MF Exclusive: “Stage II” JCW MINI Revealed

dickdavid Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Sounds awesome. I can’t wait.

JCW Stage 2 Rumour updates - MINI2 Nov 8th, 2007 Link

[...] Stage 2 Rumour updates Thought some may find this interesting: MotoringFile » Archive » MF Exclusive: “Stage II” JCW MINI Revealed In short it looks like the factory JCW will have 210-220BHP and the JCW brake kit. No special [...]

dark06mcs Nov 8th, 2007 Link

MINI will leave it up to individual customers to purchase (separately of course) JCW wheels from their dealer.

which means those giant brakes will have to fit under some of the “stock” wheels, right?

IZZY Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Sounds disappointing.

No special bodykit or rims?
No sport suspension?

So what does one pay for when they get a Stage 2 JCW? Only an engine!!!!!!!!!

No interior goodies!!!!!!

It is a sad day for MINI

jas cooper Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I think this is a logical progression forward for MINI. I’m looking forward to it. And surely the badges will be one of the top listed features. But I don’t need no stinkin’ badges…

Mark Smith Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Izzy, you haven’t even seen the final specifications or what it will look like. Give the guys a fair chance.

RB Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Maybe some of you gearheads can explain why sometimes lb/ft is used and sometimes ft/lb is used?

YuccaPatrol Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Don’t worry Izzy. There is still and will be a ton of JCW branded crap available as accessories from MINI. You’ll still be able to get the body kit, suspension, and assorted carbon fiber bits.

I only want to pay for the parts that make power. If I don’t have to buy the rest of the crap, I will be one happy guy with my minimally spec’d JCW.

Cine Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Just to be clear, this is a factory only upgrade on new 08′ cars and not an aftermarket upgrade like the Stage 1 Kit? Or could it be added to a current R56? Just want to know if I should hold off on getting the Stage 1 Kit. Or….. trade in my R56 next year for a Stage 2 JCW :)

eager2own Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Agree with Yucca. Give me the go-fast parts, and allow individuals to purchase the other bits separately and a la carte if desired.
I’d probably opt to also get the suspension, but I can understand MINI’s decision not to package them together at a higher cost.

matt Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Clubman?

George Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Did anybody see the worldcarfans.com article posted on Autoblog yesterday? They have spy pics from Germany. What I find most interesting and like is that it looks like they embossed the MINI wings onto the gorgeous brake calipers. If the brake kit is in the $1k range, I’m getting in line….

The pic:
http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/11/7/9071107.003/9071107.003.1L.jpg

Torobud Nov 8th, 2007 Link

RB - it is listed as ftlbs or lbsft which is short for foot pounds or pounds foot but it is not listed as pounds per foot or foots per pound as you typed…

The order doesn’t matter because it is a multiplication problem the same as 32 is the same as 23

Sorry for the over-simplification.. but you asked..

Torobud Nov 8th, 2007 Link

RB - my apologies as the comments don’t allow and asterisk (*) and they replace it with a slash (/)

greg Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Kinda non news with no specifics as to HP or price. But a welcome change of pace from Clubman or tree hugging stuff.

Glad the brakes are included. Not glad the suspension isn’t. Now I’ll be shelling out the additional $2300 for that and probably the body kit if it’s not too garrish.

Thought Mini was going to give us a bargain this time. History should have taught me otherwise.

ImUrTrboLvr Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Do you have to buy the stage 1 kit, to (add-on) the Stage 2 Kit? or can you purchase a Stage 2 for a bone stock Mini.

Darren Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I agree with Izzy on this one, sounds disappointing tbh.

I thought it would include the suspension kit and the JCW aero kit as standard, another money making exercise from BMW to get us to purchase the add ons.

Surely a factory JCW car should be in some way different visually from the standard ‘S”, make it feel special, AKA the GP or BMW M3!

I was very tempted by the factory JCW but will have a re-think.

