MF Exclusive: “Stage II” JCW MINI Revealed

Sections: JCW Nov 8th, 2007 90 Comments

As we exclusively reported last year, MINI will be releasing not one but two separate JCW kits for the R56 MCS during it’s model cycle. The “Stage I” went on sale last month at MINI dealers around the world. With a power output of 192bhp and (here’s the kicker) as much as 199 lb-ft on tap, it’s turned out to be one of the fastest MINI ever – some would say almost the equal to the JCW GP due to all that torque. However there’s little denying that one of those numbers is noticeably down from the previous dealer/factory installed kit. And MINI being MINI, you knew that had to be eventually rectified.

And that brings us to the factory JCW or the “Stage II” as we dubbed it last year. The “Stage II” will not only match the power output of the previous R53 JCW car but will surely be quicker (due to the increased torque) than even the JCW GP.

Let’s start with engine output. Our information on power output hasn’t changed since our first article about this car from last February. That means we can expect power anywhere form 210 to 220 bhp. To help deal with this power DSC and LSD will come standard. And yes, that last acronym means no automatic option.

The new found power comes from several components. Key to this will be a larger and fully optimized turbocharger (as previously reported on MF). Elsewhere the car will receive the intake kit known from the first kit, an entirely new JCW exhaust and a reprogrammed ECU. To top it all off the car will be equipped with 260 km/h speedometer limit (as opposed to the normal speedometer on the Cooper S with a limit of 240 km/h).

The Stage II will also get the soon to be released 4 piston brake that we reported on last week. The brakes are rumored to be available as a dealer accessory as well. Let that sink in for a moment. Previous MINI brakes (even the JCW/R56 MCS brakes) had to make due with one piston. This new kit will have four of them.

Wrapped around these brakes will be unique JCW 18″ wheels that will be the only major visual reminder that you’re driving a factory JCW car.

While it’s safe to assume the price will be in the same range as the previous factory JCW kit, we don’t have any concrete information on final figures at this time.

One thing the factory JCW kit won’t get will be the excellent JCW Sport Suspension. We’re guessing cost was a factor but it also may have something to do with wanting to make sure the factory JCW car suited all tastes. As amazing as the JCW Suspension is, it does return the ride to near R53 levels.

As we’ve previously reported, expect the new JCW kit to debut sometime in the second half of 2008.

Be sure check back in the coming weeks and months for more details on this car and interesting news about the entire JCW range of products

Written By: Gabe

http://www.dickdavid.com dickdavid

Sounds awesome. I can’t wait.
Pingback: JCW Stage 2 Rumour updates - MINI2
dark06mcs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clubman?
George

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

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

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

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

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.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

what are the major differences here over stage 1Ã¢â‚¬â€œbetter 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

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

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

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.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

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

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

Umm…did someone say JCW Clubman?

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

Sorry, just copy and paste that last link, my attempt at making it live didn’t work apparently.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

UmmÃ¢â‚¬Â¦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

god they no how to milk you dry , dont they
Jon

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

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

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

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

Still wondering???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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