Sections: JCW | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Coupe) Jan 9th, 2008 53 Comments 
As some readers may have noticed, over the last few weeks we’ve been holding off on releasing further details on the factory JCW kit while (and secretly hoping) someone else would leak the info first. It now looks like that (to some degree) has happened. A few of the initial details have now been leaked and posted on MINI2.co.za [Link removed by request] (a South African MINI enthusiast site) that came from a South African source. While most of the specifications have been reported on MotoringFile previously, there are a couple of things new in the list that may be of particular interest to some readers. Here’s the official specification run-down of the factory JCW Tuning Kit as posted on MINI2.co.za:
The things we haven’t been able to speak about before now were the exhaust system, speedometer and the wheels. We can confirm all three are true. We’ll offer more details on the exhaust system in our full report that will appear on MotoringFile in the near future. The wheels are believed to be one of the two 18″ JCW branded wheels coming for 2008.
The top speed of the new car is estimated to be 150 mph with 260 Nm (around 190ft lbs) of torque (280 Nm including overboost function or around 206ft lbs) and power in excess of 154 kW or 210bhp. While the latter number has been mentioned on MF for quite some time, it’s nice to finally see some confirmation from yet another source. And as we’ve said all along, expect any official power figure published by MINI to be fairly conservative.
Also according to the source, acceleration will take you from 0 – 62 mph in 6.6 seconds. However that figure is also quite conservative considering dealer installed JCW cars are already getting better times. Look for automotive publications to achieve times around six seconds or lower.
Of course the most intriguing part of the above list is the “Performance Kit” bullet. And based on what sources are telling us, we can tell you that those words don’t do all the modifications justice. But those details (and many others) will have to wait until closer to the launch of the new JCW scheduled for the Geneva Motor show in early March.
You can read our earlier report (with many more details) below:
[ MF Exclusive: Factory JCW Kit Revealed ] MotoringFile
Bwana Yak Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Now if they’ll just lengthen the wheelbase, add a couple of doors, a roof rack and AWD, they’ll really have something.
Just kidding. Wish I could afford one of these beauties. When I first started driving my ‘06 MCS, I couldn’t believe how powerful and responsive it was. The JCW would probably produce spontaneous moments of pure ecstasy.
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greg Jan 9th, 2008 Link
An exhaust was a given. However, wheels are a great inclusion if this stays at $6000. I wonder what the US speedo will look like. Hopefully will include KPH and fill up the “empty” look.
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MikeJCW Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Is the price expected to be close to the $6300 for the last factory JCW package? I’m on my 3rd MINI – a 2006 MCS JCW Checkmate which I love to drive but would consider trading up to the next gen if the price was right.
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Mike Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Sounds like an incredibly sick package Gabe. Any word on whether a body kit of some sorts will be included? Also price will be a big one, I can see myself ordering just the package with very little other options if I don’t end up buying a GP. Mike
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VMMVMMM Jan 9th, 2008 Link
So am I reading that right? 16/17 inch brake discs? Are these cars going to be donked from the factory?
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Jon Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Very interesting details no doubt. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with in Geneva. Any of the European Motoringfile readers going to Geneva show, if so would be interesting to get your feedback (and photos)also.
Nothing really to shocking on the list, glad to see the exhaust system included. I am assuming the exhaust will the the same one on the current dealer kit. Still hoping for a Factory car only body kit to be offered to allow the car to stand out visually as something a tad different. Think they could do this simply buy using the diffuser from the track car and some sort of wing. Actually think this is almost mandantory if the speedo if shows a top speed of 150 think Gabe has already said that the current car feels a tad light well before that mark. Hoping this means they have planned to give it a bit more solid footing with some downforce.
ReplyI am assuming the exhaust will the the same one on the current dealer kit.
I wouldn’t assume that.
Is the price expected to be close to the $6300 for the last factory JCW package?
No information on pricing since we last reported on it but I would expect it to be higher than the previous kit but not dramatically so.
Any word on whether a body kit of some sorts will be included?
As previously report the JCW body kit will be an option as it currently is now.
So am I reading that right? 16/17 inch brake discs? Are these cars going to be donked from the factory?
That’s BMW speak for big brakes. No the rotors will not be 16″ or 17″s in diameter. You can read about the brakes (and see a pic) in our previous factory JCW story.
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Jon Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Interesting about the exhaust Gabe. To bad about it not getting a unique look, maybe they will release a factory car only color. Now all I will have to do is figure out how I can lay hands on some of the components of the track car body work heh. Gabe haven’t you have already noted that the top end run you have had a couple of times on a few roads have already shown the car to be a tad light at the top end haven’t you. Think if they opening the top end to 150 they are going to have to figure out a bit more downforce on the car.
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Timmee Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Please be aware that these details are speculative and preliminary. I would not call them official, since they have not come via offical corporate communication channels. The information is subject to change.
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nuvolari Jan 9th, 2008 Link
So, at a base price of $22,350, plus ~$6500 for this package, you would be looking at ~$29k MSRP. I’m assuming they will not require any additional packages as they did with the last factory JCW option. That was shameless. If I could get one of these out the door for under $30k, I might be tempted.
ReplyGabe haven’t you have already noted that the top end run you have had a couple of times on a few roads have already shown the car to be a tad light at the top end haven’t you.
The stock car was less than stable at 145mph on the autobahn. However an MCS I drove with the JCW aerokit (and JCW suspension) was noticeably more planted at similar high speeds. I don’t think they really need much more work in this area to be honest. As long as you opt for the aerokit (and possibly the suspension) you have your answer for Autobahn or high-speed track use. The JCW rear wing is suppose to also be functional but I’ve not tested it yet.
If I could get one of these out the door for under $30k, I might be tempted.
This is just a guess but I would expect to pay somewhere around GP money for this car.
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Timmee Jan 9th, 2008 Link
The JCW rear wing is suppose to also be functional but I’ve not tested it yet.
The press car I had for three days had this wing. The following statement is my opinion: It has no function other than to make an irritating whistling noise at 60mph, and is far too flimsy & lightweight to offer any function, bar to make the car look, erm, cheap.
But that’s just one guy’s opinion. :P
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Jon Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Thanks Gabe for clearing that up, just had read though your R56JCW vs nicely equipped R53 and got that info again heh. Think the aero kit and suspension is mandatory for this car in my world view.
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MINIAC Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Is the price expected to be close to the $6300 for the last factory JCW package?
A JCW Package on a 2008 Convertible will cost between $7,500 and $10,000 because you have to order the Sport ($1,500 or $2,000 depending on wheel choice) or Sidewalk ($4,000) Package with it.
With 18″ special wheels, I’d say about $8,000 for the R56 JCW Package.
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Jon Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Currently sometime mid-year this will be sold, last I read around early June. I am sure we will get more details around the time of the Geneva show in early March.
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YuccaPatrol Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Awesome news. Sounds like I’ll be able to get the kit without being forced to buy a bunch of exterior bodywork crap to bring the price up.
I’ll be ordering a very minimally spec’d car with nothing added but xenons and fog lights and I should be able to get out the door for $30k. . . .
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robble Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Timmee Jan 9th, 2008 Link Please be aware that these details are speculative and preliminary. I would not call them official, since they have not come via offical corporate communication channels
oh ye of little faith. Haven’t you been reading Motoringfile for awhile? Gabe is this generations MINI Nostradamus. He has a track record of about 99% accuracy.
(psst, alot of his info comes from official people even if it isn’t through an official channel)
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TC Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Aren’t the torque numbers almost identical to the “stage 1″? I would hope they get close to the 220-225 hp to really separate this from the GT.
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Timmee Jan 9th, 2008 Link
oh ye of little faith. Haven’t you been reading Motoringfile for awhile?
A little while, yes. Hehe.
All I’m saying is that the info posted at MINI2.co.za was passed on to me as “preliminary” and not official.
That being said, we all know MF does not go about spreading wild rumours…
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Jon Jan 9th, 2008 Link
True Timmee but one thing I can guarantee is there is little to nothing that any other site can break that Gabe and the Motoringfile crew doesn’t already have insight into. In the Gabe’s release above you can read that he states he has been setting on this and other info for a while.