Craig Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Is it likely that this factory JCW will be a separate model or will it be a package as we had for the R53 and currently have for the R52? I was hoping that the factory JCW would be similar to the BMW M cars with exclusive colors, interior styling and exterior styling. Although I suppose a similar effect can be achieved by having special colors like with the sidewalk package on the convertible.

drew Nov 8th, 2007 Link

so maybe waiting for an ‘08 wasn’t such a bad idea… ; )

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Liking what I am reading so far, don’t expect Mini to build this with all whiles and bells as it will attract a larger base of buyers if the prices can vary I think.

zm Nov 8th, 2007 Link

as an owner of two jcw’s i was really hoping MINI would fix the $6K cost issue w/ the r56 stage 2–much too expensive, imo (which is why i bought my jcw’s used).

what are the major differences here over stage 1–better brakes & a larger turbo? how can MINI justify a bump from $2K to $6K for that?

granted, they know their business better than i do, but surely they could make more money via volume selling w/ lower stage 2 pricing. not to mention, getting the jcw brand further into the masses.

sure, jcw purists will argue they don’t want the jcw brand diluted by having more of them on the road, but i say the more the merrier.

if it ends up being a $6k markup again, looks like i’ll be waiting until ‘09 to find a used stage 2 jcw.

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I actually an rather surprised they were able to keep it to 6k. Doing what they are doing is a expensive process, just be happy that they didn’t attach all the extras onto it so we don’t have a +10,000 car.

I am have my fingers crossed that we will finally see Recaro’s as a option also in the States. Also believe the badging will be interesting, with the stage 1 already being marked JCW Works would think they should come up with someway of re-badging this. Would also love to see an optional specialty color, here is my vote for flat orange.

Gabe Nov 8th, 2007 Link

what are the major differences here over stage 1–better brakes & a larger turbo? how can MINI justify a bump from $2K to $6K for that?

That’s a totally valid question. And I’ll say upfront that any JCW component or engine kit isn’t for everyone. And the aftermarket will always have an edge in terms of price vs performance.

Now with that out of the way, I can’t say more than I have here. But I can tell you that once the all the information is revealed I would expect the your opinion to change.

I actually an rather surprised they were able to keep it to 6k.

It won’t be $6k. The $6k is in reference to the previous kit. We believe the new one will be in the same range but most lilely a little more. The dollar hasn’t been good to companies like BMW

cct1 Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I’m looking at this thinking (hoping) that this has to be the tip of the iceberg (or maybe the tip and part a small part of the middle)–its just not enough at that price point to sway me out of my current JCW R53. There has to be more to it than this. I’d really like to see the torque figures…

I’ll probably buy another car in 2010, and I’m torn between a 1-series tii (if they make it), or another MINI. Is there any consideration to a further refinement of the JCW with the R56 as there was with the R53 (ie a GP type of edition of the R56)? If there was something like that in the pipeline, I’d probably wait for it.

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Yes I know Gabe, I have no doubts that it will be worth every dime.

This is my question to you Gabe, with the info you still have if you had it to do over again, would you have gone after the factory car? Not that this means that your current car is a ounce less nice than it is now just interesting in your view.

nuvolari Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Very disappointing news, assuming that pricing is really going to remain as exorbitant as it was for the R53. The main thing I was expecting this time around, based on earlier reports, was that pricing for the factory JCW package would be more in line with the (non-MINI) market. On a car with a base price of $21k, 15% or about $3k for a package engine/brake/suspension upgrades feels about right. It sounds like that could add as much as 50% to the price of the car if you do all the above and add an aero kit. The tradition of shameless JCW profiteering continues.

Gabe Nov 8th, 2007 Link

This is my question to you Gabe, with the info you still have if you had it to do over again, would you have gone after the factory car? Not that this means that your current car is a ounce less nice than it is now just interesting in your view.

I’m leaning towards yes. But I seriously doubt I’ll sell my own car and buy this new factory JCW. For starters it’ll be pricey. My car with this kit would be… a lot.

I knew the basics of the kit when I decided to buy my car back in May but the more I learn about it the more I would love to have one.

