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Section: JCW

JCW Re-imagined: Our Take on the JCW

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, MF Feature Jan 7th, 2009 25 Comments

(This article is specifically about the US-spec MINI JCW and not the version that comes with the aero-kit elsewhere in the world)

A lot has been made of the new factory JCW MINI not coming with the JCW suspension let alone the sport suspension as standard. In our review last week we found the car to be exceptional in all but two ways - lack of visual distinction and lack of an upgraded suspension. And it’s not rocket science how you fix both of those issues. JCW has the parts to do it, but they just decided leave the car relatively untouched and ready for each owner to tailor it to their own needs. Of course the problem (as we said in the review) is that MINI hasn’t done the JCW brand or the car any favors with this visual restraint. People simply can’t recognize a JCW MINI (like they do an M3) from across the parking lot and due to this there’s a lack of brand recognition as well. But worse for the enthusiast, the lack of an upgraded suspension signals a serious compromise in the character of the car. People want to believe in a brand and the ideals it stands for. They want authenticity. At this point it’s a little unclear how authentic the JCW is or will be.

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MINI Challenge Australia Final Round (Video)

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Motorsports Dec 7th, 2008 2 Comments

Our friends at AUSmotive have posted the second race from this weekend’s MINI Challenge Australia races. It’s well worth a watch for anyone interested in motorsports or the structural integrity of a MINI. It’s also the last weekend of that year for the series that saw quite a few highs and lows. For a full recap of the race check out AUSmotive. For a the full video, click below.

Part 1

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Minspeed.net

JCW Clubman vs. Everything Else

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, MINI Competitors, R55 (Clubman) Dec 4th, 2008 60 Comments

Car and Driver recently did another one of their comparisons. This time they put 7 cars together to try to come up with a good dollar-to-performance figure. The MINI of choice for this particular shoot-out was one of the most expensive MINIs you can buy, the JCW Clubman.

The seats (cloth, at this price) lack support, and the view out the back is partly obscured by the French doors. The rear area seats two, and only two, in relative comfort, but not before both must insert themselves awkwardly through the half-door on the passenger side. And the radio, despite our increasing familiarity with it, continues to confound us, in both function and the odd logic behind the placement of its knobs. Unlike the charming exterior styling, the Mini’s interior looks as if it is trying too hard to be different.

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MF Review: JCW Stage I vs Stage II

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R56 (Coupe), Reviews Nov 17th, 2008 38 Comments

JCW MCS JCW

Unlike the previous Cooper S, MINI has taken a two prong approach to developing a faster MINI or the R56 MCS. First out of the gates was the JCW “Engine Kit” which debuted in July of 2007. The kit developed 192 bhp and had 201 ft lbs of torque for an MSRP price of $2100 (plus installation). But unlike the previous JCW dealer installed kit, this new kit was easily installed in an hour and relied mostly on software to achieve its performance gains. You could think of it as a kit that unlocks the hidden potential in any stock R56 MCS.

We coined the term “Stage 1″ JCW for this engine kit when it became clear through sources that MINI was creating something even faster and more powerful. In July of 2008 MINI released the “Stage 2″ or factory JCW car to the public. This car was a little closer to the original R53 kit in it’s design. Not only did it feature revised software but also upgraded mechanicals. We won’t go into details here (you can read that in our full review) but needless to say it’s fast.

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MINI of Manhattan

MF Review: Factory JCW Coupe

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R56 (Coupe), Reviews Nov 12th, 2008 61 Comments

The factory JCW MINI is a dichotomy of character. On one hand (in stock form) it’s as comfortable over bumps and on the highway as any MINI that’s ever been produced. Yet on the other hand it’s the fastest and most raucous MINI ever. ClearlyBMW tried to create this car to be almost everything to all people. But does that make the new JCW less of a performance car?

If you only look at sheer speed, the new JCW handily takes the crown. It feels every bit as fast as the 2006 JCW GP was with an enormous amount of torque (206 ft lbs of it) available almost instantly in the rev range. Its also got the power too - 211bhp of it. While the GP may have had similar numbers, it’s the new JCW’s power delivery that really sets it apart. And weight is less of an issue as well. With the new R56 chassis weighing around 20lbs less in similar spec, the GP doesn’t quite have the same advantage it used to have.

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JCW Has Snob Value

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R56 (Coupe) Nov 3rd, 2008 6 Comments

cabriospy2.jpg

At least according to the Times UK.

