Sections: JCW | Official News | R53 (Coupe) Sep 5th, 2006 16 Comments 
As MotoringFile exclusively reported (a couple of times over the last few months) MINI of Canada was unable to offer the JCW GP due to seemingly not wanting to spend the money on re-certifying the car to meet Canada’s low-speed crash regulations. The answer? A package chock-full of all the latest JCW accessories and go-fast parts offered on top of the standard MCS. Enter the JCW Competition Package. Here’s the official press release:
MINI Canada announced today that 64 exclusive MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works (JCW) Competition Editions will be offered at Canadian MINI Retailers starting this month. The MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition is inspired by MINIs lengthy motorsport pedigree bookended by the classic Mini’s historic win at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and an unlimited class win by a JCW-equipped MINI Cooper S in the 2005 Targa Newfoundland. The 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition also comes to market just in time to play a feature role in the upcoming 2006 Targa Newfoundland Rally. Joining a combined MINI Canada/MINI U.S. team entry comprised of two rally-prepared MINI Cooper S JCW cars, the MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition will have the honor of being this year’s official Targa Newfoundland pace vehicle.
The 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition equipment list includes a full complement of John Cooper Works performance components:
The MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition will be available in the Chili Red with a white roof – emulating the signature color scheme of the Monte Carlo-winning predecessors, with Hyper Blue with Black roof and Astro Black with a body-colored roof offered as alternates. Upholstery choices include Panther Black leatherette and Silver Space Cloth with Alloy Patina and Anthracite High Gloss trim filling out trim options.
Each of the MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Editions will be uniquely identified with a sequentially-labeled JCW Competition Edition tachometer indicating its sequence in the exclusive production run of 64.
The newly-introduced MINI Checkpoint 3-year/60,000 km no-charge Scheduled Maintenance also complements the MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition as standard equipment. An optional Premium Package is also available, featuring Glass Sunroof, Power Folding Exterior Mirrors, Heated Front Seats, Rain Sensor with Automatic Headlamps, On-Board Computer, Harman/Kardon Sound System and Chrome Line Interior.
“Their dominance at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally has become part of the lore of the original Mini – a powerful testimony to an unprecedented combination of compact size and high-performance †said Stephen McDonnell, Director of MINI Canada, continuing: “The MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition reiterates this same philosophy in 2006 and provides a very rare opportunity for 64 special customers to recapture that magic in a modern, premium incarnation.â€Â
Commemorating an outstanding legacy in motorsport, the MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition will go on sale at MINI Retailers across Canada in September with an MSRP of $ 39,990.
The Legacy Continues In 1964, a Mini Cooper S powered by a 1071 cc, 70 horsepower engine, and piloted by Irish rally ace Paddy Hopkirk, surprised the motorsport world by winning outright the grueling Monte Carlo Rally, triumphing over a stable of larger and securing forever a place for the Mini in motorsport history.
Echoing this Monte Carlo success some 40 years later, a MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works package, equipped with a 1598 cc supercharged and intercooled 208 horsepower engine, challenged all comers in the Unlimited Class at the 2005 Targa Newfoundland Rally. Piloted by Jim Kenzie and navigated by Brian Bourbonniere, secured a resounding first place, continuing the “David vs. Goliath†winning tradition inaugurated in 1964.
On September 9, 2006, a trio of MINI Cooper S will again invade “The Rockâ€Â, with two MINI Cooper S entries with John Cooper Works packages challenging a powerful field at the 2006 Targa Newfoundland, with entrants from MINI Canada and MINI USA teaming up to take on the Open Class once again.
This year, a third MINI Cooper S will also spend a lot of time in a familiar position — the front of the pack. As Official Pace Car of the 2006 Targa Newfoundland Rally, the new MINI Cooper S JCW Competition Edition will lead off each of the Targa Newfoundland Rally’s grilling 39 stages — a fitting role for a Rally legend.
