Sections: JCW | MF Feature Nov 2nd, 2005 110 Comments 
Now that the JCW GP Works Kit is out, everyone seems to be a critic. So here’s the challenge we’re giving to MotoringFile readers. How would you change the JCW GP? What would you add? What would you take out? How and to whom would you market it? Let’s here it all; specs, production numbers, and price.
And lets try to keep it all fairly realistic. For instance an all carbon fiber car would (A) not be easily homologated in most countries and (B) sell for no less than $50k.
JFS Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Stock MCS: - Only options: Cloth Seats, Sport Pack & LSD - Install 17% Reduction pulley - Install CAI - Install Rear Sway bar
JCW GP: - Would not pay over $30K for it - I’d replace the CR mirror caps for either chrome or body colored ones.
Gabe Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
The above photo is my take on the JCW GP. CF front fenders, mirrors, roof, different 18″ wheels and a tweaked body kit. Otherwise I’d probably keep the same mechnicals.
Then I’d tell my suppliers to dig deep so I could offer it at £23k / $34k :)
Yegor Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
The image above is not the same as others shown. Look at the mirors, side skirts, roof & the carbon fiber panel. Where it comes from?
Yegor Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
OK!
david Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
start with a GP2, add BBS-CSL style forgred or mag 18″, pilot cups or some other racy rubber, leave on jcw brakes and suspension, more aluminium in susp arms, finish the wheel arches onto the side skirts, recaros, carbon interior peices, Dsc control on the alcan steeering wheel, Carbon or aluminium roof. 35k. not very creative i guess, but if it’s already done other cars, why not my mcscsljcw :)
alpha-6 Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
17% pulley, CAI, Forge Intercooler, MTH, sway bar, exhaust, lighter wheels and rear seat delete….and still leaving you with more money in your pocket than going GP. =)
minicoopermike Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Price: $30,000
Colors: Same scheme, but maybe add other colors as options like black or red
Weight: Same, but feature the Delete Option for A/C, DSC, as well as Radio/CD. Change fenders to CF.
Body Kit: Same, but change side skirts, blend with arches
Wheels: Change to JCW 18″ 5-spokes or new design….or change to 17″
Seats: Ditch the side airbags and standard sport seats in favor of Sparcos or Recaro or any other highly bolstered seats
Coopernicus Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Gabe – you are better at exterior styling then BMW is (currently) !!! Your ‘adjusted’ pic above looks so much more integrated then the official version.
Also, make the rear hatch spoiler an OPTION, with the alternative being the normal JCW rear spoiler or something like it. That would make choosing such a ‘polarizing’ styling element totally up to the buyer. It could even be a dealer-installed option to avoid slowing the ordering process down.
DuKe Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
m3 engine and more power :)
dgszweda Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I would market it as a club racer type of car. Similiar to how BMW has marketed the M3 CSL. I would not focus as tightly on price, and I would give more priority to the racer aspects than the comfort. I would limit it to 5,000 cars worldwide. Mini focused to much on compromises.
I would put the JCW kit on, but try to push for 230bhp-250bhp. I would accomplish this, by performing more extensive head work, a more agressive cam, possibly a 17% pulley, change out the header, and a little more work on the exhaust.
I would replace normal body panels with CF where reasonable. Thin the glass, and possibly a CF bonded roof, like the M6. I would remove the rear seats, sound deadening, lower weight through lighter sway bars, and other suspension bits. Put on all the other JCW goodies (cf pieces, cf dash, suspension, brakes…). I would remove the rear washer like they did. Put on current body kit, with JCW spoiler. Keep the underside tray that they did. Put JCW brake ducts on the front. And put an intercooler sprayer on (fun to play with).
I would also allow an ECU switch to switch between octanes, so that race fuel could be used and further optimize the performance.
I would keep options minimal. Possiblility to remove A/C, no radio, no electric windows, no cruise control, an enhanced DSC built for track conditions, limit the color options, Recaro seats, with shoulder belts, short shift kit, lighter weight 17″ wheels (i.e. 15lbs) and performance (non-runflat tires).
I would push for 200lb weight reduction. I would push for keeping it at $39,900. I think they would still sell quite well.
Steve Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Cost is the enemy here. While I was underwhelmed by the GP on paper, I realize MINI has to watch the bottom line. So, with that in mind…
I like the idea of minimizing some of the “customability”. Delete the A/C and Radio from the current GP-spec.
Handtweak each chip, and include dyno chart from the actual car. Maybe even make it so that only a few of the “strongest” motors make it to GP level, the rest are designated for “standard” MCS duty. Really set the GP apart as a hand-picked series.
Install a (removable?) cage, rear swaybar and seat harnesses as well.
Best of all would be to offer these for pickup delivery at JCW factory!
RB Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Either make the car a full on GP car or just add bold new graphics to an MCS and badge it like the uninspiring MC40.
The grey colours gotta go……….it’s BORING, the only thing that saved the paint scheme was the red mirrors.
Why doesn’t BMW look at some of their race cars and take some clues let’s say from the 1975 3.0 CSL Calder paint scheme or any of their Art Cars.
That’s my 2 bits.
RB Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
DGSZWEDA……..
Except for your comment on keeping the paint scheme you are right on.
Now there is a guy who is thinking like how BMW should be!
Gabe Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
dgszweda – as much as admire you’re spec.. I think you’d have a tough time finding 50 people interested in a car like that at the price it would likely cost (most likely higher than 40k). Granted 40 of those people will probably now respond to my comment calling me crazy :)
RB Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Gabe, what is the point of what they are offering? It’s not really a GP car but with no back seat or sound deadening who will really want this stripped down doesn’t know what it wants to be thing?
I think there would be a market for a good club racer not this wanna be. IMHO DGSZWEDA is right on.
Bryn Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: ditch the tints (stamps foot) before I can think of improvements…
Gabe Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I think there would be a market for a good club racer not this wanna be.
Of course there is a market for a car like that. And it’s about 50 people.
fdavid Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
DGSZWEDA has come up with a dream set. Can imagine something nicer than a true GP. I would buy it…and the wholy pick up at the JCW factory sounds liek an added bonus! (not a JCW lover as I think they
fdavid Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
…can do much better. But picking up the car at the factory and giving a good test around their track would be a plus!
Siddhartha Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I vote for no changes to the GP. Keep it heavy and ugly and “special”. That way, my ‘05 JCW is still King of the Hill.
