Ask MF: Will the JCW be Offered w/an Auto?

Sections: Ask MotoringFile | JCW Sep 9th, 2006 18 Comments

Here’s the question from MotoringFile reader Olin:

I hear the 07 Cooper S with the JCW upgrade may be offered in an automatic. Any word on this?

One thing to clear up is that the 2007 MINI will not be available with the JCW engine package. BMW/MINI are currently busy finishing development of the upgrade for the R56 and it should be available as a factory option for the 2008 model year.

Now getting to the actual question. Yes, to the joy of MCSa fans and the detriment of many purists, the next generation JCW will be available with an automatic. It’s unclear if it will be available at launch but I’ve been assured that it will not only be available throughout the world (as it is now) but also in the US.

Written By: Gabe

King Adam

Excellent – amputee enthusiasts will finally get to enjoy the car.

To everyone else who buys one – shame on you.

And before the ‘traffic’ bs arguments start spewing forth – ask yourself ‘What kind of enthusiast is so pathetically feeble and uncoordinated that they actually notice using a clutch in traffic?’

Following that argument, eventually we’ll have auto-accelerating cars because the use of the accelerator pedal is ‘too tiresome in LA traffic’.
MiniJCWGP

Hey King Kong, let’s not start the auto vs. stick debate. Each to his (or her) own. Choice is what it is all about. You choose your way, but don’t be so obsesive/complusive that you can’t abide someone else doing something different. And be nice to all those “pathetically feeble” pro or semi pro road rally team drivers all over the world that make their living racing, and who would not be caught dead driving a “stick”. They won’t even consider racing in a car that doesn’t have a paddle shift auto trans.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

And be nice to all those ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œpathetically feebleÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â pro or semi pro road rally team drivers all over the world that make their living racing, and who would not be caught dead driving a ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œstickÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â. They wonÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t even consider racing in a car that doesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have a paddle shift auto trans.

Just an FYI – Those race drivers aren’t driving torque converter type automatics found what we generally call automatics (as found in passenger cars) but computer controlled manual transmissions. There is a big difference in both ideology and performance between the two.
MiniJCWGP

Gabe, very true – those manual/auto trans are quite the systems, having had the pleasure of taking one out on a test track last year. But they still are clutchless, paddle shifter’s, operationally. I drive the 6 speed GP, and could not think of wanting anything else, but I also have a Aussie mate who drives (and races) an ’06 JCWa MINI, and I wouldn’t even think of sneering at him for his choice of toys. Even in my GP, I know he woulb beat the pants off me in any road race (I’ve navigated for him once or twice, and he can make that car defy gravity, I swear).
paullees

It will probably be a BMW version of the Audi DSG, they are working on it right now and this JCW would seem an ideal package to launch it on. Will be interesting to see how many die hards enjoy a clutchless manual……………………
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

It will probably be a BMW version of the Audi DSG, they are working on it right now

Actually it will simply be the same old torque converter auto that will be optional on the Cooper and Cooper S. While the BMW Group will soon be releasing a dual-clutch transmission (in conjunction with Borg Warner), it will only be found in BMWs for the foreseeable future.

but I also have a Aussie mate who drives (and races) an ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“06 JCWa MINI, and I wouldnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t even think of sneering at him for his choice of toys.

I totally agree. I just don’t want there to be any confusion over power-sapping automatic that uses a torque converter (found in the MCSa) and a true semi-auto like SMG or DSG.
MINI Fireman

It will probably be a BMW version of the Audi DSG, they are working on it right now Actually it will simply be the same old torque converter auto that will be optional on the Cooper and Cooper S. While the BMW Group will soon be releasing a dual-clutch transmission (in conjunction with Borg Warner), it will only be found in BMWs for the foreseeable future.

Why bother adding the auto then? Shouldn’t the JCW have a performance auto like its competitors such as the GTI, if it’s going to have one at all? BMW is adding more and more technological features to the next gen MINI, but neglects to add such an important bit as this.
iNomis

With the 6sp auto w\paddle shift and converter locked in all but 1st I would think they could devise a mean program to give a load of feel and performance. Hopefully it will be able to bounce the rev limiter instead of upshift. You are still shifting and in control, just not using a clutch. Hopefully they will do a good job with it.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

too bad to hear that they won’t be upgrading the auto trans, but i suppose if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. as a die-hard paddle guy i can appreciate the differences between the higher tech paddle shifters and the type found in the mini and audi tt. i’ve always loved the concept and i figure if its good enough for porsche, ferrari, mercedes and mini…well then good enough for me.