Alan Smithee Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Gabe, can you give us a hint as to whether the “sport” package and/or a body kit will be mandatory? I’m hoping the answer is ‘no’ to both.

VMMVMMM Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Umm…did someone say JCW Clubman?

http://news.windingroad.com/aftermarket/an-early-look-at-the-john-cooper-works-mini-clubman/

VMMVMMM Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Sorry, just copy and paste that last link, my attempt at making it live didn’t work apparently.

Gabe Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Umm…did someone say JCW Clubman?

Wow that’s pretty poor form from Windingroad - I would have expected better. That is simply a press photo of the JCW accessories available for the Clubman. Notice the lack of JCW badges? That means the car doesn’t have the engine kit. There have been no plans made for the dealer installed engine kit (”Stage I”) on the Clubman.

john mcilroy Nov 8th, 2007 Link

god they no how to milk you dry , dont they

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Makes perfect sense to me Gabe, just seem to share similar views as you do, i.e. track time is a part of my buying decision.

I have no doubts that there are going to be more than a few very fast stage 1 cars running around, I have just lusted over a factory (i.e. non-kit) JCW and enjoying every moment of it now.

Not to try to drill you for anymore info, but does any of the upcoming info reference the Recaro seating?

Jon E Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Gabe: When is additional information likely to be available? I anticipated placing an MCS order in a couple of weeks, but I may hold off until I know more details on the Stage II option.

JeffH Nov 8th, 2007 Link

The pricing is really getting out of hand here for go-fast goodies on this car. I think the MINI is more about fun and status, not speed. If you really wanna go fast, you should just get a different car. I finally got tired of waiting for real power from MINI, and just bought a used BMW M3 for less than the price of a Stage I, let alone a Stage II JCW.

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Understand Jeff, but then again can’t remember the last time a M3 got by my R53 at the track. They are nice cars but all in all still grossly over weight. If I were looking to upgrade what I am looking for I would either go for a 911 or an Exige S, but think this car should keep me entertained.

RB Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Still wondering???

“Maybe some of you gearheads can explain why sometimes lb/ft is used and sometimes ft/lb is used?”

MJulian Nov 8th, 2007 Link

The only thing that sounds interesting is the bigger turbo, because the brakes can be bought as a dealer accessory. I just which I could buy the bigger turbo from MINI. I think almost 50hp is somewhat worth what the price will be and your getting 4 pot brakes as well. I am guessing MINI is holding out on adding the JCW aero kit and JCW suspension upgrade for pricing and for the ultimate MINI will come at the end of the R56 to be the successor of the R53 GP.

MJulian Nov 8th, 2007 Link

RB, to my understanding they mean the same thing it’s just that they get miss used sometimes the correct term would be lb.-ft. I like saying “foot-pounds” because it sounds better the “pound foot”

RB Nov 8th, 2007 Link

JeffH,

My experience with my MCS and a M3, a brand new M3, was on HWY 1 here in California. The M3 and a GT 40 passed me about half way to Carmel. I easily stayed with the M3, not in straight line but pulled back up on him in the twisty’, all the way up. I’m only a mid range talent as a driver and I have no idea about his driving ability. It was a fun and safe day. I also know it’s easier to follow than lead.

The Gt 40 was long gone!

My MCS is bone stock except for a Dinan CAI. This is not a sight on the M3 just my experience with one. LOL

GregW Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Old Classic Mini Cooper was sold at a premium well above the standard Mini list price. As a result, only the rich and the famous bought them new. Look at the production numbers of factory Cooper models made. Other aftermarket companies sprung up selling hot-up kits for standard cars. The genuine cars continue to increase in value year by year.
Whereas, BMW has made the “Cooper” model accessible to more people with again a premium price tag, and make no apologies for this strategy. BMW don’t make cheap cars.
Now BMW own JCW lock stock and barrell and the pricing reflects this.

robble Nov 8th, 2007 Link

last half of 08 sounds great since my lease is up in the first part of 09 =)

JohnPC Nov 8th, 2007 Link

RB-
Torque is measured in lb-ft.
Potential energy is measured in ft-lbs.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/fpte.htm

The above article on force, power, torque and energy explains it well.

James Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I don’t think the $6,000 (plus a little more) range is particularly terrible. The current JCW kit is $2,100 plus installation (+$500?). The new kit is factory fit, includes brakes, and makes an extra 20-25hp. That doesn’t sounds too bad to me.

greg Nov 8th, 2007 Link

My Stage One’s (with JCW suspension) performance exceed’s my expectations and I’m very pleased. An extra 20 hp and big brakes will be great. However, I’ll keep this one til the mid model refresh where hopefully they will give another 5hp bump like ‘05.

Brian Nov 8th, 2007 Link

RB -
lb/ft and ft/lbs are the exact same things. The term can be used either way.
Just depends if the person talking in singular or plural.

“these cars have 200 lb/ft (pound/feet) of torque.” or “This car has 200 ft/lbs (foot/pounds) of torque”

Brian Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Four piston brakes will really allow the car the stop later. This will be good for passing at the end of the straight.

Luke K Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I was expecting a better turbo AND larger front mount intercooler as well.

MiniMark Nov 8th, 2007 Link

More non news really, no dig intended at you Gabe whatsoever. But if the pricing circa $6000+ is correct then like someone already mentioned I’d expect a hell of a lot more than a bigger turbo, upgraded brakes(which will be available anyway as a dealer option) and an extra 20-25 HP over the JCW Stage 1. I mean think about it, you’re already getting 20hp for $2K with the stage 1 kit as it is so essentially you’re paying 3 times the price for only double the horsepower and a big brake kit. After waiting so long and looking forward so much to news of this car I’ll be very reluctantly giving it a miss unless it also comes with an exclusive from factory JCW restyled bodykit and maybe some other goodies. Like many others I’m hoping they truly differentiate this car from the standard Cooper S and the Stage 1. Snobby? Maybe, but it’s a hell of a lot of money to be forking out for a Mini so some exclusivity shouldn’t be too much to ask for.

msh441 Nov 8th, 2007 Link

OK. I know its been suggested before that the “Stage II” would be a factory kit… but will it be a “factory ONLY” kit?

Seems like if they’re using the airbox (and I would guess cat-back pipe, too) from the Stage I JCW, wouldn’t it make good business sence to market the Stage II to Stage I owners as a dealer add-on as well? A lower price for existing owners that would include the new turbo& ECU added to the engine (and I would assume intercooler to cope with the added heat from a bigger turbo). Brakes and suspension goodies if we want ‘em, too.

So is there any hope in 2009 for us early R56S JCW abopters?

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I am betting there is still a lot of info coming down that will explain some of the pricing. I however never expect a factory build to be available as a dealer kit any more than a GP was.

I believe that one thing BMW understands is how to make a car stand out after decades of the M division work. Just looking forward to hearing more about this tiny terror.

msh441 Nov 8th, 2007 Link

“I however never expect a factory build to be available as a dealer kit any more than a GP was.”

Really? The previous JCW was availible as a factory OR dealer option. Why not this one?

The GP was a different beast alltogether. A last-of-the R53 limitid production run. Every one of the GP performance options were availible to R53 owners. Cosmetics (wing, color, undertray, back seat delete) were limited, but not the actual performance items.

Jon Nov 8th, 2007 Link

I personally believe BMW/Mini is partially responding to its prior JCW owners. Many of us noted that as good as the kit is it held 0% resale extra value as is the case with every kit and after-market item. Love my JCW but knowing I threw a handful of cash into the fire never set really well with me. A factory car will hold value and does stand out I believe as a bit as being something unique. As a person who is buying a factory car I would be happy to pay for the smaller production run than see the components that make this car available for any car just to slapped on. The last JCW was never a factory item, true the kit could be put in at the factory but this was still lightyears from being a true factory car.

