BBC's
Top Gear takes a third generation MINI John Cooper Works for a spin and notes about the engine:
It's a terrific engine. First and lasting impression comes from the noise, a keen baritone that goads you when you're accelerating but dies away at a cruise. You're not bothered by lag, but the red-line is a disappointingly low 6500rpm - not that you'll see that on the idiotically tiny rev-counter. That's why you need the exhaust noise, so your ears can gauge the rpm. Even so, you'll probably be shifting up early because the mid-rev torque is so generous.
