(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.
A new year is upon us and it’s time for visit our respective state or country Department of Transportation websites to find out what the latest motoring laws are. Here is a short list of some of the new laws that took effect this morning.
Do you live in South Carolina, Illinois, Alaska or Washington? These states will start enforcing a law that requires first-time DUI offenders to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, or BAIID, installed on their cars.
In Dallas, Texas, you are going to want to make sure your insurance is up-to-date. Failure to do so will result in your car getting towed.
It’s official as you can see from the photo. My MINI eclipsed the 200,000 mile mark recently and thought it would be a good time to give you my thoughts about this car since it has more than 10 years worth of normal driving miles on it.
I got my MINI on March 9th, 2003 and hit my first 100K miles on October 7th, 2005. Lots of miles for work, lots for SCMM events and just general motoring.
This 100,000 miles did take a little bit longer, mostly due to the extreme increases in the price of gas. When I bought my MINI, I was paying $1.899 for a gallon of premium in SoCal. We all know the rest of that story. I also drove less for work, which is another reason why it took a bit more than 3 years to hit this 100K versus 2.5 for the last.
I’ve said this here many times before, but the MINI is the best car I have ever owned. Except the alternator going out and getting 1 flat tire, this car has never left me stranded and never not started. I’ve driven this car in pouring rain, searing heat and even snow without a hitch. Never thought I would lose control and have always felt safe, even driving next to 18-wheelers with 60MPH gusts!
The following is a recap of the life of my MINI. Follow the jump!
Hybrid Technologies is all over the place lately with their Electric MINI Cooper. Including Hollywood, showing it off at the pre-EMMY Gifting Suite.
Besides Vern Troyer (pictured here), Neil Patrick Harris, Isaiah Washington, Jean Smart and Randy Jackson all stopped by to check the car out.
Impressed celebrities included Isaiah Washington who was shocked asking, “It’s all Electric?” Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart Simpson, said “Yo Dude, Go Electric!”
Emmy-award winning actress Jean Smart couldn’t wait to tell her son about the remarkable lithium powered vehicles.
GBK Productions is a Fundraising and Special Events company dedicated to creating unique and memorable high-profile events to maximize fundraising effort. Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK said, “I love being able to showcase such a unique vehicle”.
The 2008 Paris Auto Show is coming up. MINI plans to be there in force showing off all of the current cars as well as the JCW Clubman, the R60 Concept and the Cooper D.
The Current MINI Range at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
From Driving Pleasure to Sheer Passion: The MINI John Cooper Works. The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.
(MINI Press Release)Note: Unless indicated otherwise, the contents of this Media Information Kit relate to the equipment and specifications for Germany. Deviations in other markets are possible. All specifications and technical data on the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are provisional.
The sporting talent comes in its DNA, the joy of above-average performance is unparalleled every mile, every kilometre on the road. MINI at its best - ready to go for new records in its strongest discipline: the joy of motoring.
One quick note for all those looking forward to the new MINI convertible slated for a spring launch. The rear hinges that were so prominent on the previous generation convertible have apparently been redesigned and hidden from site on the new car. This means that, while the boot should operate the same way, will have much sleeker appearance when closed
Baron Automotive in Kansas City will soon be expanding its MINI dealership. Baron’s current operation features BMW and MINI sales and service in one building and a VW dealership in another building on the same site. The decision was recently made to close the VW dealership and move MINI into that space for sales and service.
While at MINI Takes the States in Boston, I had the opportunity to crawl in, on and around the JCW Challenge Race Car with camera in hand. While I was taking photos, I also got some great information.
Mechanically, this is a Factory JCW MINI. The engine, transmission and clutch are from the Factory car you’ll be able to buy later this month. The brakes are the same 4 piston brakes of the JCW car. The wheels are OEM JCW wheels that you will be able to order with your Factory JCW car.
Once this car is built, it’s sent out “body in white” for it to become a race car. The interior is completely stripped except parts of the dash and the emergency brake boot (which is odd) and all of the safety equipment is installed. One feature that I wasn’t familiar with is the air jacks. There is a quick-release air jack in the boot where you plug in an air hose and the entire car raises. A nice feature for a race car to be sure.
MINI of Spain is following MINI of Italy’s lead with the special editions. Both models will be based on the Cooper S and are expected to be available soon. Here’s the rundown of both models:
Long time new MINI followers will probably remember MINI UK’s Flip Colour options that debuted in 2004. They featured multiple layers of metallic paint that actually gave the finished car a different color depending on the angle viewed from. In photos they looked merely interesting. In person however the effect was almost jaw-dropping.
Beyond the MINI plant in Oxford there aren’t many places for enthusiasts to go and pay homage to the brand. For BMW owners there’s BMW Welt, the BMW Museum, the ‘Ring and a number of manufacturing facilities around the world. For the MINI, there’s really only one public place beyond the plant that deserves mention, Park Lane MINI. The central London dealer is claimed to be the center-piece of all BMW owned MINI dealers and boasts two floors of everything MINI.
Recently I had a few hours to kill in London and decided to finally check off Park Lane from my list of MINI related to-dos.
AC Schnitzer usually turns their efforts toward tuning BMWs. Look like they have decided to take a shot at tuning MINIs too. Besides suspension and body kit, they have tuned it to have 49bhp more than the standard car.
And without so much as a second glance we’re sitting on the speedy side of 140mph. Perhaps it’s not such a bad thing the new Mini’s speedo is enormous… Pressing down into the tarmac, the Schnitzer feels totally stable at this speed.
Some of our Canadian neighbours attended the BMW Press Launch last week and got some seat time in the Clubman and Clubman S. Here is what they thought.
My wife and I fell in love with the Cooper, but like many, we found the rear passenger compartment too limited and hard to access. The new Clubman is the answer we were looking for — an interesting, legitimate alternative for those wanting to own a second car. That being said, it could just as easily serve as a primary vehicle, considering its newly-acquired qualities.
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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
Sections: JCW, MF Feature Jan 7th, 2009 23 Comments 