BUT, if JCW wanted to make a limited edition play car for track and autocross, that was marginally street legal, they already know how. Just start with the JCW engine kit, suspension and brakes, then:
Price it competitively with the Lotus Elise at $40,000 and I’ll take on that bad boy rice burner any day.
On another note: Of course no changes are necessary for the MINI to dominate SCCA G Stock Mens and Ladies and H Stock Mens and Ladies autocross. They already do that. So congratulations are in order to MINI and a bunch of talented drivers!
RB Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
GB………I think your wrong.
adam Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Well…the JCW GP Works kit would be fine by me if they would sell more than five of them in the USA.
Philip Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Base MCS (pick any color combo you like) - LSD - DSC (Track Day always off option) - KW 2 suspension, H&R sway bars front and rear - a better brake: ATE, Brembo, movit or AP - Braided Brake Hoses and racing blue - Brake Duct / Throat Kit - lighter wheels, e.g. Team Dynamics Pro Race (link) - JCW Kit - interior reduced to the max (two seater) - additional gauges, e.g. oil temperature, oil pressure, intake boost and a good lap timer - short shift kit with a longer shift stick (pic) - Recaro Pole Position Seats or similar - Schroth harness - Wiechers Clubsport roll bar (figure)
RB Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I do like the wheels GB designed above.
gokartride Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I’m still happy w/ my Cooper!!!
matt Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
okay, target $35k?
we’re starting with the GP and working from there.
assuming the body modifications, including the skirts, wing and brake ducts, are functional. i say leave them as is, paint them differently if you like, but that’s an asthetic consideration.
the wheels? leave them as well. sure they’re hideous, but if adding a spoke makes them heavier leave it at 4 and learn to accept what you can’t change.
thin out the glass if possible within our cost constraints.
CF parts where applicable, roof, side pannels, hatch. if the hood could be constructed out of CF and maintain the cars front end impact performance.
we’re probably pushing the 35 barrier now, but nevertheless i’ll continue.
hand pick and map the JCW engines as mentioned before.
figure out a clever way to get the lighter sport seats to the US.
that’s it. within reason i don’t know how much more you could do without loosing buyers or pricing yourself out of the market all together
Steve Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I have a deposite at my dealer and am currently #1 on their list. At this time I am undecided until the full specs. are out. What i was hoping for was the ultimate street cooper “S” JCW plus. I agree with most that the car as it stands now looks like a mis mash of parts thrown together with a ricey look. If you visit http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81067&page=53 now that car makes me drool. If they are looking for an easier solution I would love to see them ditch that ricey spoiler and come up with somthing better. Also the wheels do not fit my style but i could change that. I would also like to see the insulation remain as i would use this as a daily driver. One of the things i was hoping for was more horsepower to weight ratio. At the very least I think they should inspect all motors to be sure they are putting out good horsepower. We all know there are some strong motors out there and some not so strong. I am willing to be a little flexable on some of the things on this car but for now i think they could have done so much better.
Bryn Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I believe we’ve moved into the realm of wishlists here. The starting point is not a blank sheet of paper but the GP model as specced by MINI and revealed at Misano. The maker is not going to ditch all its development investment at this stage nor abandon its target market, but it’s to be hoped that they may take on board some reasonable suggestions to accommodate a consensus from prospective buyers — in which case the opportunity should be seized to present viable alternatives to the features offered…..
Aaron Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I like the club car idea, but keep it a bit simpler…
MCS + JCW Engine, Brakes and LSD
AC Delete
Radio delete (or very minimum, AM/FM/2 speaker setup – Light!)
Removable roll hoop (with an eye on racing)
Removable rear seat with cover trim (so you can add or remove seat and not look like an unfinished car)
Delete of sound insulation
Lightweight wheels (18s) with sticky rubber
Dress it up a bit, but don’t blow a fortune on it… maybe a few dress CF parts or a more agressive spoiler and ground effects.
Keep it to one color to reduce costs on a limited production run.
Keep the cost at or under $32K
Rommel Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
An engine with at least enough horsepower to beat a Dodge Neon Srt-4 since the price gap just isn’t right. And as light as a mini is, maybe better fuel economy than a Honda Civic Coupe or at least as fast as a Honda Civic Si.
greg Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
All good ideas but to get this done right your looking at $40,000. My ‘05 was $36k with JCW tuning/suspension/brakes and sport and weather pkg. Leather, int/ext.chrome aux gauges, web spokes and driving lamps. To add 18″ wheels and 250hp would get pricey.
Z4MINI Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
“If you visit http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81067&page=53 now that car makes me drool. “
I guess “ricey” is in the eye of the beholder, because the cars depicted there are WWAAAAyyyy “ricey”. No disrespect intended, just being honest about the way I see things.
I only have two problems with the GP:
Color of the sills doesn’t match the wheel arches.
Overall color scheme is bland.
Otherwise, for about $30K, it’s probably priced right.
Glen Pascoe Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
A GP edition doesn’t need all of those options (which cost much more than they’re worth).
Look at the new RenaultSport Megane and Clio Trophy, these editions are cheaper than their regular joe models simply because all the unnecessary junk, ie,” weather pkg. Leather, int/ext.chrome aux gauges, web spokes and driving lamps” is lost from the options list…
Gimme a stripped out MCS with no A/C, Radio/Speakers, Lightweight seats, no rear seats and simplified dashboard with very few buttons and knobs to break. Also perspex windows and no sound deadening pads…
Call it about £14,500 (dunno US rate) and we got a deal of a track car to enjoy…
Kurt Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
get 250hp out of the current car
unique color
aero kit w/wheel arches painted body color
keep the numbering on the roof
Wouldn’t this be enough to please almost everyone? It would look different from every other MINI, yet keep the price around 30.
iDiaz Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Wow, where to start? Okay, since the [desired] theme behind this vehicle seems to be the street-legal, lightweight club racer (akin to the GT3 variant of the 911), here are my picks:
18″ wheels are ABSURD on a MINI. They don’t do anything for the handling, and if anything, only serve to reduce traction by reducing the compliance provided by taller-sidewall rubber. Ditch these, and use 17″ wheels at the most, weighing no more than 15 lbs. This alone would likely trim an additional 40 lbs or more from the curb weight, bringing total weight loss to a much more respectable 128 lbs.
Spec the car with aggressive tires, much like the Lotus Elise, Mitsubishi Evolution, and Subaru Impreza STI. Yokohama Advan, Kumho Ecsta V700, and Falken Azenis RT-615 are a few that come to mind.
