Section: R56 (Coupe)
Nov 17th, 2008
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. continued →
Nov 12th, 2008
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. continued →
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Oct 29th, 2008
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
Oct 24th, 2008
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
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Oct 21st, 2008
In a recent issue of Motor Trend they have a great comparison/competition trying to find the best handling car in the US. They are using sensors, gauges and computers with a few different drivers on Laguna Seca to get the results. Follow the links at the bottom for all of the geekery, including video.
Mixed in with the Audi R8, Dodge Viper, Nissan GT-R and BMW M3 (among others) was a 2008 MINI Cooper S. And, considering the crowd it was running it, it did pretty well, scoring 8th overall.
In the Mini Cooper S (8th place), again we see an adeptly tuned, midpriced front-driver. Though slowest in lane-change responsiveness and step-steer reaction time, the Mini produced a tightly grouped figure-eight tracing and finished midpack in ride quality. Pobst loved its handling balance, noting that the tail will wag helpfully but controllably in turns. “Confidence-inspiring,” was Pobst’s summation.
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Oct 10th, 2008
Over the last several months we’ve told you that MINI is planning on adding and deleting a few colors in the current line-up for 2009. While we’ve known for some time what is coming, we’ve recently received confirmation at the dealer level that some of these new colors are now in the system. We believe this means that these colors should be online and available around the beginning of the year. Here’s the list:
- Midnight Black (replacing Astro Black) - available on all models starting with 12/08 production
- Horizon Blue - available on all models
- Interchange Yellow (March ‘09) - exclusive to the R57 convertible
Also look for some minor interior updates that extend to the seating and color-line on the R57. Notably look for Hot Chocolate as color-line option for at least the R57 if not other models.
On the exterior look for the highly anticipated black trim option for both the headlights and the belt-line of the car. However it’s unclear when in ‘09 this will be introduced as an option.
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Oct 9th, 2008
We’ve been getting reports that Clubman coming to the US with the Anthracite headliner option have been getting the standard headliner due to a shortage.
According to a thread on North American Motoring, dealers were sent a bulletin at the end of September telling of this problem and recommending that dealers not deliver cars. Of course, some cars were delivered.
If ordered your MINI with the Anthracite headliner option and are expecting delivery soon, you might want to check in with your dealer.
Oct 8th, 2008
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. continued →
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Oct 7th, 2008
We’ve been informed that MINI USA has quietly begun offering owners a chance to replace their exhaust tips to keep them from extending too far from the edge of the car. As reported previously on MotoringFile, the NHTSA is looking into several complaints (three to be exact) that they have received leg burns from contact with the exhaust pipe on the R56. The Feds are currently conducting an “engineering analysis”, which is sometimes a precursor to a safety recall.
We’ve been told MINI USA is taking this step to avoid an actual recall. So if you have an ‘07 or ‘08 R56 MINI and really really want short tailpipes, head down to your MINI dealer.
Oct 1st, 2008
If you have 18″ OEM MINI wheels on your car put on by the dealer, odds are you have the steering stop installed on your car. The reason? Apparently under extreme circumstances MINI found that the tires with this set up will rub the inner fenders slightly. Their solution? To restrict the steering angle enough to prevent it from happening. The downside? Increased turning radius. continued →
Sep 16th, 2008
This has to be the craziest comparo yet. From AOL Autos via Car and Driver, in search of cars that will give an Audi R8 a run for it’s money.
Of course, both get their grunt from powerplants that are as antithetical as the wrappers they arrive in. The Cooper S’s high-tech, 1.6-liter engine uses a turbocharger to put a “bang” in “four-banger,” whereas the Escalade employs a brutal, old-school 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 that sucks down more than twice the fuel. Furthermore, if anything remotely resembling a curve turns up in the middle of that quarter-mile run, David will eat Goliath for lunch.
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Aug 31st, 2008
Our good friend Liam at AUSmotive had a chance to drive the new JCW MINI on Australian soil and came away rather impressed. Here’s an excerpt:
Engine and transmission are very well matched and, for a car with so few kilometres on it, its willingness to work high in the rev range—a previous MINI strength—was a delight. And the torque! Usually with a 1.6 litre engine you would think the only way to make sure desired progress was not impeded would be through precise gear changes. However, the torque in the John Cooper Works makes the car virtually foolproof. Corners I would take in my supercharged Cooper S in second gear, for example, could be taken in third in the JCW, or even fourth at a pinch. continued →
Aug 29th, 2008
For all those who want the look and stopping power of the new four piston JCW brakes on their R55 or R56, we’ve got what you’ve been looking for. Below is the entire parts list for both the front and rear brakes including installation diagrams (just click to enlarge all images). continued →
Aug 28th, 2008
MINI USA will shortly be announcing immediate availability of the JCW engine tuning kit for the automatic R56 Cooper S. This is the same kit that was mistakenly released for a couple weeks late last year without US certification (however those cars did not receive the correct ECU update that unleashed most of the power of the kit) After lengthy testing MINI USA has received full certification from the EPA and sales can now officially begin. Here’s an excerpt from the internal MINI USA document announcing the release:
Aftersales is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S (R56) is now available for vehicles with manual and automatic transmission. continued →
Aug 25th, 2008
We’ve had an enormous number of requests for a couple reviews over the past few months. First up are of course the two new JCW MINIs. And then there is continued interest (yes from MINI owners) of the 135i - specifically the manual which we haven’t tested yet. So we’ve been busy working with BMW and MINI to get these cars and in turn get our reviews out to our loyal readers. continued →
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