Of course, you can respond in different ways to a car’s prevalence. You can get all sniffy about it and run in the opposite direction, with your chin haughtily aloft. Or, on the contrary, you can embrace the popularity, warmly acknowledge the taste and wisdom of your peers with regard to what is by any standards a design classic, and look forward to the chummy comfort, as you go about your business, of offering your fellow Mini owners a flick of the headlights or a comradely wave. (You could always stick a plastic hand in the windscreen when the frequency of this became irksome.)

Worth a read for the writing style alone. That and no complaints about the ride or the interior. Watch for Gabe’s review later this week.

[ Speed, style, snob value: this unique Mini has the works ] Timesonline.co.uk

M7 Tuning

50MPG in a JCW MINI?

MotoringFile Sections: Awards, Efficiency, JCW, R56 (Coupe) Oct 29th, 2008 28 Comments

So it was in the UK using the Imperial Gallon, but still an impressive feat AutoExpress was able to pull off.

That’s not the only trick up the John Cooper Works MINI’s sleeve, though. Despite packing enough punch to cover 0-60mph in only 6.5 seconds, the supermini can now add wallet-friendly 50mpg-plus fuel economy to its impressive list of credentials. That’s 25 per cent more than the maker’s claimed 40.9mpg combined figure. But only if you know how to handle this hot hatch…

Sure the price of gasoline in the US is dropping, but I know there have to be a few of you out there that don’t have your foot in it all the time. What kind of MPG are you getting from your JCW or GP?

[ 50MPG in fastest ever MINI ] Autoexpress.co.uk

MotoringFile JCW Review Coming Soon

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Reviews Oct 28th, 2008 29 Comments

cabriospy2.jpg

We’ve heard you. You want to read our review of the 2009 JCW MINI. In fact there hasn’t been a week that has gone by since spring that we haven’t gotten emails asking when we were going to drive the car. The wait is over. Our 2009 JCW press car will arrive tomorrow we’ll be putting it through its paces for an entire week.

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MINI Magnetic Badges

Motive Pits the JCW Against… Everything

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, JCW Oct 27th, 2008 34 Comments

cabriospy2.jpg

Ok we’re being dramatic. But really Motive seemed to try throw down the gauntlet against the new JCW. The results? We don’t want to ruin it for you but it’s a great read for MINI fans. Here’s an excerpt:

The key to the Mini’s lively personality is its ability to do more with less. The retuned Cooper S 1.6-liter under the hood makes an extra 36 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque, but at 208 and 192, respectively, those are easily the lowest figures among these cars. Yet look at the track results, and you’ll see that the Mini hit the highest top speed and recorded the second-fastest lap of the day. Much of that is due to the JCW’s huge weight advantage, but it’s also the confident brakes that don’t mind being squeezed hard and late.

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JCW MINI Makes the List

MotoringFile Sections: Awards, JCW, R56 (Coupe), Video Oct 24th, 2008 8 Comments

Auto Express has assembled a list of what they think the top-20 performance cars of 2008 are. And there, right between the Porsche Cayman S and the BMW M3 Coupe is the JCW MINI Cooper S in third place.

In the end, the MINI’s feisty character is all part of its appeal – it’s a car you grab by the scruff of the neck, hold on and enjoy! And it’s even more fun on the public road. When you’re not pushing so hard, the front wheels scrabble for grip less often and the car’s agility really comes into its own. Only the sheer brilliance of the top two models prevents the JCW from taking the crown.

They even have video and it starts when you open the page. Consider yourself warned.

[ Performance Car of the Year - JCW MINI ] Autoexpress.co.uk

Australian MINI Challenge Crash Ends Race

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Motorsports, Video Oct 13th, 2008 12 Comments

The Australian MINI Challenge has had a wild ride in it’s first year and this weekend was no different. Due to a particularly bad crash, the third and final race of this weekend’s festivities was called off and no points were awarded. Here’s an excerpt from the press release:

MINI CHALLENGE driver, Darren Berry has sustained a broken left ankle following an incident in the opening lap of race three of MINI CHALLENGE at Mount Panorama, Bathurst today.

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MINI USA Recalling 2009 JCW MINIs

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), Recalls/Campaigns Oct 8th, 2008 38 Comments

MINI USA is officially recalling all 560 2009 JCW MINIs due braking issues. It’s not entirely clear in the description given by the NHTSA but it would seem that the brakes either aren’t the correct size or are simply not what was said to be offered on the car. Here’s an excerpt Inside Line which quotes the NHTSA:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its recalls summary pointed out that the affected vehicles have the 16-inch diameter, not 17-inch, front brake discs. “Depending on traffic and road conditions, as well as a driver’s reactions, reduced brake performance could increase the risk of a crash,” NHTSA said.

