R56 JCW Kit Official US Press Release

Sections: JCW | Official News Aug 31st, 2007 28 Comments

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:

	R56 JCW	R53 JCW
0-60 mph	6.5s	6.5s
50 â€“ 75mph (4th gear)	5.3s	6.4s
50 â€“ 75mph (5th gear)	6.6s	6.7s
50 â€“ 75mph (6th gear)	7.6s	8.9s

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.

Written By: MF Staff

28 Comments

robble Aug 31st, 2007 Link

For the automatic woot!

I have stick but I know alot of people that wll be very happy.

Vanwall Aug 31st, 2007 Link

I still wish they would’ve done something esthetic to that cheesy aluminum stamping up front in the engine bay – it cheapens the JCW visuals IMHO. Also wish MINI would do something more significant and current with a JCW connection in the racing or rallying arenas – it’s hard to keep flogging Paddy, Timo, and Rauno after 40 years an stay relevant, I feel.

greg Aug 31st, 2007 Link

My order goes in tomorrow!

BrewSwapGuy Aug 31st, 2007 Link

I’m in shock that they’re finally going to put one out for the automatic. Shocked in a good way.

sketcher Aug 31st, 2007 Link

robble, This kit is designed for the M/T with the A/T coming later.

Vanwall, The “cheap” aluminum stamping is actually a functional heat shield for the turbo. Anything more visually appealing would probably be made from a material that would not stand up to the task.

I’ll be saving my bucks for that upgrade early next year!

Chad Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Has any word come out on fuel economy? Using EPA standards, not the “I just got a JCW, and I now mash the pedal coming out of stop lights” economy. I’m curious as to what the effect is when you aren’t driving to the full potential.

Gabe Aug 31st, 2007 Link

I’m in shock that they’re finally going to put one out for the automatic. Shocked in a good way.

You mean you didn’t believe our report earlier this summer that it would be released in the fall??? :)

Has any word come out on fuel economy? Using EPA standards, not the “I just got a JCW, and I now mash the pedal coming out of stop lights” economy. Iâ€™m curious as to what the effect is when you arenâ€™t driving to the full potential.

There is no change.

nuvolari Aug 31st, 2007 Link

This kit is only a stopgap. Let the Stage II news begin!

Vanwall Aug 31st, 2007 Link

sketcher -

I’m fully aware of what it is and its neccesity, I’m disappointed in its execution – there are plenty of more elegent solutions, including other materials that function just as well at heat dispersal, to say nothing of its bent pie-tin school-of-styling aspects. I’m not a big fan of Potemkin theatricals like codpieces or merkins per se, but even a simple black plastic cover, JCW branded or not, would look better than the plumber’s hallucination as it stands now.

AlwaysOpenCharlie05 Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Can we all step back for a moment and get over ourselves here? Who cares if it’s a little funky beneath the bonnet- it’s a functioning part of a rev-happy, torquey, turbocharged piece of engineering art, and it’s what’s keeping our cars whizzing around countless corners day after day, year after year.

When Ferrari designed and built the F430, they left the engine bay open, under a simple piece of glass. Why? To showcase the breathtaking beauty of the mechanical side of the car. I don’t care what it’s made of or how “cheap” it may appear- it’s beautiful because it’s there and it does something.

Now, I kind of want an R56… shame, since my R53 is exactly the way I like it!!

Radley Aug 31st, 2007 Link

If you swapped out for a after market air box and after market exhaust and just left the the JCW ECU upgrade could you get better HP and TQ gains? Yeah I know that would be very very pricey for $2300 ECU upgrade.

Vanwall Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Some people appreciate a little art form with our engineering “art” – I much prefer to step up and look than step back and merely wag for scraps. An Aztek and a Ferrari both go and stop, but one isn’t beautiful just because it does so, while the other really is a piece of art, in conception and execution. An F430 is hardly pie-tin territory, so if my bonnet was made of glass, I expect MINI would’ve done as they did and make it palatable to look at least.

emtrey Aug 31st, 2007 Link

any ideas if the addt’l hp/torque specs for the automatic kit will be the same as the manual?

I would think the shift points would also change from the software upgrade. The change in the sport button &/or manual shift mode mapping on the auto cars makes a big difference in the feel of the car.

Revhed Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Little if any improvement at the top end of the power band by the looks… :(

Gabe Aug 31st, 2007 Link

If you swapped out for a after market air box and after market exhaust and just left the the JCW ECU upgrade could you get better HP and TQ gains? Yeah I know that would be very very pricey for $2300 ECU upgrade.

