Archive for August 2007
Aug 31st, 2007
JCW fans, mark today’s date on your calendar. The R56 JCW kit we’ve reported on here at MF for seemingly forever is officially going on sale today, August 31st. We gave you a sneak peak at the official information with look at an internal dealer bulletin released earlier in the week. However today MINI USA has released it’s official information on the kit including technical details that the previous release didn’t delve into.
Official MINI USA Press Release: MINI USA announces the availability of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the all-new MINI Cooper S introduced this year. The new kit, designed specifically for the Cooper S with a manual transmission and its twin-scroll turbocharged engine, offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the standard model. continued →
Aug 31st, 2007
Let’s just say it. Certain parts of the MINI community (like other automotive communities) tend to spend way too much time arguing over modifications to their cars. What works, what doesn’t and what’s too pricey. In some ways it’s all irrelevant. Sure after-market or OEM accessories are a lot of fun and can look, feel and sound great. But if you want to really improve your car, you need to focus on what’s between your ears first and foremost.
One of the best ways to do this (at least in the US) is to get involved in the BMWCCA (yes they welcome MINIs) and take advantage of some local track weekends. This past weekend that’s exactly what I did. I joined a few friends (MINI and BMW owners) at the BMWCCA Chicago Chapter’s Putnam Park track weekend. It also marked the first time on the track with my own R56 and the new JCW suspension. continued →
Aug 30th, 2007
Official MINI UK Press Release: Footwear designer Onitsuka Tiger and car manufacturer MINI have come together to create a dedicated range of stylish trainers for both men and women. The limited edition range will be on sale across the UK from 01 December 2007.
The launch of the shoe celebrates the arrival of the MINI Clubman, which is the next model from the British car maker to hit UK roads. First deliveries of the car begin on November 10 this year. continued →
Aug 30th, 2007
Sorry for the delay in getting this one posted, it’s been fairly hectic around here of late.
db at WRR West, Todd in St. Louis for the Wine Run (don’t let him fool you, he went for Trader Joe’s) and Gabe on the track at Putnam Park diggin’ the new JCW Suspension. Plus a short update from Robert in Toronto.
Nice and short for you lovers of the short shows. Don’t worry, we will make it up next week!
continued →
Aug 29th, 2007
Part 2: On the Track
In our previous review of the JCW Suspension Kit we focused on performance as it related to public roads. Today we’ll be giving our final evaluation of the kit as it relates to the track.
At the track the JCW Suspension really comes into it’s own. Gone are the pains of the rougher ride and constant concern about bottoming out the front defuser. You’re simply left to appreciate how flat and entirely controllable the car is in corners. It’s also (as it is in stock form) very easy to control with the throttle and eager to rotate. The net is a feel of complete confidence that is only let-down by the lack of ultimate grip in most road (non R-compound) tires. continued →
Aug 29th, 2007
Official MINI USA News: The all-new 2007 MINI Cooper’s crashworthiness received the top rating of ‘Good’ in the evaluation of offset frontal crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s rating reflects performance in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier. Based on the results of testing, the Institute evaluates the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles, assigning each vehicle a rating of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. continued →
Aug 28th, 2007
MINI USA has officially sent dealers information on the new US Specification JCW Engine Kit. There is one key difference between the US version of the kit and the version sold in Europe. While the normal kit gets a new “exhaust manifold”, the US version does not. Why you ask? Apparently the US cars have been getting the upgraded exhaust manifold all along.
JCW Kits meant for demo cars were sent to a handful of US dealers late last week and should be ready for test drives later this week. Among the dealers chosen by MINI USA to debut the car are MotoringFile sponsors Knauz MINI and Prestige MINI.
Here’s an excerpt from the official release sent to dealers:
We have already launched a wide range of sport accessories for the R56 under the John
Cooper Works Brand. However, a tuning kit, the product which made JCW so successful in
the US was missing in the product line. Aftersales is therefore very pleased to announce the
release of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the (model year ’07) MINI Cooper S hardtop with manual transmission. continued →
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