Change out the factory seats with a proper lightweight shell, shaving an additional 40 lbs or so.
Add additional chassis-stiffening measures, perhaps from the convertible, to allow a stiffer suspension to work properly.
Add monotube dampers (preferably Bilstein, as in the Evo MR and Lotus Elise), adjustable rear control arms (for camber and toe adjustment), thicker adjustable front and rear swaybars, and adjustable front camber plates.
Use thin exterior glass on the rear and rear-side windows, to further reduce weight.
Limited-Slip Differential as standard.
Brake-cooling ducts.
No xenon lighting, as it’s heavier than standard lighting.
Intercooler water sprayer button, as in the Subaru Impreza STI.
Although it’s already superb, re-calibrate the ABS system to intervene later, allowing more impending lockup.
Re-calibrate the DSC to allow rotation of the vehicle on corner entry, and allow a little more wheelspin before cutting power.
I don’t think any of this is unreasonable, considering the prices this car will likely demand.
dgszweda Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Gabe,
There are plenty of people who pay $40,000+ for a Lotus Elise. And there are plenty of people paying $35,000 for MCS right now from the dealership (all options, a few JCW goodies, R90’s and body kit) put you pretty close to $35,000. Offer an all out club racer for $5,000, I think would be great. Money is a lot less of an issue than many people think. People easily pay premiums for what they want. People were willing to pay $5,000 premiums in California just to get an MCS.
I meant to add factory pick up, but I forgot. The option to pick it up at either JCW or Oxford and a one day on a cool British track would be great, like Brands or something along those lines. Euro pickups usually take about $2,500 off the price as well (at least for the BMW side of things).
iDiaz Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Oh, and another one:
iDiaz Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Ooh, more!
One option Porsche offers on the 911 GT3 is the Tequipment rollover bar. How about a factory-approved rollover bar? See here for example: http://www.porsche.com/isapi/english/int/accessories/911teq/item.asp?id=410&kat=Sport
While you’re perusing the above link, note that they also offer a factory 6-point harness. ;)
Gabe Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
There are plenty of people who pay $40,000+ for a Lotus Elise. And there are plenty of people paying $35,000 for MCS right now from the dealership (all options, a few JCW goodies, R90’s and body kit) put you pretty close to $35,000. Offer an all out club racer for $5,000, I think would be great. Money is a lot less of an issue than many people think. People easily pay premiums for what they want. People were willing to pay $5,000 premiums in California just to get an MCS.
I agree money is not a huge concern up to a certain point. But the car you described (which I think sounds fantastic btw) would clock in at least 50k. And beyond that the spec which you mentioned would only be attractive to the serious weekend racer. All that reduces the potential audience for such a car drastically. Now I’m not saying that’s even a bad thing… I just want to inject a little dose of reality here.
And if you still think you could sell 5000, ask BMW how many E36 M3 lightweights they sold in the US with no radio or AC :)
Bryn Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Still missing the point, guys. The GP could still be saved if you put on your get-real hats and salvage what’s missing from the existing ‘prototype.’ I believe there’s little scope beyond things like the colour of the skirts, whether the brake ducting is functional or not…. BMW are not going to suddenly spec carbon fibre roofs and perspex. On the other hand, many of the things that you DO want are already included. It will have limited slip, won’t have heavy Xenon lighting, you can delete aircon and DSC, will be a good deal compared to a JCW that you spec off the shelf. And, to recap further, even with the ‘extras’ that it has, it’s 42kgs lighter than a BASE (bare) MCS. Choose to go without aircon and that’s a further saving in weight. Bear in mind that a bare bones MCS in Britain (if you could get one)goes off the lot at £15,500 and we’re told the GP (with 88lbs less weight and 48 more bhp) will cost c£22K. So BMW are doing a pretty good job for many of us here. Let’s help them do an even better one by passing on some constructive comments….
JAG Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Mmm, spend $40k on this car and see if it is a match for an Elise or buy the Lotus? The answer is very easy, once the rear seat is removed and practicality is out the door. There is no use for this car unless you are really, really a hardcore MINI fan but, if you like to drive, Elise all the way. BTW, I don’t think it is a match for the Elise, front wheel drive vs. rwd mid engine at 1984lbs curb weight!!
mg5904 Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
-Like othershave said, lighter. Leave the glass the way it is now, along with the body panels but go with a delete option for the rear seat, radio and A/C. Drop the silly 18 inch bling wheels and go with a 16 and/or 17 inch lightweight non-runflat wheel with sticky tires. This car is all about agility and tactile feedback. Think rapier to broadsword.
-Play with the suspension. Put money there and go a little crazy. I want this car to be able to worry an elise driver. Lightweight, aluminum or ti components (springs, sways, shocks etc.) adjustable and balanced. I will leave specifics to those who no more than I. This type of trick suspension and sticky tires should decrease braking distances by a significant factor.
-A bit more power, please. We don’t have to go hog crazy with 250 or 300 hp. 230 would be nice, though. Maintain driveability and emissions and play with the gearing and ECU if necessary, but I would like to dip down to the high 5’s to 60 with a minimum of torquesteer or tramlining and have great punch at higher speeds (30-50mph).
-The body kit doesn’t bother me too much. They could smooth it out a bit and refine it a bit more. Sills and wheel arches are a little out of synch. I like the muted grey-blue color and the red mirrors. Reminds me of the Audi R8 back a couple of years ago.
-Interior should be spartan. Lightweight, cloth seats (may have to kill an airbag or two for this, but this a limited edition GP car. Remopve some sound insulation, but not all. i would like to take this car on longer drives and not feel like I had just installed the cap to my pickup with an impact wrench.
tanya Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I’m not asking for much… but of course was sorely disappointed.
Give me all this and I won’t even complain about the damn runflats!
nervous Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Keep it as is – add the only 17% factory warranted pulley available. Totally “doable” & sellable, IMHO.
mg5904 Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Gabe, I don’t suppose that this thread was MiniUSA’s idea, was it? ;-)
Red_Cooper_S Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
This is complete blasphemy but…… Take a British Racing Green Classic (Rover) Mini with a white roof (John Cooper Racing Colors), gut the interior and drop a 250hp JCW motor into it.
tanya Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Keep it as is – add the only 17% factory warranted pulley available. Totally “doable” & sellable, IMHO.
I think this is only doable with a redesign of the supercharger and waterpump, or a very short warranty period.
tanya Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
This is complete blasphemy but…… Take a British Racing Green Classic (Rover) Mini with a white roof (John Cooper Racing Colors), gut the interior and drop a 250hp JCW motor into it.