There’s no question that some aftermarket mods will be a bit more “aggressive” when it comes to wringing out a little more power. As with everything there are positives and negatives to most approaches. And remember… BMW is notorious for being conservative with their numbers. Just look at the stock figures that some R56 MCS’s are getting on the dyno.

Jon Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Love what they did with this kit. The aero kit is nice, the suspension is a good overall setup and the new JCW kit is very nice for the money. Can’t wait to get some seat time in one.

Still can say that I would like to see them push the factory JCW a bit futher than they are talking about. No doubt it will be faster than the GP but keep hoping they will address the 209 hp that they are talking about.

jahpaul Aug 31st, 2007 Link

I cant wait till october to get the auto stage one kit

Reg Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Question..Undoubtly, if I keep this vehicle for six years, I’m gonna have to pass CA emissions. Of course, aftermarket parts are a no-no for me because of this. Now, with the JCW parts since its gonna be a dealer installed item, do I get to pass CA emissions visual inspections?

jas cooper Sep 1st, 2007 Link

If you look at the performance curves on the JCW page:

http://www.mini.com/com/en/john_cooper_works/index.jsp

it seems like you get less HP at anything

jas cooper Sep 1st, 2007 Link

oops! used a bad character. I was saying that it looks like the kit makes less HP at anything below 4000rpm. A lot less at 2000rpm.

msh441 Sep 1st, 2007 Link

** it looks like the kit makes less HP at anything below 4000rpm. A lot less at 2000rpm.**

As torque and horsepower are directly related, I can’t envision how you can gain torque across the board, but loose horsepower below 4000 RPM. Impossible.

My guess is those “dyno graphs” on the MINIUSA site have been fudged quite a bit.

IE Sep 1st, 2007 Link

No new cylinder head??? and is that a high performance paper filter i see- nice!! …and only 2 hrs of install time for whopping $2100…hmm? looks like MINI is cashing in on the name. and i bet it still doesn’t have a nasty burble like my R53.

rkw Sep 1st, 2007 Link

I agree. That chart makes no sense. [hp = torque x rpm] It shows torque equivalent or increased across the range, and change in hp cannot have a different pattern.

Gabe, is the kit available through VDC installation? Although it’s not a difficult installation, dealerships just don’t inspire confidence, and the going rate in the SF Bay Area is $160/hr.

Motoring Advisor Sep 1st, 2007 Link

Vanwall… don’t forget, MINI CAs Works tuned S has won the Targa Newfoundland Rally 2 years in a row, so MINIs rally history is alive, well and current!

Motoring Advisor Sep 1st, 2007 Link

Oh and, by the way… My JCW kit will be here and installed on the 10th! Yea!

Gabe Sep 3rd, 2007 Link

Gabe, is the kit available through VDC installation? Although itâ€™s not a difficult installation, dealerships just donâ€™t inspire confidence, and the going rate in the SF Bay Area is $160/hr.

It’s available only at the dealers at this time. True – the kit would easily be installed by just about anyone with some wrench experience. But a dealer will have to get involved to update the ECU and that will take at least two hours. So you’re probably better off just going with the dealer and getting them to commit to just two hours of labor.

greg Sep 6th, 2007 Link

When do you get yours Gabe? Dying for your review.

Dean Cory Sep 6th, 2007 Link

When are they going to update the Configurator to offer this as well as the JCW suspension kit for the R56?

I want to do what Gabe did. Leave off the Sport pack Get the pieces Ala Carte and get the JCW suspension and engine goodies.

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R56 JCW Kit Official US Press Release

Sections: JCW | Official News Aug 31st, 2007 28 Comments

Written By: MF Staff

28 Comments

robble Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Vanwall Aug 31st, 2007 Link

greg Aug 31st, 2007 Link

BrewSwapGuy Aug 31st, 2007 Link

sketcher Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Chad Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 31st, 2007 Link

nuvolari Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Vanwall Aug 31st, 2007 Link

AlwaysOpenCharlie05 Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Radley Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Vanwall Aug 31st, 2007 Link

emtrey Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Revhed Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Jon Aug 31st, 2007 Link

jahpaul Aug 31st, 2007 Link

Reg Aug 31st, 2007 Link

jas cooper Sep 1st, 2007 Link

jas cooper Sep 1st, 2007 Link

msh441 Sep 1st, 2007 Link

IE Sep 1st, 2007 Link

rkw Sep 1st, 2007 Link

Motoring Advisor Sep 1st, 2007 Link

Motoring Advisor Sep 1st, 2007 Link

Gabe Sep 3rd, 2007 Link

greg Sep 6th, 2007 Link

Dean Cory Sep 6th, 2007 Link

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