One thing for sure this is going to be quite a cool little ride!
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MiniMark Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Very interested to see what these ’special wheels’ will look like. They’ll have to be very special indeed to stop me selling them on and putting some Hamann PG4’s on. Also about the ‘Exhaust System’, will this be the same as comes with the Stage 1 or will it be a full turbo cat back? I only ask because if it’s the same as the Stage 1 I would have thought it would have come under the ‘Performance Kit’ heading.
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Jon Jan 9th, 2008 Link
Earlier today I made the statement that I thought it was likely to use the dealer kit exhaust but Gabe said “I wouldn’t assume that.” so guessing like normal Gabe has more than a little insight that I don’t about Mini’s plan.
I go back and forth on the Hamann wheels, good no doubt but not sure about the 5 spoke look on the Mini.
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Timmee Jan 10th, 2008 Link
Very interested to see what these ’special wheels’ will look like.
Hoping it will be these. See here also.
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Mac Jan 10th, 2008 Link
tVery interested to see what these ’special wheels’ will look like. They’ll have to be very special indeed to stop me selling them on and putting some Hamann PG4’s on.
to get an idea of the jcw wheel check out hartge’s “union jack” wheel…
Also about the ‘Exhaust System’, will this be the same as comes with the Stage 1 or will it be a full turbo cat back?
completely different compared to the stage 1 exhaust. its a full cat back exhaust system, just like the exhaust system for the (old) jcw r53 kit.
I would hope they get close to the 220-225 hp to really separate this from the GT.
nope, it wont. it’ll get a little more than 210hp. no need to go any further than that if you ask me as torque steer is a problem already. i own a gp and i have driven the factory works months ago and believe me: theres a massive difference between these two cars, though they more or less have the same hp-figures! expect a full report in the next weeks…
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MJulian Jan 10th, 2008 Link
I would like to see MINI offer the wing option that’s on the R56 JCW Challenge Race Car.
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eager2own Jan 10th, 2008 Link
I’m actually disappointed that the wheels will be part of the package. I’ve loved the look of JCW wheels, but I’m not a fan of their weight or cost. I would rather get the JCW package for less (without the wheels) than pay more for package with wheels (and have to sell them at a loss to buy lighter ones).
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Mac Jan 10th, 2008 Link
The JCW wheels will be the lightest ever built original MINI wheels – you wont be disappointed and they just look so good live!
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Jon Jan 10th, 2008 Link
Timmee I would like to see the Borbett wheels also but don’t think its likely.
Will be interesting to see what Mini comes up with for wheels, Hartge’s union jack wheel is decent will be interesting to see. Mac have you see these in person?
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Timmee Jan 10th, 2008 Link
Regrettably, the content originally posted at MINI2.co.za had to be retracted.
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Jon Jan 10th, 2008 Link
Very nice Mac, looking forward to checking them out. All I can say is “come on March” lol
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Mac Jan 10th, 2008 Link
Regrettably, the content originally posted at MINI2.co.za had to be retracted.
how come i knew this would happen…..
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IZZY Jan 11th, 2008 Link
Why did Timmy take the information off his site? Did MINI bully him to remove it?
Why is Motoringfile withholdong information about the R56 Factory JCW from us?
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eager2own Jan 11th, 2008 Link
^ Not according to the information above, which is a good thing for those that want to spend the extra dough elsewhere.
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Jon Jan 11th, 2008 Link
Well Izzy I am sure Motoringfile has more info on many Mini things. Seems Gabe gets quite a bit of info officially, unofficially and somewhere in between the two. I would say whoever shared the info with him has requested that they sit on it for a while. I would bet the reason the info was pulled was of a similar request to the MINI2.co.za site.
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Mac Jan 11th, 2008 Link
I would bet the reason the info was pulled was of a similar request to the MINI2.co.za site.
who knows…maybe there were just “tactical” reasons to finally be able post something “new” on MF with regards t o the factory works!? its a fact, that people at mini are getting final warnings when caught at forwarding sensible information to any press, webmaster etc…and this is happening right now and at times, this has to take into consideration!
just my 2cents
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MiniMark Jan 11th, 2008 Link
Why is Motoringfile withholdong information about the R56 Factory JCW from us?