Don’t get me wrong I adore the stage 1 kit but I believe that the factory car should stay just as that, a factory car.

Gabe Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Really? The previous JCW was availible as a factory OR dealer option. Why not this one?

As more information about the kit is released, the answer will become a bit more obvious.

I am betting there is still a lot of info coming down that will explain some of the pricing. I however never expect a factory build to be available as a dealer kit any more than a GP was.

You sound like someone who knows how to bet.

More non news really, no dig intended at you Gabe whatsoever. But if the pricing circa $6000+ is correct then like someone already mentioned I’d expect a hell of a lot more than a bigger turbo, upgraded brakes(which will be available anyway as a dealer option) and an extra 20-25 HP over the JCW Stage 1.

hah - I don’t think DB, myself or anyone else who writes for MF take anything personal anymore ;)

But getting to your point… I can only say that it may be best to withhold judgement for a little while yet.

Brian Nov 8th, 2007 Link

Ok people I have some new info on the Stage II.

It was lapping the Hockenheim ring at 1,15,38 sec. For comparison, the Ferrari 360 Modena does it in 1,17,09 and the Porsche 996 GT3 in 1,15,08.

ok… breathe… just kidding.

drutx Nov 9th, 2007 Link

@RB - Not to over do the Torque question, and I’m no gearhead, but I believe the standard English unit for Torque is the multiplication of ft*lb (as opposed to dividing ft/lb or lb/ft).

Thus, ftlb or lbft yields the same value for torque. Accordingly “Foot pounds” versus “Pound feet” would just be a personal preference.

drutx Nov 9th, 2007 Link

Formatting…

That’s supposed to be ft x lb or lb x ft.

greg Nov 9th, 2007 Link

Msh 441. From your mouth to Minis ears. An upgrade for the stage one to make it stage two would be great but don’t hold your breath. I’d be happy with some kind of “in between” upgrade like the ‘05 air box 10hp upgrade. That only cost $500!

tonyT3 Nov 9th, 2007 Link

MF Exclusive: “Stage II” JCW MINI Revealed”

Um, storey looks more like rumour/conjectour than fact.

Gabe Nov 9th, 2007 Link

Um, storey looks more like rumour/conjectour than fact.

Thanks for your opinion on how it looks. I can tell you it’s not.

Jon Nov 9th, 2007 Link

Funny part is my dealer is as excited by this news as I am. A factory JCW has been a dream of mine since Mini JCW produced it’s first kit for the R53.

Think between now and March is going to be full of interesting news. I am a bit eager to learn about this car and think Mini is going to produce something rather special.

RB Nov 9th, 2007 Link

OK, I got all the info I need as to the lb/ft - ft/lb issue. Thanks.

Hey Gabe, I thought you didn’t take stupid comments personally anymore? ………. ;-)

Gabe Nov 9th, 2007 Link

Hey Gabe, I thought you didn’t take stupid comments personally anymore? ………. ;-)

LOL - believe me, that’s not personal :-)

greg Nov 9th, 2007 Link

I thought ‘06 JCW was a “factory” option. Again, all this story states is that this is coming. We knew that. Since they have given no specifics as to HP or price, the only “news” is that Mini will stiff us on the prior promise that JCW suspension and body kit would be included in the $6000(ish).

And that’s old news eh?

Jon Nov 9th, 2007 Link

Major difference Greg, the 06 had the option of putting on the dealer kit at the factory, both were kits. What Mini is coming up with I believe is more akin to a M styled product.

Don’t know if I would draw any conclusions as of yet on this car. I have the feeling that there is a lot more information coming down to us over the next several months. I would have liked to see the body kit and suspension be included but then again I am sure Mini is looking at it this way. Is it better to produce an entry factory car for under 40k or just offer a 45k car. I think their decisions makes sense. Myself it doesn’t matter since the body kit and suspension will be installed, hopefully at the factory.

Dunphyj Nov 9th, 2007 Link

In terms of the whole bigger brake thing… more pistons means more even pressure on the pads for better bite, modulation, and pedal feel. It also looks a hell of a lot cooler because people always think more is better.