This is the opposite of blasphemy – it’s devout worship before the Mini and Cooper shrines. I’m totally with you!
Tony T Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Offer two versions:
WORKS GP RAW – no rear seat, no aircon, etc, tidy up styling, 230bhp
WORKS GP COMFORT – same spec/styling but add rear seat, aircon etc etc.
Not hard to do. Everyone happy
greg Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
An Elise? I’ll take a MCS/JCW anyday. I’ve driven this “car” and it sucks in 12 different ways for $50k.
Bryn Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I think we’re getting there. Let’s hope that someone out there’s listening…. I don’t want to have to take back my deposit!
Fred Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Gabe, if MINIUSA and BMW/MINI are really “listening” to these points, then here goes.
Color: Like the color and the contrasting roof. Don’t paint the front apron the same color as the roof (in Pure Silver as the press releases have stated)
Accents: Can live with the red mirror caps, but suggest the rear brake calipers be red also—if that’s the direction they’re going to go. Otherwise, make the mirror caps Pure Silver to match the roof
Rear Wing: Can live with the rear wing as currently configured; but there’s more appeal to the JCW design—in silver paint or CF
Wheels: Can live with the 4 spoke 18’s, but the 5 spoke JCW would be better. A lighter 17″ would be best (assuming no current 16″ will clear the JCW calipers)Suggest the 5 spoke “Bullets”
Front & Rear Aprons and Wheel Arches:
Integrate the aprons with the wheel arches. Either make them all body color, or use the standard Aero Kit configuration, with the arches “flowing through” the aprons and side skirts.
DUMP the Fake brake ducts—or make them functional.
DUMP the rear silver “vents” around the grills.
Go to the Aero Kit Grills, or mold the front apron without the middle grill insert.
Dark-Tinted Side/Rear Windows: DUMP DUMP DUMP
Mechanicals: Keep the JCW Engine, Brakes, Suspension, and aluminum rear suspension pieces Keep LSD. Possibly tweek the engine to 225 hp. Throw in the JCW Front Strut bar (OK, it’s “bling”, but what the heck)
Interior: No back seat…OK Never use it anyway on my 04 coupe
Badging: Move the rear JCW logo to the right, under the MINI Cooper S logo. Leave the “GP” on the left, by itself.
The car is a cool package; it just needs some refinement. I’m sure lots of MINI enthusiasts crave a super- lightweight, killer track car; but it’s clear MINI isn’t going to make one; so make the best of what they’re offering.
I’m in line at the dealer, and I hope MINI and the BMW styling folks are listening to all the comments.
bee1000 Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I’d like to see a full retro MINI: 15″ Panasport wheels. Non-metallic BRG body, non-metallic gray roof. No rear spoiler. Metal fender flares – no plastic trim.
tsukiji Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
I’d sell stripped cars through a small network of MINISPEED dealers, who would also sell all of the really good bits, and fit the cars to order.
chows4us Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Lose the:
body kit A/C DSC power windows JCW Brakes JCW Suspenions wing fake brake ducts lame color
Add:
210 WHP Stiff ajdustable rear sway bar H Sport type springs Brembo BBK Bigger TB Better IC Better sounding CAI (ala Alta)
alpinamike Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
When will someone take the BMW E30 M3 engine Evo, (which is a samll four) and put it into a MINI , this would be the best, plus the BHP would go through the roof. The euro (evo) M3 engine would fit, but i don’t know abotu the transmission to fit on this. The engine mounted sideways would be 90% of the room, and if i am not wrong the last year of production they had DOC, along with four direct coils. This would be a great idea for MINI to produce!! Are you out there? -alpinamike
tsukiji Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
chows – just call Randy Webb! ;-)
Mark Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Different rims, like the silver and black R105’s, get rid of that ugly wing, and has everyone seen the BBR turbo mini over in England, if you havent LOOK, 307hp
Allan Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Ok, I just spent a couple of hours photoshopping what MY GP2 would look like.
Please take a second to look at it, I woudn’t want my hard work to go to waste. Tell me what you think!
GuessWho Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
225bhp
2300 lbs
P-R Ratio – 10.22
JCW with Upgrade – 207bhp Add: An actual P&P Cylinder Head (+4) Possible 17% Pulley & Underdrive Pulley Better flowing JCW exhaust system (+4)(single muffler less weight) Performance camshaft(+8)
Weight Reduction: 13-15lb wheels (16-17″) at the corners CF Hood CF Front and Rear Bumper CF Boot Lexan Windows Reduce/Elim sound deadening material Light Weight Racing Seats A/C optional Remove DSC Evaluate power steering mechanism weight
Mini Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
“There are plenty of people who pay $40,000+ for a Lotus Elise.”
I did a search on DuPont Registry for Lotus, and there are 97 Elise for sale. That was a surprising number to me. Perhaps people are not as excited to spend $45-$50+ on such a specific use car.
I guess it is just that the number of 2005 Elise models available surprised me.
Another example is the guy on NAM that is trying to sell his $37k Mini. It is critical that the options selected for this car are seen as valuable to more than just 2 or 3 people.
rednwhitecooper Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
if you can get me an MCS with no interior panels, one seat, a roll bar, no ac, no radio, no heater, no sound deadaning, no undercoating, and no other little add on crap, i’ll take 2!
its too bad we cant still configure cars without unnecesary things like AC, a radio or a heater…..
rednwhitecooper Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
also, a quick fill, racing style gas inlet would be nice. no gas door to open, just hop out of the car and slide the filler right into the side of the car.
somehow i doubt we could get that approved for use in the US. :)
kev Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Price 30 to 35K window sticker
The 18″ wheels are stupid unless they are wider. I’d take 16’s or 17’s to further reduce Wt.
218 hp is not enough. 230 to 250 is need here.
Keep the JWC Susp. and Brakes
Put the rear seats back in the car and reduce the weight with a CF Hood, Aluminum Doors and more alum/magnesium components else where on the car. Use lt. wt carpet, dump the sound dedenign material every where, use lt. wt door panels, loose the anti corriosion crap they spray all over the car (reduce the corrion warranty accordingly). There are plenty of other ways to dump weight other than loosing the rear seats.
The A/C, Radio, Rear wing and DSC should be the only four options on the car.