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AutoExpress: JCW “Best Hot Hatch” of 2008

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, JCW Sep 5th, 2008 15 Comments

UK weekly magazine Autoexpress has named the newly released JCW MINI, the best”Hot Hatch” of 2008. Here’s an excerpt from this week’s magazine:

Not only is it one of the quickest cars in its class, it’s also one of the most environmentally friendly thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics stop-start and regenerative braking technology. But the JCW’s real forte is entertainment, and where the car scores points over its rivals is with its ability to put a smile on your face on every drive.

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MF First Drive: Factory JCW Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R55 (Clubman), Reviews Sep 2nd, 2008 25 Comments

BMW and MINI have worked hard on the new JCW MINIs in setting them apart from the other models. They’ve given them their own names (you won’t find “Cooper S” anywhere on them) and they’ve given the powerplant an entirely updated character let along performance boost. But is it enough?

From an enthusiasts point of view the problem with the existing MINI Clubman is it’s extra weight and subsequently a slightly lazier turn-in as compared to the MINI coupe. While the new factory JCW Clubman doesn’t solve the weight issue, it does solve everything else related to straight-line performance.

Walking up to the back JCW Clubman you can help but notice the fat twin pipes on the corners. It’s clear that MINI meant for this car to look the part. The large red calipers peaking out of the front wheels and the discrete JCW badges are the only other signs that this isn’t your ordinary Clubman. Could MINI have done more to make this car look the part though? I’m inclined to believe so. However with the JCW aerokit unavailable until March of 2009 for the Clubman (internally called the R55), I’ll give MINI USA the benefit of the doubt for now. Of course the same can’t be said for the JCW coupe which does have a JCW aerokit potentially available yet doesn’t get it as standard.

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Official JCW Brake Retrofit Kit PDF

MotoringFile Sections: Accessories, DIY, JCW Sep 1st, 2008 11 Comments

Based on our story last Friday detailing the parts associated with the new JCW brake kit, we had a few questions about a potential official retrofit kit. As we reported last year MINI has been planning on selling the brakes set as an accessory in itself. And yes, that means there is an official PDF detailing the kit, the parts, special installation instructions, and the OEM wheels that will fit the kit. You can download it all below:

+ JCW Sport Brake Kit / Official MINI PDF

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Previous Select MF Features

2008
» MINI Challenge Race Car in the US
» MF's MINI United Video (part 1)
»
MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco Part 2
» R57: Seriously Always Open
» Factory JCW MINI in Detail
» Exclusive MINI Takes the State Info
2007
» MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
» New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
» MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
» 2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
» MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
» 2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
» More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
» MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
» R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
» Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
» MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
» MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
» BMW To Re-Brand JCW
» 2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
» MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
» 2007 MINI Reader Reviews
» 2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
» MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
» MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
» 2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
» MINI Names the R55: The Clubman » 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Drops Weight
» Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
» 2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
» 2007 US Market Options Packages
» Hey Stracco: The Interview
» Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
» MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
» MINI's Official R56 Preview
» Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
» '07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
» 2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
» '07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
» MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
» MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
» JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
» Seven New Colors for 2007
» MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
» Chicago Autoshow Gallery
» JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
» 2006 JCW Product Info
» MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
» MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
» US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
» First MINI Now Triumph?
» More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
» Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
» MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
» MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
» Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
» MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
» 2006 JCW Accessories
» US Market Color Changes for 2006
» Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
» BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
» Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
» Special Editions/Package for 2006
» Checkmate Options Package (USA)
» JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
» Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
» 2006 Model Year Timeline
» MINI's 2006 Color Changes
» Next Generation MINI Revealed
» Official MINI Armrest Revealed
» MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
» Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
» MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
» Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
» Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
» 2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
» MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
» 2005 MINI Changes
» The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
» Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
» MINI Plant Tour Review
» Hood Rub Service Bulletin
» 2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
» MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
» CVT Paddles Retrofit
» 2005 MINI Spotted
» Rear Fogs Almost Here
» New Prince Engine Caught Testing
» MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
» MINI_Motion Launched
» MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
» MINI One D Announced
» MINI Named North American Car of the Year
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Auto Reviews:
'09 MINI JCW Coupe
'09 MINI JCW Clubman
JCW Stage I vs JCW Stage II
'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

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Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

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MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV