As anticipation builds for the release of the new (dealer installed) JCW kit for the R56, more details are starting to trickle out. And thanks to one of our trusty sources, we now have the full parts list of the kit to share with you.
JCW air filter system
Stainless steel exhaust (with less restrictions as compared to the stock unit)
Exhaust manifold (for operation at higher temperatures)
Turbocharger air filter air guide (to allow better cooling)
Modified engine electronics system
Activation code for engine control unit (specific to VIN)
I am planning on purchasing an R56 sometime in the next year and have been pondering my suspension choices. I would like the car to sit a little lower, and I believe to achieve that I would need aftermarket springs. Would you pass on the sport and/or JCW suspension and add aftermarket lowering springs and swaybars, or would you do a combination of factory and aftermarket parts?
Just Gabe and I again tonight, again via Ustream.tv. Yea, I know, you didn’t hear about it. We kinda snuck it in to do some testing, since the last time we did it was such a disaster.
We spend tonight talking mostly about the Clubman, including answering questions from the viewers. To finish, we spent a few minutes on the iPhone.
Official MINI UK Press Release: The new MINI Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday 10 November 2007. Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all the demands and technologies of the 21st century.
Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S, the new model offers flexible use of space, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customisation options, all without compromising the MINI’s revered driving dynamics.
Official MINI USA Press Release: The wraps are now off the new MINI Clubman, an all-new addition to the MINI model range. With an anticipated international debut this fall, the MINI Clubman will go on sale in Europe this November in three model configurations: the MINI Cooper Clubman, the MINI Cooper D Clubman and the MINI Cooper S Clubman. In the US market the MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper S Clubman will be available early next year. Although US pricing has yet to be announced, the MINI Clubman is expected to be positioned between the MINI hardtops and MINI convertibles.
The eagerly anticipated MINI Clubman will be like nothing else on the road and defies convention in its concept and style. With its hallmark design elements, the MINI Clubman is clearly a MINI from every angle. Yet it is the MINI Clubman’s unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family.
It’s Sunday, so it’s time again to say thanks to the fine folks who pay the bills for us here at MotoringFile. If you are looking for products for your MINI or an entirely new MINI, check out the companies below. By supporting them, you are supporting Motoringfile.
News of the week from Motoringfile as usual, but with a twist. Todd wasn’t around, so Gabe and I, last minute, decided to do the show live via Ustream.tv.
Besides news, db tells a bad joke and talks about EBC brake pads, and Gabe talks about removing the armrest out of his car. Check back tomorrow our discussion about the Clubman, including answering viewer questions live!
Whiteroofradio turns 2 on Wednesday, August 1st, and we will be celebrating it on Woof 173/174. Pretty good chance we are going to do those live again as well, so keep an eye on this space and over at Motoringfile.com for the details!
Since several sites on the web have now published full galleries, we’ve decided to finally follow suit. Once the press embargo has been officially lifted this weekend, we’ll have the full press release as well.
For super hi-res just click on the “photo link” that comes up as you roll-over the thumbnails. That will take you to our Flickr site where you can click on the “all sizes” button and see each image in all their 3158 x 2332 glory.
This time it was the folks at Autocar who looked peer pressure in the eyes and said… okay. We’re sticking to our guns and not posting our photos but we are replicating what Autocar published below. We’ll publish official hi-res photos soon when the official press embargo is lifted.
MINI has another Clubman micro-site, this time for the world market at MINI.com. However unlike the German one we linked to yesterday, this actually shows off a computer generated Clubman in all it’s glory with all kinda of product details. You even get a chance to see it tool around what looks to be a city in Argentina. The downside is that it’s all CG - no real photos or video is seen.
It looks like Edmunds has broken the official press embargo on all photos and information the 2008 MINI Clubman. So far they’ve only shown three photos and some various specifications (all which we’ve already reported). At this point we’re going to hold off on releasing our own information and photos (the one above is from their site) out of respect for the folks at MINI press who’ve worked so hard over the last few months in preparing the release. However we will give you a link.
Look for tons of pics and info early Sunday morning. Unless the whole world breaks the embargo before then.
MINI of Germany has launched the first official MINI Clubman micro-site today complete with all sorts of viral goodness. You can check it out below. And be sure to be near a computer this weekend as there will much bigger news coming…
You all had to know that it was only a matter of time before this question came up! MF Reader Stacy writes in:
I am interested in purchasing the new Apple iPhone however I cannot get it to work in my MINI with the official iPod adapter. Any suggestions on getting it to work??
Stacy has an ‘06 without the optional Bluetooth. Anyone here use an iPhone with their ‘02 -’06? Let’s hear some best practices!
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