Comments on: The JCW GP Gets an Upgrade? http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:28:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Ian C. http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-140985 Ian C. Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:26:08 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-140985 <p>Never happened ... Re-check this source ;)</p> Never happened … Re-check this source ;)

]]> By: Steve Harvey http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30998 Steve Harvey Sat, 28 Jan 2006 03:00:30 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30998 <p>Now I see why my MINI sales manager (who is also a best friend for many years) said to take a look at the latest information on MotoringFile! I love my current MINI Cooper S and enjoy sharing that enthusiasm with others. I'm looking forward to taking delivery on one of these special edition units later this year, indeed. I am optimistic that MINI will continue to make the right changes to the final product so it can be a real long-term cherished edition.</p> Now I see why my MINI sales manager (who is also a best friend for many years) said to take a look at the latest information on MotoringFile! I love my current MINI Cooper S and enjoy sharing that enthusiasm with others. I’m looking forward to taking delivery on one of these special edition units later this year, indeed. I am optimistic that MINI will continue to make the right changes to the final product so it can be a real long-term cherished edition.

]]> By: THE ITCH http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30986 THE ITCH Fri, 27 Jan 2006 21:43:36 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30986 <p>Whooo Hooo who's your Daddy Now? I am so glad to hear that MINI is listening to what we have to say. It is great news to here that they are uping the hp to give the GP what a send off car should have. I think it is even better news that they are trying to take off a little more weight. I really like it when the factory makes modifications that are a little different than what you can get from after market vendors. I'm wondering about a couple of different things. First thought is how they are coming up with the additional hp improvment. I'm very curious to here the reports on that. The second thought is seeing as how they are going to be making the hood out of alluminum wouldn't this be a great time to improve upon the hood scoop to give that intercooler a little more air? All I know is I feel like a kid outside a candy store waiting for it to open. I'm so glad I have my deposite in and am first on the list at my dealers. All this waiting is killing me!</p> Whooo Hooo who’s your Daddy Now? I am so glad to hear that MINI is listening to what we have to say. It is great news to here that they are uping the hp to give the GP what a send off car should have. I think it is even better news that they are trying to take off a little more weight. I really like it when the factory makes modifications that are a little different than what you can get from after market vendors. I’m wondering about a couple of different things. First thought is how they are coming up with the additional hp improvment. I’m very curious to here the reports on that. The second thought is seeing as how they are going to be making the hood out of alluminum wouldn’t this be a great time to improve upon the hood scoop to give that intercooler a little more air? All I know is I feel like a kid outside a candy store waiting for it to open. I’m so glad I have my deposite in and am first on the list at my dealers. All this waiting is killing me!

]]> By: Erik Rutberg http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30817 Erik Rutberg Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:19:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30817 <p>BMW owes Bertone a favor to keep them in business. BMW contracted Bertone to build their C1 Motorcycle/scooter. Due to low demand they discontinued it, and to help Bertone stay in business they contracted them to build the GP. I was not too excited about my GP order until I read this. I did like the original spec, but I had hoped for much more, and I knew there would be. The only reason I ordered the original spec was because my '03 will be over 60k this summer, and I like my daily driver to be relatively new. Now I really can't wait. Tempted to sell my ti and and keep the old MINI too, but MINI resale seems to be too high for that.</p> <p>Erik Rutberg 2006 GP on order 2004 325xiT, wife's car 2003 MINI Cooper S, tons of mods 1997 318ti/Dinan3, supercharged 1988 M5 1985 735iA 1973 2002</p> BMW owes Bertone a favor to keep them in business. BMW contracted Bertone to build their C1 Motorcycle/scooter. Due to low demand they discontinued it, and to help Bertone stay in business they contracted them to build the GP. I was not too excited about my GP order until I read this. I did like the original spec, but I had hoped for much more, and I knew there would be. The only reason I ordered the original spec was because my ‘03 will be over 60k this summer, and I like my daily driver to be relatively new. Now I really can’t wait. Tempted to sell my ti and and keep the old MINI too, but MINI resale seems to be too high for that.

Erik Rutberg 2006 GP on order 2004 325xiT, wife’s car 2003 MINI Cooper S, tons of mods 1997 318ti/Dinan3, supercharged 1988 M5 1985 735iA 1973 2002

]]> By: caramba http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30808 caramba Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:02:46 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30808 <p>Re aluminum front ends, the existing steel clamshell is probably only made from that because its relatively cheap and conventional, the substitute aluminium should not really affect the passenger comaprtment of the car differently as its the stuff underneath which forms the deformation area to protect the cell where the occupants are. I'd imagine that remains the same in terms of integral strength and character. As for the extra HP, well a decent remap and pulley will do for that if the normal JCW parts are used, I think the JCW package guarantees 210 on normal cars, so with the map and intercooler tweaked there is no reason why it cannot be achieved, There are enough people running around in cars with 240 output from aftermarket tuners without problems, I guess BMW are being conseravitive with the power to preserve the reliability.</p> Re aluminum front ends, the existing steel clamshell is probably only made from that because its relatively cheap and conventional, the substitute aluminium should not really affect the passenger comaprtment of the car differently as its the stuff underneath which forms the deformation area to protect the cell where the occupants are. I’d imagine that remains the same in terms of integral strength and character. As for the extra HP, well a decent remap and pulley will do for that if the normal JCW parts are used, I think the JCW package guarantees 210 on normal cars, so with the map and intercooler tweaked there is no reason why it cannot be achieved, There are enough people running around in cars with 240 output from aftermarket tuners without problems, I guess BMW are being conseravitive with the power to preserve the reliability.

