTC Dynamic Traction Control.

Unique to MINI John Cooper Works models is EDLC. With DSC fully deactivated, the car’s Electronic Differential Lock Control delivers a sportier driving experience. EDLC works when the car is accelerating hard out of corners or tight bends. In this situation, it electronically slows the spinning inside wheel to enhance grip and ensure that all available power is transferred to the road through the wheel with greatest traction. In contrast to the way DSC and DTC manage power delivery to the wheels, EDLC doesn't intervene with the throughput of engine power, meaning the driver is in near total control of the handling of the car.