Cloth Recarro seats with holes for a harness and a kick ass steering wheel should be stanard along with a whole slew of gauges (oil temp, boost, oil pressure, batt. volt, etc…)
Dump the body kit for the JCW body kit (unless there is serious drag benifets).
im lookin for trouble with this one Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
wow. all the diffferent roads to take. in order for me to get my thoughts straight i watched the italian job, played gran turismo4, and listened to U2 (all instead of studying for a midterm tomorrow) i then sat in front of my computer for a while and stared at the csl on my background. then it hit me. the reason that the csl is so great is because it gets the job done without adding a crazy spoiler, or ugly rims, or taking out the backseat. its a race car that you can drive on a daily basis. the only ones who are gonna but the GP are the people who already own a mini, the people who want to get into track racing, or those who have an extra 30K dollars laying around and want to buy a car that might be a collectors car some day. number one thats who i would market it towards. those who have no use for it but to drive it like it was meant to be driven- with a helmet and racing harness.
you would either love or hate the GP that i would put together. i would tie the knot between mini and bmw even tighter. the new 330s inline six. 255hp. theres your performance right there. modify the drivetrain and you could even end up with an xi version. yes i do realize that you would be adding two extra cylinders and 1.4 liters to the current 1.6 liter inline 4. that means that something like this would probably have to wait for the next generation mini (a little bigger). JCW suspension and brakes would be standard, or we could do brembos. that “xi” idea would come in handy for anyone looking to give the scca’s rally class a try. it just might turn into the all wheel drive set up we’ve all been waiting for.
(i dont want to offend anyone by making them think that im talking negatively about JCW. i just feel that by changing that engine to a complete bmw set up it would keep the price a little lower. in addition if JCW ever got their hands on that car you’d be looking at 300hp easy and 0-60 in high 4s. plus a car of this caliber would raise the bar for other euro hatchs like the renult clio and new r32 which is said to have 250 hp. in my eyes the only thing that would hurt would be 1-series sales in europe- and we wont see that car for a while.)
on the inside- nothing but alcantara seats, steering wheel, even on the dash where we saw the JCW leather dash. add/delete A/C , radio, rear seat, roll cage and even the front seat for the weekend (track) warrior. no nav (get a co-driver with a notebook like WRC)
on the outside- basically what a mini looks like now. maybe an aero kit with a larger air dam, flaired arches for wider rims (bbs style, of course), simple vent on the hood (like the first impreza had on the sides) or keep the scoop. racing stripes are a must. as for the colors the CSL’s black and grey are too bland for me. maybe the new solar red, a “laguna seca” blue, alpine white (not pepper), BRG.
to deal with the weight, i wouldn’t expose the carbon fiber. instead, i’d build the car around a CF shell. similar to the SLR. (i just heard someone’s checking account close). if not feasible, just make extensive use of aluminum.
tanya Nov 2nd, 2005 Link
Gabe – Please tell us that what was unvieled at Mini United was some kind of cruel joke.
Hubert Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
To make this version special, there MUST be visual lightweight modifications that aftermarket tuners cannot offer. Let’s face it, the major downside about the Mini is weight and it makes the car a LOT less repsonsive and chuckable than the classic Mini.
CF Roof: I think this is now the BMW’s performance icon, so do try to add that if possible. Without this, it’s no different to all the other fancy paintwork variants.
Wheels: Forget 18″ because you can’t get any decent tyres for it. Best to stick to lightweight 17″, but wider ~8J to fit 215/45/17 or 225/45/17 tyres. Fit flared wheel arches if necessary.
Tyres: A choice of two tyres. Yoko A048 or Toyo R888 for the hardcore and AD07 for street. Fitted with wider sticky tyres, it’s much easier for the magazine reviews to give praise about the cornering.
Remove: Option to remove all the DSG, climate control, CD changer, less sound deadening blah blah blah. We only really need one driver air bag.
Seats: Any reclining glass fibre or CF seats out there? As a reference: Reverie carbon fixed-back 3kg; Corbeau fixed-back FX1 9kg; Corbeau reclining A4 microsuede 11.3kg. Use aluminium seat runners.
DO NOT REMOVE THE REAR SEATS. Let the owners do it themselves if they want to.
Doors: Is there much to be saved by using 3-layer glass-fibre door shell, without reducing side impact protection?
ABS: Tweaked so that it doesn’t kick in so soon. Pedals adjusted for easier heel and toe.
JCW Brakes are good.
JCW Strut Brace is good.
JC Motorsport exhaust system is good.
LSD a must.
Water-oil cooler is a good idea.
Power: HP sells cars so this one probably needs 240hp. Based on the current JCW kit, just add performance intercooler, a PROPERLY ported cylinder head with standard valves (CNCed?), and maybe fast road cams.
Mapping: The map on every car should be checked on the dyno. No need to be over conservative with the fueling map as before and rather state that the engine only drinks good quality fuel.
Suspenion: JCW sport suspension an absolute minimum to cope with the extra power.
Forget undertray panels. It’s good for aerodynamics but most street runners don’t appreciate it and adds weight. Bit of a wasted effort.
Bodykit: A fancy rear diffuser maybe?
Interior: Carbon-look trim, with nice little badge on the console/steering wheel.
Other weight saving ideas (realistic or not): Lightweight engine mounts, locking mechanisms, window winders, bonnet, tailgate, interior trim, flywheel, tubular anti-roll bar, LM25 alloy gearbox housing, engine block, wheel hub, fuel tank, nuts and bolts, wiring loom …
Hubert Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
It’s probably cheaper to use a 6-cylinder engine from BMW than tweaking the current 1.6, but it’s a lot heavier(?) and R&D costs for redesigning the entire engine bay would rule out the idea, at least not for the current generation Mini.
rednwhitecooper, just order the John Cooper Challenge car ;-)
Bryn Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
This is virtually a run-out model so radical mods just ain’t gonna happen. The publicity material says that it’s aimed at giving sporty drivers an “atmosphere” of Cooper Challenge that they can experience in a road car. They are nearly there with that – though the devil remains in the detail. So I’m with Fred and Matt on their choice of changes and the reasonable level they’re working at. (The balls-out off the shelf racer is a whole ‘nother ballgame that may/maynot come at some time in the future: a 2nd generation JCW Plus? If that’s what you want, press for it but don’t confuse it with the forthcoming GP.)
Saintjames7 Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
I’m not going in to all the details of what I wanted from this car. Since everyone has pretty much the same thought as I do.
So here is a photoshop of the car, to fix the visual things I didnt like.
