JCW MINI to Get Standard Suspension

Sections: JCW | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) Apr 1st, 2008 94 Comments

Since the JCW kits were officially released at Geneva a few weeks back, MINI enthusiasts have been clamoring for more details on the cars and the rational behind some of the decisions. Initially we reported the car would come with the stock suspension offered on the normal MINI Cooper S. However some disbelief on the part of MINI enthusiasts coupled with some questionable translated press releases made things less than clear.

However based on MINI sources we can now definitely confirm that the new JCW MINI will come from the factory equiped with the “standard” suspension. That means if you want the optional sport suspension you’ll need to order it as part of the sport package or as an a la carte option. The same goes for those wanting the ultimate suspension choice, the JCW dealer installed suspension kit. Like the JCW aero-kit and the JCW accessories, it’ll have to be ordered as an accessory from your dealer and installed after the car is delivered.

Why did MINI choose it’s softest suspension for it’s sportiest model? We’ve been told that the answer is in who is buying the car. For the last couple of years the average MINI owners has been subtly shifting and more general consumers have been coming into the fold. This has led MINI to look at the new JCW as less of a complete package and more of a clean slate that allows owners to tailor the car to their specific needs. The upside is that it doesn’t force anyone to pay for options they don’t need and it allows the car to be more accessible to more people. The downside of course is that the stock JCW isn’t truly as sprty of a car as it could have been.

Inside the JCW MINI will come standard (in the US market and elsewhere) with the anthracite headliner and the piano black dash. Exclusive on the car will also be the a 150 mph speedometer and an illuminated shift-knob.

Other exclusive items included will be the JCW 17″ wheels and the new four piston JCW brakes. However both will be available as dealer accessories later in the year.

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Written By: Gabe

lavardera

Well thanks for clearing that up once and for all.
mnicpt

So for those of us who want the JCW as it should be, (a BMW M-like car), we get to pay the exhorbitant dealer install fees. I’m ok with it being a clean slate, but it would be nice to have the suspension, aero kit and the like to be factory installed.
mike

Is this the MF AprilÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s fools joke? :)
http://www.newmini-technik.de Mac

the shift knob is not illuminated – its just red ;) further there will be works badge on the dashboard
Craig

MINI will also be offering a gold badges and an air ride suspension as factory options on the JCW.
Volker

First off, I don’t trust anything I read today. Second, if it is an Aprilfools joke, it could be funnier.

The factory MINI Cooper S JCW is incomplete because the general customer is now interested in their brand ? What are they sniffing in Munich ?
newmarek

I seriously want to buy this car. And I can understand why they didn’t include the suspension (something that my wife will acctually be happy to hear), but I can’t help but feeling like this isn’t the best value. I wish they gave us an upgraded seat option, sat nav or anything really. Just one more perk is all I really need to sway me. I just feel like when I buy this car I am going to be doing something dumb and best friend with a mazdaspeed 3 is going to laugh at me for buying a car that is slower and way more expensive then his.
eager2own

Yep, either a joke or tomorrow we’ll be reading about the fact that the MCS JCW will not come with a Turbo unless you order it a la carte because the MINI buying public is priamrily interested in maximizing mpg.
rhawth99

In response to average (and below average) Mr. and Mrs. Ugly American now making up 90% of all MINI buyers, MINI announced today that the JCW MINI will come with a specially detuned turbocharged engine that outputs an amazing 140 hp! Combined with the 10 speed automatic transmission (the only transmission available), the JCW MINI will return an amazing 55 mpg highway and 45 mpg city. Suspension changes include softer shocks and springs supplied by Tata Motors of India. As befitting of a vehicle with such sporting pretenses, the bucket seats will be replaced by bench seats produced by GM.

Soft purple light rings will surround the instrument cluster as well as the automatic gear shift knob and gently bath the interior in soothing purple majesty. Neon purple light rings will glow brightly below each rocker panel as well as around each license plate. Of course, a large fart can will replace the standard exhaust tips.
dave

the said explanation for this doesn’t really make sense. the only reason that makes sense is bmw being on the cheap. cheap cheap cheap cheap cheap. cheap. it makes as much sense as giving the m3 standard suspension from the 320d. cheap cheap cheap cheap. did you guys know that bmw made less $ than audi last year even tho more bmw’s were sold in the us? it’s ‘cuz of the exchange rate. audi sold fewer cars, so lost less $
Frank

Do you people even like MINI? You sound like a bunch of whiners!
rhawth99

April Fool’s Frank!
IZZY

Sad news from MINI.

I expected a JCW car that was special like a ///M Car.

Now I need to get a JCW spend a fortune on options to create a true JCW. Then when i need to sell the car the dealer will not give me my money back for those options!!

Looks like i will just go for a ///M Car.
cct1

What a shame, and what a missed opportunity…Let the base Cooper and S be the “clean slate”, and give the hardcore enthusiasts a hardcore car–which should have been the JCW–should have had a different look, and balanced performance upgrades instead of what we got (The traditional U.S. approach of throwing more HP into the car, ignoring handling).

I don’t necessarily want the JCW to be accessible to the masses–I want it to fill a performance niche rather than a status niche, which I fear will be the end result of this.

Maybe, just maybe, there will be something special, more limited–more GP like, down the road.
Mark DeRosa

The suspension should have been tuned for the cars power and braking.

Car 29200 Color 500 JCW Suspension 1800 installed

The minimum price for the car will be 31500 without a single additional option.