as for all the haters, knock yourselves out ; )
Pretzel Logic

King Adam — FYI, automatics aren’t just for amputees anymore. Maybe you’re fortunate enough to have a perfectly healthy lumbar, no arthritis in your hands, and a knee that doesn’t give out every few months. Many of us aren’t, however, and we would welcome the opportunity to enjoy some semblance of the driving excitement that the rest of you perfect people do. Anyway, we’re the only ones who will have time to enjoy our leisurely drive while the rest of you stoke up your wood-fired stoves and fetch your water from the nearest crick . . .
j

here we go yet agian. first it was when the S came out in auto. then the JCW in auto. and now this generation. after reading many varying comments and reviews posted on the one and only motoringfile, ive come to my conclusion. i figure that if the performance numbers are not seriously affected (negativly obviously), and they give it a 6speed w/ paddles— SIGN ME UP! i say this only because VW/Audi report better numbers on their cars that have the DSG. and who hasnt heard the ranting and raving of their DSG. isnt the new R32/R36 going to be available in DSG? some one go on to vwvortex.com and ask how they feel. im sure u’ll get mixed review just like in here. the r32 is their JCW. BMW/Mini is just trying to make more things avaailable to more people. its called deversification. smart business move.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

i figure that if the performance numbers are not seriously affected (negativly obviously), and they give it a 6speed w/ paddles

The MCSa is 1.3 seconds slower than a manually equipped MCS. Remember that the DSG in the Audi and VW is more like a manual in it’s design and doesn’t have a power sapping torque converter like true automatics (and the MCSa). You really can’t compare the two.

I’ve driven a GTI with DSG and loved it. I’m not sure if I’d opt for it over a manual but is truly a great compromise. Until the MCSa comes equipped with it’s own dual-clutch system it just can’t compete with the DSG. I don’t mean to bash the MCSa as I think it’s a fine old-school automatic. It’s just not at performance level of a DSG or true manual.
http://www.jayandjennifer.com Jay

The MCSa is 1.3 seconds slower than a manually equipped MCS.

Tell that to the guys in stock C class autocross down here in the the Lone Star Chapter of the BMWCCA club.

There’s a guy here who drives a MCSa and comes in first place at EVERY event he’s at, no matter who is driving against him and what kind of transmission they have. And he usually beats the pants off of most of the guys in the next class up also (where most of the modified (some heavily) MCS’s reside).

Don’t believe me? Go to their website and look at the autoX results page.

Yes, I realize that Gabe is talking about a straightaway 0-60 times above, but who in the world bought their Mini to drive in a straight line? If that’s what you want, go buy a Camaro.

It real life situations, it’s all about the driver guys.

Personally, if they had a JCWa with a better transmission (ie. DSG), I would have to SERIOUSLY consider trading my car in.
MiniJCWGP

Jay has hit the nail – the MINI is not a 1/4 mile dragster, and rating/comparing the models like they are is just is not real world. The Mini was and is a rally course car. And sorry to all the nostalgic stick shifters (me included), on a rally course stock to stock, a paddle shift auto trans equipped car (even with the current “power sapping” torque converter auto tran) will wipe the course with the same model stick, no question. Have seen it happen race after race.
ToplessRed

My last car was a M3 SMG — 2 hands on the wheel at all times smokes manuals for downshifting/upshifting on a course/road with challenging turns. Especially when you consider that most people are right handed and have to leave their left hand controlling the wheel when shifting. You just can’t beat the control and speed of 2 hands steering.

And yes, I know the SMG is a clutchless manual and a auto would be X percent slower in reacting. Not really a big deal — you get used to the delay and you can compensate for it.
bling

Good to hear the US will have it this time. Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to drive standard even if we are physically capable. I have to share a vehicle with my family and no one other than myself can operate a manual tranny so I’m forced to drive an automatic. We were considering the current MCSa and the upcoming R32 for our new car but after this tidbit of news I think we’ll wait for the JCWa. Great news indeed.
STG

This is slightly off-subject, but someone in the thread asked whether the next thing would be a car that “drives itself.” Well, read what China is up to: http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/the-selfdriving-car-so-long-responsibility-199856.php
Kent

One of the nice things about driving a paddle-type is the ability to modulate braking with the left foot, leaving the right dedicated to throttle work.

Too bad the Mini’s system employs a torque converter.

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