P.S. Keep up the gret work Gabe :) [IMG]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/saintjames7/JCWGP4_800v3.jpg[/IMG]
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/saintjames7/JCWGP4_800v3.jpg
Avitor Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
My WAY:
275bhp
Choice of all “S” colors and roof colors
Optional JCW Challenge Graphics
CF Hood, Boot Lid, Quarter Panels, and Sunroof, yes a CF Sunroof
Reduced weight, removable rear seats
JCW Brakes (Red Calipers at all wheels), Suspension, and Spoiler (not the spoiler on the GP)
LSD
DSC with some sort of Launch Control so DSC doesn’t kick in from a standing start and ruin your day, better yet add some programming to make your launches better.
Less prominent badging, the “GP” on the GP is just too big.
Bell Helmet, painted to match the car.
Four point harnesses and an optional HANS device
Roll cage that doesn’t make the rear seat un usable.
Fire Extinguisher
JCW Gear Indicator, Aux Gauge pod
Driving Lights
ASA JH6 Wheels
dgszweda Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
I will add another point.
The GP should reflect the philosophy found in BMW’s M-Series, but with a Mini flair. While style is nice, it shouldn’t be the driving factor, but a result of what is done. To make an all out car by reducing weight and adding more power, and then throw on 18″ wheels for looks is ridiculous. I am not against good looks and not against that being a focus on the standard MCS, but when you go out on the GP, do it right.
What makes the M-series stand out is BMW’s all inclusive look at performance. They don’t just throw in a big motor like AMG, they really focus on a driving machine. Pure and simple, everything they add has a specific function with the full purpose of increasing driver enjoyment. Additionally they spend a great deal of time with balance. They know they can’t just throw in a 600hp motor into the car. They need to work on suspension, brakes, electronics….
The best thing that Mini has going for it is the power vs. weight. That in my mind should continue to be the focus on the GP.
KevinR Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
A Cooper Challenge MCS with an actual interior and no roll cage. Tweaked JCW tuning kit, JCW suspension, JCW brake kit. Light weight 7×16 wheels with 205/50 non-runflat tires.
No rear seat, no center console, no radio, no clock, no A/C, no power windows, locks or mirrors, no fog lights. Remove most of the interior lighting.
Parcel shelves left and right instead of a glove box. Get rid of the airbags except for the one in the steering wheel and the one in the dash for the passenger.
Remove all unnecessary wiring: stereo, antenna, alarm pre-wire, etc… Remove most of the sound deadening material. Consider getting rid of the rear wiper and the rear window defogger.
There are more possibilities for deletion/weight savings, but you get the idea.
Three gauge panel (oil temp, oil press, water temp) in place of the radio.
Use the Nav/Chrono speedometer and tachometer setup to keep those gauges in front of the driver.
Chris Kimmelshue Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
“What they should have done” JCW GP:
Mechanicals Factory installed JCW parts – brakes, suspension, engine kit. Limited slip differential, factory short shift kit. No A/C, manual windows, and radio delete option. JCW custom ECU tune with multiple DSC modes (track, street, winter). Custom ECU tune should be good for 225 bhp.
Interior Smooth rear cargo area (”rear seat delete” type setup) with custom JCW rubber floor mats, CF dash board and other CF interior bits.
Exterior Unique JCW color scheme with unique badging. Lightweight 17″ wheels with unique sticky run-flats. CF exterior bits, unique CF wing, CF front splitter.
All this under $35,000 delivered.
Ian F Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
The more I read everyone’s comments – and reflect back upon my own – I realize MINI is fighting a losing battle with this car. There’s no way they can make everyone happy… or even half of them…
Like I wrote a couple of threads ago, if too many changes are made to the car (lightweight body parts, huge power increases, etc), they would have to get it re-certified – an expensive, time consuming procedure that would need to be amortized over a lot more than a few hundred cars. As spec’d, it’s basically a JCW. And not a badly priced one, at that.
If you really want a lightweight, hi-po MCS for competition and track use, you are still better off building your own from a base MCS. The introduction of a factory package isn’t going to change that.
If I’d change anything on this supposed “for competition” car it would be the wheels – make them as cheap as possible. I don’t really care what they put on the car at the factory as I’d replace them with a set of 17″ SSR Comps anyway.
Jay Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
To truly make the GP a car to envy, I would aim for the specs of a highly modified MCS. Of course, it would still have to be a decent daily driver and have a full warranty. As such, there MUST BE some compromises. The Mitsubishi EVO has done a pretty good job here in the US using the same formula. With that said, here’s my specs:
Full JCW body kit
JCW rear spoiler
Aluminium hood
Keep the rear seats, but make them easy to remove
JCW or Recaro front seats
Reduced sound insulation (not too aggressive; the car should still be relatively easy to live with as a daily driver)
Option for air conditioning delete. (nothing gets rid of fogged up better than a/c, especially when it’s raining)
Boost & oil pressure auxiliary Gauges on steering column
Optional sound system
Voltage and oil temp guages (somewhere in the ceter counsel)
Lightweight forged 17″ or 18″ wheels (this could save 40 over the S-lights)
Max performance rubber (non run-flat)
Brembo calipers w/ more aggressive pads (or maybe the JCW calipers w/ agressive pads to keep costs down)
Air ducts to cool the front brakes
Thicker, adjustable rear sway bar
Possible use of aluminium suspension components (if doesn’t cost too much)
Slightly higher spring rates w/ 1″ drop in ride height
Koni FSD shocks/dampeners
JCW supercharger (15% reduction)
JCW cylinder head
JCW fuel injectors
Iridium plugs
Larger intercooler (depending on cost)
Oil catch can
More aggressive CAI (I like the GT Tuning model)
More aggressive cam
Titanium one-ball cat-back exhaust (not too loud; in the US there are noise limits)
ECU tuning with multiple settings for octane level
LSD + ASC
Short throw shifter w/ custom shift knob (i.e. Whalen)
Jay Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Two more things…make 5,000 of them and price around $35k US
j Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
dgszweda- couldnt have said it better myself. thats why i proposed th idea of putting in the new 330i’s inline six….. M philosophy. hold the twin turbo and superchargers on the AMGs and give me a natrully aspired engine any day. M just gives the car an engine that is different than the ret of the series. ex: M5/M6 gets the new v10, and the next gen M3 (cant wait any longer) gets the old M5s V8. simple stratagy thats been working for the past 20 or so years. I used “im looking for trouble with this one” as my alias ‘cuz i didnt know how people would react. seems like miost of us are on the same page. now flashy cosmetics- just undeniable performance.
j Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
does anyone else like the idea of all wheel drive? an idea that as of right now has been put on hiatus with the new GP. personally i would really like to see a mini beat out an STi , EVO or R32. weight is a big factor.