]]> By: minicoopermike http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30793 minicoopermike Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:31:21 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30793 <p>Any further info about the price of the GP???</p> Any further info about the price of the GP???

]]> By: Dennis http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30787 Dennis Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:24:25 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30787 <p>What's the big deal with aluminum? The NSX has been made out of it for the last 15 years.</p> <p>I want to see what the price is going to be on the GP...</p> What’s the big deal with aluminum? The NSX has been made out of it for the last 15 years.

I want to see what the price is going to be on the GP…

]]> By: Shania http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30783 Shania Tue, 24 Jan 2006 07:42:55 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30783 <p>If you really are listening, BMW... I REALLY want a rear seat. Please...</p> If you really are listening, BMW… I REALLY want a rear seat. Please…

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30766 Gabe Mon, 23 Jan 2006 23:04:41 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30766 <p>My source didn't know details... just that 230bhp was still the internal target despite publicly releasing te 218bhp figure in October.</p> My source didn’t know details… just that 230bhp was still the internal target despite publicly releasing te 218bhp figure in October.

]]> By: tony T http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30765 tony T Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:59:08 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30765 <p>My point exactly. Now if they were making components out of plastic - I'd understand the link (couldnt really ask Smart about that one) :-)</p> <p>So, any more ideas where the extra power has suddenly appeared from? Finding another RELIABLE 12bhp without a major component change would be quite tricky I would guess?</p> <p>Any chance they found another 100cc in the engine... ;-)</p> My point exactly. Now if they were making components out of plastic – I’d understand the link (couldnt really ask Smart about that one) :-)

So, any more ideas where the extra power has suddenly appeared from? Finding another RELIABLE 12bhp without a major component change would be quite tricky I would guess?

Any chance they found another 100cc in the engine… ;-)

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30764 Gabe Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:47:20 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30764 <p>They make them out of aluminum now as well.</p> They make them out of aluminum now as well.

]]> By: tony T http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30763 tony T Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:45:10 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30763 <p>BMW made cars out of Aluminium not so long ago... if you know your BMW history. So - did they forget...?</p> BMW made cars out of Aluminium not so long ago… if you know your BMW history. So – did they forget…?

]]> By: tony T http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30762 tony T Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:44:08 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30762 <p>So, 230bhp hey? About time. And how to achieve 230 bhp economically from the JCW conversion? Well, better Intercooler has already been suggested. Probably a proper job on the cylinder head as well- thinking exhaust valves in particular - anda properly agressive remap.</p> <p>What else do you rekon...? Anyone?</p> <p>All items that should be available from the parts department by October I rekon.... :-)</p> So, 230bhp hey? About time. And how to achieve 230 bhp economically from the JCW conversion? Well, better Intercooler has already been suggested. Probably a proper job on the cylinder head as well- thinking exhaust valves in particular – anda properly agressive remap.

What else do you rekon…? Anyone?

All items that should be available from the parts department by October I rekon…. :-)

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30761 Gabe Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:41:36 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30761 <p>No but they need a partner who knows how to deal with manufacturing of the stuff.</p> No but they need a partner who knows how to deal with manufacturing of the stuff.

]]> By: tony T http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30759 tony T Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:32:08 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30759 <p>Gabe, the issue is whether or not the car has to undergo (expensive) re-crash testing. The point about it being prohibitivly expensive for a few hundred USA bound cars is valid.</p> <p>In the UK, SVA testing can get around this issue - but I'm not sure how this applies to larger manufacturers. Could this be a reason why the car is limited to 2000 examples - any more made and more stringent testing called for? Any ideas?</p> <p>One things for sure though - to say that BMW are using Bertones experience in Aluminium components is quite frankly absurd. Another case of PR misinformation in my opinion. BMW is one of the largest manufacturers in the world - they dont need a tin pot firm like Bertone to tell them about the mysteries of Aluminium.</p> Gabe, the issue is whether or not the car has to undergo (expensive) re-crash testing. The point about it being prohibitivly expensive for a few hundred USA bound cars is valid.

In the UK, SVA testing can get around this issue – but I’m not sure how this applies to larger manufacturers. Could this be a reason why the car is limited to 2000 examples – any more made and more stringent testing called for? Any ideas?

One things for sure though – to say that BMW are using Bertones experience in Aluminium components is quite frankly absurd. Another case of PR misinformation in my opinion. BMW is one of the largest manufacturers in the world – they dont need a tin pot firm like Bertone to tell them about the mysteries of Aluminium.

]]> By: Z4MINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30758 Z4MINI Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:30:42 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30758 <blockquote>Numerious current cars use aluminum body panels (and composite) infront of the bulk-head. Some even are entire aluminum up there. I don’t see this as a legitimate reason to not use aluminum in the NA market.</blockquote> <blockquote> OK. In that case...how about this! :D Has anyone considered that the metal presses for steel and aluminum might not have the same requirements? Jaguar had considerable problems with rebound when designing the body panels for their latest round of cars. The aluminum would not stay "pressed." In any case...I'm sure it is not as easy as slipping a sheet of duraluminum into the standard presses that punch out the stock body work. Anyone with some machine shop or industrial design experience?</blockquote> Numerious current cars use aluminum body panels (and composite) infront of the bulk-head. Some even are entire aluminum up there. I don’t see this as a legitimate reason to not use aluminum in the NA market.
OK. In that case…how about this! :D Has anyone considered that the metal presses for steel and aluminum might not have the same requirements? Jaguar had considerable problems with rebound when designing the body panels for their latest round of cars. The aluminum would not stay “pressed.” In any case…I’m sure it is not as easy as slipping a sheet of duraluminum into the standard presses that punch out the stock body work. Anyone with some machine shop or industrial design experience?
]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30755 Gabe Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:03:14 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30755 <p>Numerious current cars use aluminum body panels (and composite) infront of the bulk-head. Some even are entire aluminum up there. I don't see this as a legitimate reason to not use aluminum in the NA market.</p> Numerious current cars use aluminum body panels (and composite) infront of the bulk-head. Some even are entire aluminum up there. I don’t see this as a legitimate reason to not use aluminum in the NA market.

]]> By: Z4MINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30754 Z4MINI Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:59:43 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30754 <blockquote>Bear in mind that the 95 M3 LTW (lightweight) had an aluminum hood and doors and that an increasing number of (thoroughly engineered) cars with class leading safety (e.g. subaru legacy) use aluminum in the panels. the pieces are no doubt more likely to be disposed after a minor shunt but the difference in crash safety - though not identical - should be should be negligible.</blockquote> <p>Valid points.</p> <p>However the 1995 M3 was a long time ago and impact tests have gotten much more violent. (New SUV-type side impacts this year). New production cars like the Legacy are engineered from the start to use alloy bits. The MINI was not. And while the crashworthiness might not be reduced by much...or at all, the only way to find that out would be to put cars through crash testing. I am sure that is not an easy or inexpensive prospect.</p> <p>I remain dubious of the lightened body panels.</p> Bear in mind that the 95 M3 LTW (lightweight) had an aluminum hood and doors and that an increasing number of (thoroughly engineered) cars with class leading safety (e.g. subaru legacy) use aluminum in the panels. the pieces are no doubt more likely to be disposed after a minor shunt but the difference in crash safety – though not identical – should be should be negligible.

Valid points.

However the 1995 M3 was a long time ago and impact tests have gotten much more violent. (New SUV-type side impacts this year). New production cars like the Legacy are engineered from the start to use alloy bits. The MINI was not. And while the crashworthiness might not be reduced by much…or at all, the only way to find that out would be to put cars through crash testing. I am sure that is not an easy or inexpensive prospect.

I remain dubious of the lightened body panels.

]]> By: meb http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30744 meb Mon, 23 Jan 2006 19:57:39 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30744 <p>How much for progress? I don't remember reading about the final MSRP.</p> <p>As far as content...less weight and more power is a great thing. However, the wheels MUST go!!! Very ugly! Now, it doesn't really matter what BMW does with various parts, but rather, how they make this thing fly when they're finished. I'm up for a new one by the end of summer...if it flys fatser...</p> How much for progress? I don’t remember reading about the final MSRP.

As far as content…less weight and more power is a great thing. However, the wheels MUST go!!! Very ugly! Now, it doesn’t really matter what BMW does with various parts, but rather, how they make this thing fly when they’re finished. I’m up for a new one by the end of summer…if it flys fatser…

]]> By: carcounsel.com http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-30743 carcounsel.com Mon, 23 Jan 2006 19:45:04 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/21/the-jcw-gp-get-a-major-upgrade/#comment-30743 <p>Z4MINI -</p> <p>Bear in mind that the 95 M3 LTW (lightweight) had an aluminum hood and doors and that an increasing number of (thoroughly engineered) cars with class leading safety (e.g. subaru legacy) use aluminum in the panels. the pieces are no doubt more likely to be disposed after a minor shunt but the difference in crash safety - though not identical - should be should be negligible.</p> Z4MINI -

Bear in mind that the 95 M3 LTW (lightweight) had an aluminum hood and doors and that an increasing number of (thoroughly engineered) cars with class leading safety (e.g. subaru legacy) use aluminum in the panels. the pieces are no doubt more likely to be disposed after a minor shunt but the difference in crash safety – though not identical – should be should be negligible.

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