With a model like the Countryman in its lineup, Mini may not be so mini anymore. At least not in an absolute sense. But since BMW has remade the brand in its own image, Minis have become mini BMWs. That's certainly the case with John Cooper Works – the brand's the performance label – which Mini's CEO, Dr. Kay Segler, intends to expand to follow the lead set by the BMW M division which he used to run. So if BMW can make X5 M and X6 M performance crossovers, so can Mini. And here you have it.

We had a chance to drive the JCW-spec Countryman while it was still in development back in December, but now Mini has dropped the full details on the production model slated for unveiling at next week's Geneva Motor Show. But lest you think the John Cooper Works Countryman is the dilution of a performance brand in its application to a crossover, of all things, consider that what you see here is both the first JCW model with all-wheel drive and the most powerful to date.

The 1.6-liter turbo four churns out 211 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque (221 on overboost) through a six-speed gearbox (automatic or manual) and the All4 all-wheel drive system to propel this juiced-up Countryman to 62 in 7.1 seconds. Those intentions are announced to the world through equipment like 18-inch alloys, aero kit, sports exhaust and optional Chili Red roof, mirrors, stripes and seat trim.

Like what you see? There's plenty more details to examine in the press release after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery.

Original blog post, lovely photo gallery, presser and peanut gallery commentary to be found at Autoblog...