JAG Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Hubert, I think you nail it in the head “”"To make this version special, there MUST be visual lightweight modifications that aftermarket tuners cannot offer.”"” I would add performance as well, engine and chasis mods that only the factory can do at a “price”. MINI should have learnt their lesson with the MC 40 with so many still unsold at dealers is a hint that a little here and a little there will not fly. Either you go all the way a la VW R32 -a lot of bang for not a lot of $$, no wonder it has sold very well here and in Europe and hardly any tuner can replicate it for the same price- or don’t do it.
iDiaz Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
j, considering those engines are designed from the ground up to be mounted longitudinally, your idea, as tasty as it sounds, really isn’t feasible. Not only would the engine compartment have to be heavily modified to accomodate such an engine (read: retooling a lot of the factory to accomodate new stampings), but a new transmission would have to be engineered from scratch to accomodate that engine. If you remember from the technical briefs from that German magazine on the MINI Cooper S, they had to design the twin-layshaft Getrag gearbox because of the difficulty in fitting a standard single-layshaft gearbox in the space left over after fitting the transverse-mounted 4-cylinder. I’m not sure if you’ve ever looked under the hood of any inline-6 equipped BMW, but an inline-6 is no small engine–taking up almost twice the space of more conventional V6 configurations.
Ian F Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Agree. An inline 6 in MINI is… well… silly… yeah, it’s been done, but the result is not something I’d want to live with outside of a race track. It’s also a heavy engine, and the tranny to stand up to it would also be heavier.
If we really want to push towards the BMW “M” way, then the 1.6 needs to get punched out to say… 1.8 or 2.0. Bear in mind, the 3.4L M engine is more or less a larger version of the 3.0 with different cam profiles.
tanya Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Gabe – Please tell us that what was unvieled at Mini United was some kind of cruel joke.
Please, Gabe.
iDiaz Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Even on the race track, a huge inline-6 hanging ahead of the front axles (it sits in a front-midship position in the 3-series, behind the axles)would make for a car that understeered horribly. I’m not sure that any amount of suspension tuning would be able to make up for that on such a short-wheelbase car.
tanya Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
To make an all out car by reducing weight and adding more power, and then throw on 18″ wheels for looks is ridiculous.
Agreed. Unless they’re as light as Centerline RPMs or OZ Superleggeras… That could be excused. But he first-gen JCW 18s tip the scales at more than 23lbs! I’d be surprised if these come in under 20.
JAG Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Hey, forget the inline 6, which is impossible any way, why not outsource the VR6 from VW? That would be sweet. It is transverse mounted, light and very compact (the size of a regular 4 cylinder).
minimc Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
The current GP MINI screams W@NKER/POSER. It needs less contrast, more integration & function.
I agree with several ideas from dgszweda, Fred, Hubert and Tony T. IMO Tony nailed it:
WORKS GP RAW OR WORKS GP COMFORT
Only 2 flavors, one simply a “delete” model.
Current color is OK, but kind of boring. IMO could be brighter. Not a big fan of the contrasting colors (roof) & mirrors either. The red mirrors have got to go!
As per Hubert: Light weight bits that are MINI exclusive must come on or with the car.
GP purpose built widebody: fenders & airdam (like an M-coupe) specifically to accommodate 225-235mm rubber & brake ducts – function, not fashion.
Wheels: If 18″ we can forget BBS wheels, BBS won’t make a 4-lug 18″. Maybe a MINI branded Volk/Rays?.
GP tuned suspension to suit, and each car to have factory jigged cage mounting points (under headliner etc.) for an optional/dealer installed roll cage.
MINI should employ old-school tactics to sell the “sticky to import” bits.
Use tricks like the ‘67 GTO (ram air) or 65′ Chevelle (headers) – parts shipped in the trunk.
And similarly regarding the Recaro’s… does anyone remember the 1981 Subaru Brat pickup? …Shipped with (throw away) “jump” seats bolted into the bed, so that the truck could be imported as a car!
[Quote: Steve] “Handtweak each chip, and include dyno chart from the actual car. Maybe even make it so that only a few of the “strongest” motors make it to GP level, the rest are designated for “standard” MCS duty. Really set the GP apart as a hand-picked series.”
If MINI aren’t planning to market the GP engine in a similar manner to that which Steve is suggesting they are FOOLS!
Ian F Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
“Hey, forget the inline 6, which is impossible any way, why not outsource the VR6 from VW? That would be sweet. It is transverse mounted, light and very compact (the size of a regular 4 cylinder).”
Hmm… and then the MINI could handle like a VW… ;)
Having experience with the VR6, it’s light and compact compared to a std V-6, but it’s still a big, heavy engine compared to the MINI’s I4. Everyone’s complaining about reducing weight.
Has anyone looked into boring & stroking the crank in the 1.6 to increase displacement and low-end torque? In the end, there really is no replacement for displacement.
JAG Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Well, the VR6 came to mind as I remembered a GTI with a V* from Porsche 928 in its hood by BB in Germany, they had to widen (like cut in half and add sheet metal) the car by 10 inches or so. Useless trivia.
Bryn Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
Ian F: Randy Webb was asked this and advised that it’s not feasible. No room around the bores and complications around the crank. If it were possible, it would have been done years ago on the basis that “there’s no substitute for cubic inches” ( – apart from forced induction, which we’ve got).
GoldFinger Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
I like the GP as it is except i want the entire thing to made out of Goooooold!
Fred Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
The JCW GP is not going to make everyone happy; and remember it’s an end-of-model-run car. They’re not gonna throw a V-6 or straight 6 into it; they’re not gonna add a carbon fiber roof on it. They’re gonna take what they have in their current parts bin and create a package that they know they can sell—without any problems.
Is it going to be a “killer car”…NO Is it going to have more “style than go”….PROBABLY; but that doesn’t mean they aren’t on the right path.
What I and about 2,000 other potential owners are searching for is a more coheasive effort in formulating what is addmittedly a “marketing special”. It’s a little lighter, it has a few more HP than a normal JCW package. And it’s not too late to make changes like better integration of some of the parts…and maybe come up with some new stuff like different wheels. But rest assured that MINI is not going to go to great lengths to certify a car in all their world markets for this GP, especially since this model variant is soon to be history.
