R56 JCW Kit Official US Press Release

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.

The tuning kit is just the latest addition to the successful line of MINI’s high performance John Cooper Works accessories which include suspension upgrades, performance wheels and tires, body kits as well as exterior and interior appearance accessories. A John Cooper Works Tuning kit calibrated for the MINI Cooper S with an Automatic transmission will be made available later in the year.

The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit boosts the output of the twin scroll turbocharged engine from 172 to 189 horsepower. Maximum torque is also boosted from 177 foot-pounds between 1,000 and 5,000 rpm to 185 foot-pounds between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With MINI’s overboost function, peak torque for the kit reaches a temporary level of 200 foot-pounds between 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

Compared to the previous generation John Cooper Works Tuning Kit the new kit offers an improvement in performance at a significantly lower price while requiring fewer changes in components and labor time. Notable performance improvements are seen in the accelerations times:

The unique John Cooper Works kit is sold exclusively through MINI dealers and is covered under MINI’s comprehensive new car warranty. Key features of the new 2007 John Cooper Works kit include a redesigned high-flow air intake box with a performance air filter element, a low-restriction dual pipe sport exhaust with larger diameter chrome tips and special reprogramming of the electronic control unit to improve throttle response and overall performance. The kit is also tastefully distinguished by JCW badges on the exterior of the car as well as under the bonnet.

The air box that comes with the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit features a larger aperture to allow more fresh air to enter though a special low restriction filter element. In addition to dramatically increasing the airflow, the new air box creates a more powerful induction sound that compliments the impressive growl from the performance exhaust, also part of the kit.

The enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU) programming has been recalibrated to optimize power output and drivability, resulting in lively throttle response and increased acceleration in the mid-range torque band. The reprogramming optimizes the power output by managing all engine control functions including airflow, combustion, fuel delivery and spark advance.

The stainless steel Sport Exhaust System is a parallel-flow, low backpressure system with superb interior and exterior noise quality. The system adds a throatier, more powerful exhaust note, and has distinctive-looking twin chrome exhaust tips engraved with the John Cooper Works logos.

Visual cues for the kit are understated and will appeal to the MINI enthusiast. Unique chrome John Cooper Works badge adorns the front grill and rear deck lid. Under the bonnet the low restriction air box is also distinguished with a John Cooper Works logo.

The John Cooper Works kit is sold and professionally installed through all MINI dealers in the U.S. A MINI Cooper S equipped with the dealer-installed package is fully backed by MINI’s 4 year, 50,000-mile new car warranty. Owners of an existing MINI Cooper S may visit their local MINI dealer and have the kit installed at any time. The balance of the factory warranty will still remain in effect. The full 2007 John Cooper Works kit retails for $2,100.00 plus a recommended 2 hours of labor for installation.

The Cooper name is forever entwined with MINI, originating with the 1961 MINI Cooper, which was developed by John Cooper. Recognizing MINI’s inherent motorsport potential, Mr. Cooper’s team produced cars that took numerous race titles, and the MINI Cooper S became the stuff of legends with three Monte Carlo Rally wins between 1964 and 1967, driven by greats such as Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen.