The JCW GP Kit – Your Way

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.

Written By: Gabe

tanya

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

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

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

No Secondrate Halfassed Inferior Tuning
Derek

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

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

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
Pingback: MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile 2005 in Review
Pingback: MotoringFile » Archive » New JCW GP Photos and Debut Info
Pingback: MotoringFile » Archive » John Cooper Works GP Kit - In Depth

← MINI USA Sales Up 22% for 2005 MINI United Wrap-up →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.