I think MINI IS listening since in England the dealers are calling “listed” purchasers, asking them to increase their deposits up to 1,000 Pounds Sterling. I think they’re a little nervous after reading all the negative comments on mini2 and Motoringfile.
So, give your feedback to GAbe and hope for the best…but don’t expect they can do it all.
tanya Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
They’re gonna take what they have in their current parts bin and create a package that they know they can sell—without any problems.
But they didn’t do this at all… they created some ridiculously overwrought new exterior trim pieces and silly big wheels. If you read through the suggestions above, there are many great ideas for using what they already have with very minor additions (and deletions). IMO they just screwed this one up. Period.
Lawrence Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
I echo what tanya says above… start with what we’ve got and make that better, rather than manufacture new (and somewhat fugly) accessory pieces…
For example, some people referred to aluminum- or CF-skinned roofs – why not take a sunroofed car, delete the mechanicals and glass, and replace with aluminum or CF inserts? Minimal cost there.
Raid the parts bin for the JCW performance stuff, tweak the DSC, make LSD standard – MINI already has that stuff. Combine with a full delete list – no rear seat bottoms or backs or belts, no AC, no radio, no speakers, no rear wiper, no sound deadening, less dash/console plastics, etc etc etc – and you’re getting somewhere.
Now we’ve got a good platform to start adding or modifying to make exclusive. I think MINI went the other way round, coming up with exclusive items/schemes first and then trying to work in the performance aspect.
dgszweda Nov 3rd, 2005 Link
I am still waiting for BMW to call me or drop me an e-mail:) I am in love with BMW’s, so if they are reading, I would be more than happy to help out.
MS Nov 4th, 2005 Link
I think most of you are missing the point. In fact, the majority of you have gotten it all wrong. This is the problem with offering a superior product to a predominantly I-once-drove-a-Honda crowd. This one isn’t meant to be chopped up, destroyed or turned into a monster like so many other MINIs are. This is meant to be a collectors item. A work of art, not canvas fodder.
Under 30k? With JCW and extensive CF? Go back to your half baked after market world and leave the real toys for the real girls and boys.
Avitor Nov 4th, 2005 Link
Go back to your half baked after market world and leave the real toys for the real girls and boys.
I really do not think that kind of comment is called for.
tanya Nov 4th, 2005 Link
I’m guessing that part of the whopping 88lbs is coming from spec’ing halogen headlights instead of “Xenons.” That would be low, indeed.
tanya Nov 4th, 2005 Link
I think most of you are missing the point. In fact, the majority of you have gotten it all wrong. This is the problem with offering a superior product to a predominantly I-once-drove-a-Honda crowd. This one isn’t meant to be chopped up, destroyed or turned into a monster like so many other MINIs are. This is meant to be a collectors item. A work of art, not canvas fodder. Under 30k? With JCW and extensive CF? Go back to your half baked after market world and leave the real toys for the real girls and boys.
Holy Toledo! If you are a real boy or girl, then I choose surreality. If you consider this a work of art, well, um… let’s just say I know of a few Elvis portraits on black velvet priced in the low three figures that you might find interesting.
peter Nov 5th, 2005 Link
Ah,,,,,, just give me a nicely finished, barely legal race car in street clothes…..very high horsepower, super light weight, with special paint. No rear seats is fine, rear strut bar, front strut bar, adjustable camber plates, major power and handling upgrades, no a/c, no radio, track seat belts, special fat steering wheel and grippy real “bucket” seats.
No frills, all go. For the street. That is all.
peter Nov 5th, 2005 Link
No Secondrate Halfassed Inferior Tuning
Derek Nov 5th, 2005 Link
I’ll reserve judgement when it’s all said and done…
With something going on at Bertone, and if the JCW GP is that something, then that’s alot of assembly line set-up for not alot of modifications to the base MCS JCW…
‘Just a thought.
Steve Nov 6th, 2005 Link
I really hope that they make the front spoiler brake scopes functional. It would be really tacky if they didn’t. I also think the 17″ wheels would be more practical and 5 spoke would look better. Looks as if SSR could use some help out there seems as if their going out of business. Gabes rendition looks really good. Most of all i really want them to put in motors that are pre tested for strong hp.
DaCrema Nov 14th, 2005 Link
Lightweight body parts (CF or AL) would be nice but would not fit into the cost structure in the general outline. Many here will not like what I have, remember we are talking a lightweight MINI. To me that implys something more suitable for autosports (i.e. track/race/autocross) use and can still be driven on the street in the various MINI markets. To that end I would give up some – well many – comforts that I like in a normal car.
MINI One doors if the windup windows weigh less.
Old Fashioned side mirrors (no electric adjustment)
AC delete option
No Radio (maybe a powersource for them that got to have it).
No rear seat.
No noise insulation.
Removable carpets
No sound deading in doors and body
Motor as released (I would like more power but want to stay with in the cost rules and will defer to MINI enginers.) With lighter weight flywheel than stock if possible.
Forged 17″ wheels (16×7 or 7.5″ if they can be made to fit over the brakes).
No runflats tires and maybe R compound tires (like the Lotus sport package)
tunable suspension.
and the parts that everyone will hate …
Exhaust exiting like MC but with larger dia pipe from cat back. More efficent cat and headers if possible. I know they exist but do not know if they can be worked into the cost structure and allowed in the various markets the car is sold in.
Choice of gear ratios
a beefed up 5 speed trans (the 6 speed has 2 overdirve gears. To much weight.)
John
[...] With the door about to close on 2005 I thought it might a good time to take a look back. As you can expect it’s been a ton of fun covering the MINI world on Motoringfile this year. We’ve hosted our fair share of scoops and lively discussions throughout 2005. [...]
[...] [ JCW GP Your Way ] MotoringFile [...]
[...] [ JCW GP Your Way ] MotoringFile [...]
HTML Formatting Tips
MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.
| _your text_ | → | your text |
| **your text** | → | your text |
| `my code` | → | my code |
| * Bulleted list * Second item | → | • Bulleted list • Second item |
| 1. Numbered list 1. Second item | → | 1. Numbered list 2. Second item |
| [link name](URL) | → | link name |
| *** | → | Horizontal ruler |
| <http://url> <email@add.com> | → | Auto-linked |
|  | → | Image |
Copyright © 2002-2009 Gabriel Bridger