Fewer pistons means less cost and less unsprung mass. Having fewer pistons also usually means a smaller caliper, which means heat is more localized, which means the pads get up to temp faster and stay there longer. Those are big reasons why BMW does it that way (single-piston on the M3, two-piston on the M5).

Keep in mind that those statements are assuming all else is equal. For example, it is possible to have 4-pot calipers that are lighter than single-pot calipers. They’ll just be really expensive.

Overall heat handling is a function of the mass of the brake components, what they’re made of (iron vs. aluminum vs. ceramic), and how well everything is ventillated. Number of pistons isn’t really a factor in and of itself; sometimes calipers with lots of pistons handle heat better, but that’s really only because they tend to be bigger.

It’s all a design choice.

A note about the M3’s one-pot calipers: those single pistons are HUGE, and the brake pads are relatively square so the piston ends up covering most of the pad. That’s how they (mostly) get around the pad flex issue.

BMW also uses sliding calipers wherever possible. That way, the pistons are always on the inside, which gives a lot more freedom in terms of wheel fitment because you don’t have to worry as much about whether the wheels will clear the brakes.

lavardera Nov 9th, 2007 Link

AutoBlog is giving MotoringFile kudos over the reporting on the JCW:

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/the-real-scoop-on-the-mini-jcw-stage-ii-cooper-s/

You remember autoblog - let me help you out, its the car blog that was described by a certain MF staff as the in one of those blog-cast thingys. Ouch, well I’m sure they are not taking it personally either. I mean its not like they described MotoringFile like the Prada of car blogs or something…

Super Car Blog » Blog Archive » The real scoop on the MINI JCW Stage II Cooper S Nov 9th, 2007 Link

[...] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [...]

msh441 Nov 9th, 2007 Link

I understand some people’s desire for a “factory ONLY” M-Car-like MINI JCW. Somthing exclusive. Somthing special. Not your run-of-the-mill JCW (if there is such a thing).

To many though… well to me at least… this somewhat violates what the MINI is all about. To me, the MINI is (and should remain) a classless car. I like the fact that one can at any time make their car as mild or wild as they want it to be. Leave it stock for a year or two… go JCW a bit later… full blown track caged car after that if you so desire. Or just leave it bone stock forever.

I understand the idea of an exclusive “end-of-run” car like the GP and I would expect somthing similar when the R56 sees it’s twilight. I just don’t like the idea of a concrete dividing line between production cars. MINI should not need to follow the lead of BMW. It’s part of MINI’s charecter that you can make your MINI whatever you want it to be pretty much whenever you want it.

Hope this doesn’t seem too much like rambling. It’s hard to verbalize a concept like this.

Jon Nov 9th, 2007 Link

As a prior owner of a Cooper, current JCW Cooper S, and future owner of a factory JCW I can say personally I don’t think this will cause a class division. I adore them all, and the people in the Mini community, and I smile and wave at each no matter what version they drive.

I think it will be accepted the same way the GP is. Reality check, is a GP a Mini, yep. I also believe that this car doesn’t change anything for doing whatever you want to your car,I am certain that even the factory car isn’t going to be the fastest or the best Mini for long. We have a lot of very talented people that are going to make barnstormers out of their Mini. To me this isn’t about exclusiveness its about retaining value and having fun.

MCS2007 Nov 10th, 2007 Link

If you are out of warranty and add a JCW part from the dealer, then how long is the warranty on the new parts?

The naming of ‘Stage II’ implies it can be purchased as a package like the Stage I kit. Otherwise, it would have been named ‘r56 JCW car’.

Jon Nov 10th, 2007 Link

Good question MCS2007, I was told that when they installed my kit on my R56 that it would be warranted for 24 months unlimited miles or the life of your cars warranty, which-ever is greater.