Huh? The original post with all the information is still there in it’s entiresty as far as I can see.
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Jon Jan 11th, 2008 Link
The way I look at it Mac is BMW/Mini can try but even MI5 and the CIA can’t seem to stop information from getting out. Think Mini has no hope, plus I think that BMW/Mini releases a lot of info to sources to get community feedback.
I am sure there is still a lot of information to come out on the factory car. I am quite sure Gabe still has a lot of juicy details for us.
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Drill Jan 11th, 2008 Link
Is there any hope for those of us looking at a Clubman? If so, any idea when we can expect details on a factory Clubman JCW??
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Jon Jan 11th, 2008 Link
Actually I am betting this is going to be offered at the same time as the Coupe. As for details I would say just to keep an eye open for any factory jcw info as its going to be the same for the coupe and the clubman.
ReplyIs there any hope for those of us looking at a Clubman? If so, any idea when we can expect details on a factory Clubman JCW??
Your answer: Will MINI Make a JCW Factory Clubman?
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Mac Jan 12th, 2008 Link
I am sure there is still a lot of information to come out on the factory car.
nope, basically everything is said! its just that some engineparts have been improved to cope with higher torque figures and higher temperatures – thats about it. further the car wont have a limited slip or dsc as standard. these will be options. the factory works will have dtc (digital traction control) as a standard. the official names of the factory workskit will be: john cooper works cooper s & john cooper works clubman.
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Jon Jan 12th, 2008 Link
Looking forward to this development, still rather wishing Mini would have developed it further along with a unique aero kit, upgraded seating. Can understand why they choose the path they did for both finical and sales reasons. Have to say though that “john cooper works cooper s & john cooper works clubman” are lacking though. Sure it will just get the standard badging.
Believe a all out sports development would sell well. Seems a tad sad that even before Mini brings out the factory kit many after market vendors are already trumping them in many ways. Don’t get me wrong though,s till think this will be a nice car just not the autobahn burner I was hoping for.
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Mac Jan 12th, 2008 Link
tHave to say though that “john cooper works cooper s & john cooper works clubman” are lacking though.
its not lacking at all. both, the r55&r56 factory works vehicles are treated as totally independent products. mini wants to underline and stress the “new” subbrand “john cooper works” more in the future…
Sure it will just get the standard badging.
they will, but the logo has been slightly redesigned as you’ll be able to see in a few weeks…
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Jon Jan 12th, 2008 Link
Good news Mac.
The naming convention isn’t to bad for the clubman but for the cooper s it reads like a misprint heh (cooper works cooper”
I totally am happy to hear that the John Cooper Words is being treated as a sub-brand, very similar way they handle the M division at BMW.
Mac seems like you have a lot of insight on this development. Thanks for sharing and I hope it doesn’t cause you any issues.
I personally really wanted the car to stand out visually as a unique product. Outside of the wheels which I am betting will be available to everyone visually speaking the Factory JCW is going to just be another JCW. Believe Mini has kinda missed the mark here, no doubt it will be a fun car still.
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Timmee Jan 16th, 2008 Link
Why did Timmy take the information off his site? Did MINI bully him to remove it?
The source of the information asked me to retract the post. I do not want to cause anyone to lose their employment, nor do I want to hurt the brand in any way, or foul up communication with MINI.
I was not approached by MINI directly.
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Jon Jan 16th, 2008 Link
Figured that was the case, hope everything worked out ok for you and your source. Don’t think Mini should mind anyways, adds the excitement for many people looking at this car. I am sure Mini will have a lot to say about this feature when it hits the market, in my world view a little buzz isn’t a bad thing.
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Impulsive Feb 3rd, 2008 Link
Really was considering getting one of these until I read about the leaking water pumps and horrendously noisy start-ups in the cold … oh well, maybe one day when BMW can build reliable, trustworthy vehicles … until then, someone else will get my $30k.
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