In 1965, a snowstorm hit the Alps. The Mini Cooper S, number 52, won the Monte Carlo Rally with a perfect score of zero penalties. It created the legend of “small conquering big.” Sixty years later, the new electric MINI JCW Monte Carlo Night 60th Anniversary Edition launched globally. Only 100 units exist, reviving the legend of that snowy night.
The new electric MINI JCW Monte Carlo Night 60th Anniversary Edition features the British retro champion plate “AJB 44B.” This plate symbolizes identity and acts as a key to unlock the legendary event of 1965. That year, the Monte Carlo Rally faced an unprecedented snowstorm. Out of 237 cars, only 35 finished the race. The number 52 Mini Cooper S, driven by Finnish driver Timo Mäkinen and British co-driver Paul Easter, cut through the snowy night like a knife. They achieved a perfect score with zero penalties and won the championship.
The new car features a striking chili red body. It showcases the first-ever Monte Carlo Snow Night white roof on an electric JCW model, reflecting the champion’s colors. The unique snow track embossing on the roof recalls the victory from 1965 in extreme conditions. Snow-colored wheels contrast sharply with red brake calipers, blending retro rally style with modern sporty flair. On the side, the number 52 champion emblem stands out. Three parallel lines outline the glory of the Monte Carlo Rally three-time champion. The B-pillar bears a 1965 memorial plaque, engraved with details of the car and its drivers. Victory commemorations from 1965 appear throughout the car, honoring that snowy night of triumph. Opening the door reveals a 1965 limited edition threshold plate, a gateway to the past. A red seatbelt runs through the cabin like a mark of victory. Grab the exclusive “Victory Key 52,” and you will return to the “Night of the Long Knives.”
In MINI’s car-making philosophy, engineering structure sets the performance baseline. Tuning level gives the vehicle its superior driving charm. The new electric MINI JCW features a silicon carbide motor with a maximum power of 190 kW and a peak torque of 350 N·m. Its performance impresses. Beyond the numbers, MINI’s commitment to hardware and software integration stands out. The front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension, combined with the traditional “four corners” layout and high-performance anti-roll bars, create a stable chassis. The H-shaped battery layout and integrated battery design lower the center of gravity. This allows the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration over 1g, providing a thrilling driving experience even on flat corners. Finally, JCW’s precise calibration balances suspension stiffness, damper damping, and body posture, achieving a “stiff yet gentle” ride.
The coordination hub is MINI’s “digital brain”—the integrated chassis control system DIVC. It combines power and chassis control into one. It predicts driving intentions with a response time of just 60 milliseconds. Every acceleration and turn feels natural. At the start, the electric control system simulates the torque release rhythm of traditional fuel vehicles. It retains the feeling of lifting the front during takeoff. Acceleration becomes a dialogue between driver and car. The ARB acceleration slip regulation system adjusts wheel slip quickly. It precisely locks in the best traction range between grip and slip. In corners, the subtle vibrations from the wheels whisper MINI’s rally heritage, which spans over sixty years, into the electric age. “We never stop exploring. The goal is to return to where we started and understand it anew,” says a line from Eliot. This captures MINI’s declaration. In 2025, MINI opts for precise tuning. Each turn carries the warmth of history. Each acceleration continues the legacy of champions. The new electric MINI JCW Monte Carlo Night 60th Anniversary Edition is available for a limited-time price of 246,800 yuan (34660$).