The Stage2 is just a name that has been used to express there would be two separate JCW product lines one a dealer available kit and a factory built car.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/07/16/2009-factory-jcw-mcs-the-stage-ii/

“We first reported on the “Stage II” kit (as we’re calling it) last winter with some sketchy details on general performance targets.”

zm Nov 10th, 2007 Link

@ msh441:

Agreed–which is why I said, ‘the more the merrier’.

greg Nov 10th, 2007 Link

Jon. You are correct that JCW tuning was (and still is) available in ‘06 as a dealer install. However, the factory installed JCW included JCW brakes AND LSD which at this time of speculation made it a better value than “stage two”.

zooped.org » Blog Archive » The real scoop on the MINI JCW Stage II Cooper S Nov 10th, 2007 Link

[...] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [...]

The real scoop on the MINI JCW Stage II Cooper S - Autoblog Nov 10th, 2007 Link

[...] separately when the Stage II kit arrives in the second half of 2008.[Source: MotoringFile] Read | Permalink | Email this | [...]

Jon Nov 10th, 2007 Link

Think there are a few more surprises of the factory car upcoming. Think we should hold off for now until the details of this car comes down before we pass judgment that its not worth its additional costs.

The factory JCW is coming with the new 4 piston brakes and from the previous details on Motoringfile have said it will be coming with LSD also. Think the upcoming months are going to be enthralling.

Impulsive Nov 13th, 2007 Link

$6k? … no thanks.

Give me the bigger turbo over stock ‘S’ … $1500 to $2000, and the front bumper from the JCW skirt kit … $250, THAT’S IT! I’m not tracking it so I don’t need bigger brakes. The back bumper of the JCW kit is UGLY. The pricing of the JCW skirt kit is insane … the parts don’t cost significantly more to make, and since I don’t want the originals (and shouldn’t pay twice for them), the price difference shouldn’t be as big to choose what I want.

BMW better look at lowering margins on their share of profit or they’ve lost me as a potential customer.

Lee Nov 14th, 2007 Link

Does this have something to do with the new big brakes for the Mini….
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/13/brembo-supplying-brakes-to-bmw/

Jon Nov 14th, 2007 Link

A good question Lee, I personally think the brakes coming with the factory car are an adaptation of the AP brakes being used by the factory race car, though adapted for road usage.

Will be interesting to see though

MotoringFile » Archive » Factory JCW Kit Debut Timeline Nov 16th, 2007 Link

[...] MF Exclusive: Factory JCW MINI [...]

Dr Obnxs Nov 17th, 2007 Link

Ft x Lb and Lb x Ft are the same thing. The root of this evil is two fold… Most people don’t use slugs (the REAL unit of mass, not Lbs) and there’s a style gide that some editor wrote about car stuff that maintains there’s a difference…

Back to your regularly scheduled Mini banter…

Matt

MotoringFile » Archive » The JCW Factory Clubman? Nov 19th, 2007 Link

[...] we scooped a few of the details on the new R56 factory JCW kit. However we didn’t address one burning question that seemed to be on quite a few [...]

Brad Nov 29th, 2007 Link

> BMW better look at lowering margins on their share of profit
> or they’ve lost me as a potential customer.

I’ll happily take your place!

Edge Dec 15th, 2007 Link

msh441,

You said:

Every one of the GP performance options were availible to R53 owners. Cosmetics (wing, color, undertray, back seat delete) were limited, but not the actual performance items.

Not true. There are 3 performance-related items that are NOT readily available to non-GP owners in the USA (courtesy of MINIUSA’s restrictions). Those being the GP intercooler, the aluminum trailing arms and the lightweight GP wheels.

True, you can get these items from international sources (or from USA vendors who already obtained them from an international source). Also, the trailing arms on the R56 are almost identical (although not EXACTLY), so buying those and adapting them to fit is another option…

But the point remains that through “official” channels, here in the USA, a number of the “unique” GP performance items are simply NOT available to R53 owners.

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nuvolari Feb 6th, 2008 Link

No suspension or steering improvements. That is unfortunate.