Source: MINI of Canada
Dave Sep 5th, 2006 Link
I really like it. The inclusion of the JCW wheel from the factory is cool, as is the subtle numbering (harkens back to the 1/500 Canadian Launch Editions back in 2002).
It’s also nice to see a special edition with not only a limited run, but also some flexibility in the options by allowing some limited choices of exterior colors and interior.
All in all, nicely done.
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Lucas Sep 6th, 2006 Link
If anything I just think it is a good deal for a fully loaded Cooper S with all the goodies. And Tobias, are you sure you want to sell your black MCS for a red one :)
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Stuart Sep 6th, 2006 Link
Is the MotoringFile logo on the tach a subtle embelishment by Gabe or (I hope) a sweet licencing deal to MINI Canada? Does this mean MF HQ will be relocating to a tax haven in the Virgin Islands?
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O(=^=)O Capn Sep 6th, 2006 Link
On September 9, 2006, a trio of MINI Cooper S will again invade “The Rockâ€Â, with two MINI Cooper S entries with John Cooper Works packages challenging a powerful field at the 2006 Targa Newfoundland, with entrants from MINI Canada and MINI USA teaming up to take on the Open Class once again.
Is it that time again already?
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Humourl3ss Sep 6th, 2006 Link
I already mentioned this on MINI2, but I figure the deceased mare needs a good whipping anyway.
People have already taken delivery of this car, yet it receives not the barest of mentions on the mini.ca website. No link on the main page, no ability to build and price one, nothing (unless it’s hidden somewhere that’s not obvious).
Perhaps less time should be spent on the Targa and more on the marketing?
ReplyIs the MotoringFile logo on the tach a subtle embelishment by Gabe or (I hope) a sweet licencing deal to MINI Canada? Does this mean MF HQ will be relocating to a tax haven in the Virgin Islands?
I’ll get the lawyers on it right away! :)
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giancarlo Sep 6th, 2006 Link
so does anyone want to start paying my insurance…i hate you insurance people!! There goes another car i cant get…sniff
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Frank Sep 6th, 2006 Link
I like it. Definetely cleaner looking than the US JCW GP MCS.
With the Canadian version at least you get a back seat!
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Frank Sep 6th, 2006 Link
Looking at it closer, you don’t get cruise control…what’s up with that???
Unlike the JCW GP, you can get Xenons and Sunroof on the Canuck version.
Not very high performance IMHO…
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mr.abulia Sep 6th, 2006 Link
“faster, Tobias” opted for the super-clean sunroofless version, Frank, so don’t worry too much. It’s just pansies like me who love sunroofs who get a CP car with one :) I’m #9!
And Humourl3ss, it is a shame that there was not more marketing. I would have loved to have been able to spec one myself, but I’m pretty sure that most of these cars were specced out by dealerships with no client input :(
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Jake Sep 6th, 2006 Link
It’s a screaming deal for that package. With only 64 cars being offered, I’m not surprised that Mini.ca had no mention of this (disappointed, but not surprised). They will disappear fast! I’ll be waiting for the “wagon’ version so that I can haul around extra bangers, mash and kraut!
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Mark Smith Sep 6th, 2006 Link
Congratulations my Cnadian Neighbors. MINI didn’t leave you all out of the fun after all. I’m really happy for you all. Anyone think of having a MINI USA Vs. MINI CA shootout car show??? While we all drive the same type of car tyou all have had editions we haven’t and vice versa. It would be really interesting to see and meet some of our Northern neighbors.
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stickman Sep 6th, 2006 Link
MINImalistic marketing 101. Contact clients by telephone who have expressed interest in a Works kit and enquire as to what colour combination they would like for their “Competition” package. Simple, to the point, and rather effective since my deposit was down the next day. Can’t say for sure but I doubt if any of these cars are still available and, if any are, I don’t think that they will last very long at the dealer’s. The last of the Supercharged MINI Cooper ‘S’ with all of the JCW go fast parts at a very attractive price. Now it is all about delivery. Come on MINI, I am waiting by the phone!
Reply[...] Related [ Canadian only JCW Competition Package Debuts ] Motoringfile [...]
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