We don't agree with Jeremy Clarkson; you can be a petrolhead without owning an Alfa Romeo, but you can't do it without trying at least one powerful small hot hatch. Not a Focus RS or a Civic Type R, but something you barely fit inside.
A decade ago, the most hardcore small car you could buy was a Renault Clio RS, but the French wimped out with the turbocharged, automatic-only generation that came out in 2013. So the MINI is now your prime pick.
The top of the range is the John Cooper Works, but we're not sure it's worth the money. After only a few options, you're looking at about €50,000. So instead, you can just get the Cooper S and make it your own.
Despite having come out many years ago, this hot hatchling hasn't received an iconic body kit. There was a Liberty Walk version, but based on the previous model, the one with the 1.6L. We have a bone to pick with that engine, plus the modern 2-liter turbo is so much better for tuning. Simple mods can probably deliver to overpower the short chassis.
Unfortunately, the images before you aren't of a sick new JDM-style widebody kit that you can buy. It's the 3D work of Rostislav Prokop, one of the best digital body kit specialists out there. And we really appreciate he hasn't followed the all-SUV trend.
The new wheels on this project are so wide that the Cooper S would probably now have the turning circle of a race car. But the all-grey, extra-wide bodywork is sexy as heck, and it's matched by the fresh aero. The front now sports a deep chin spoiler, protruding forward by several inches and supported by struts.
There's a party at the back too: Type R-like triple exhausts and a large diffuser. Unlike the upcoming JCW GP, this doesn't have an added wing. Way to keep things "subtle" in that regard.
The top of the range is the John Cooper Works, but we're not sure it's worth the money. After only a few options, you're looking at about €50,000. So instead, you can just get the Cooper S and make it your own.
Despite having come out many years ago, this hot hatchling hasn't received an iconic body kit. There was a Liberty Walk version, but based on the previous model, the one with the 1.6L. We have a bone to pick with that engine, plus the modern 2-liter turbo is so much better for tuning. Simple mods can probably deliver to overpower the short chassis.
Unfortunately, the images before you aren't of a sick new JDM-style widebody kit that you can buy. It's the 3D work of Rostislav Prokop, one of the best digital body kit specialists out there. And we really appreciate he hasn't followed the all-SUV trend.
The new wheels on this project are so wide that the Cooper S would probably now have the turning circle of a race car. But the all-grey, extra-wide bodywork is sexy as heck, and it's matched by the fresh aero. The front now sports a deep chin spoiler, protruding forward by several inches and supported by struts.
There's a party at the back too: Type R-like triple exhausts and a large diffuser. Unlike the upcoming JCW GP, this doesn't have an added wing. Way to keep things "subtle" in that regard.