29000 was my breaking point so I will keep my R56 JCW dealer car.
MINIme

I just spoke with someone very close to the Colorado project and word is “the SAV will not only have AWD, but will also come standard with all the JCW upgrades, as well as the JCW suspension and body kit. The R60 is purported to have 255 HP and weigh in at a mere 2000 lbs, despite it’s less than MINI size.” He indicated that, “MINI does not want to waste all the technology on the current platform” and that “the current R56/JCW is just a beta test mule for some of the equipment that will be standard for the R60.” He also said to look for a MSRP on the R60 of one horses ass.

Good day!
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/ Josh Wardell

MINI is missing the point here, and their best chance to really define JCW as a separate model as they are deciding to make it. It was the perfect chance to give an R56 the handling of an R53, maybe with tighter steering as well. Oh well.
Jon

I can say with no humor that Mini has lost my business. I believe my view on the R60 has been offered and Mini has pretty much turned its back on its current community with what I think is a completely lame and weak reasoning for this car.

I can safely say the R53 is the last new Mini I will ever own! The base fact is I spend as much time as possible on the track and there are a ever increasing number of vehicles out there that have the combination of unique looks and superior performance to the Mini. Good job Mini on throwing a wrench into your fan base with your sad choices on the Factory car.
nervous

Approximately what is the install charge (US) of the $1,295 JCW suspension?
lavardera

It was the perfect chance to give an R56 the handling of an R53, maybe with tighter steering as well.

Heh? The R56 has better handling than the R53. Doh! Its another april fools..
cze33r

Quote: “For the last couple of years the average MINI owners has been subtly shifting and more general consumers have been coming into the fold”

I have no problem with is, but get them into a Cooper or stock Cooper S, the JCW factory car should be for the enthusiasts among us who will appreciate it for it’s engineering not just because it’s the most expensive MINI you can buy.
Frank

Jon, you’re a wrench! MINI wasn’t started just to make you happy. It’s goal is not only to make the MINI better but also to make money. It’s not like they aren’t giving you the option to get an upgraded suspension. At the same time they are giving people with other life styles a chance to enjoy the MINI.

P.S. The R56 already handles better than an R53.
Mozza

Hmmm, as an aside I’m not seeing anything from MiniUSA mentioning the upgraded Hi-Fi that they’re getting in England, or the door sills for that matter. By the way Mac an official email from a Mini executive to the NY auto show staff which I happened to have forwarded to my inbox contradicts what you’re saying about the illuminated shift know. I hope you’re right about the logo on the dash though. Here’s the actual email sent from a Mini, notice it seems they’re still deciding on whether to include the JCW spoiler apparently!

Differences between JCW kit and JCW model: Higher strength Pistons (different alloy), crank shaft, upgraded turbo with ?? PSI (8bar = 11psi on stock S) 208 vs 189 HP, New JCW logo (no S logo on car), piano black dash, anthracite headliner, alcantera steering wheel NOT standard, illuminated shift knob, spoiler may or may not be standard, specific 17 inch wheels with only performance tires, brakes 12.4 front rear 11 4 piston Brembo brakes, only on 2009, July 14th for JCW models, suspension same as Cooper S, side marker is unique, no LSD (has EDLC electronic Differential Lock Control)- brake system will simulate a LSD, DTC dynamic traction control (like DSC, but not as obtrusive during agressive driving- also better in snow as you can power out of the snow)- first on the 135
Jon

Well Frank, have whatever view you want on my personal view. The base fact is though that I am not the only one that feels this car came in short of expectation as what you can read on a variety of posts since the specs on the Factory came out.

Still think Gabe hit this idea perfectly.

“I understand the idea behind not making the JCW Aero-kit standard on this car, but I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t like it. This new JCW car needs to be special. It needs to look special and it needs to have almost a mystic quality about it. Sure the wheels are nice and the faux side vents look unique, but itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s just not enough.”

I have no doubt about the R56 handling but still prefer the interior of my R53 and the howl of the supercharger, to draw me away from this I personally would need something more than just another Mini kit car.My issue isn’t with the cost, but more that no matter how much anybody spends this car will look just like every other Mini on the street.

Maybe Mini wants to hide it since the performance gains are quite tiny over the JCW kit on the street. ;)
Andre

“Maybe Mini wants to hide it since the performance gains are quite tiny over the JCW kit on the street. ;)”

Or maybe its for the mini performance enthusiast and any old cooper s could get the brakes, badges, wheels, and aero kit and look just like the JCW putting the JCW aero kit wouldnt make a difference in the styling to do that it would need exlusive things like the GP

Also this totally has to be april fools I know it was hard to interpret but in all the press releases they talked about a tuned or sport suspension, this totally takes it away from becoming the enthusiast MINI sports car everyone wanted
Mozza

Jon we get it, you think the JCW suspension and at the very least the JCW aero(preferrably a unique aero) should have been included and I like many happen to agree with you. The problem is you’ve stated your opinion numerous(at least 20) times now and we all know where you stand so I don’t see the point reiterating the same stuff over and over. If you’re hoping that the more you say it the more the likelihood of someone who works for MINI seeing your complaints is then I really think you’re barking up the wrong tree. If you don’t want to buy the car then don’t buy it, end of.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

Great post! Well actually – it’s the comments I’m enjoying ;)
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

PS: Can’t get bigger images – clicking the image gives next, not bigger :( and clicking “link” leads to broken page
GregW

By making things optional you are creating a situation where the owner can say its a JC Works car even with the minimalist amount of options. How do you compare a works car with a JCW gear knob with that of a car with full modifications when it is still called a “Works” car?
Jon

Very well stated Greg, the question will be what is a Factory JCW. We will see everything from a competent track day car to basic model with less than ideal handling. For my view this just leave the car with no clear definition what it is.
Bob H.

Frank,

You’re wrong. Jon is not a wrench and MINI was started to make him happy. How is it we keep getting the basics wrong? Geesh… On a lighter note, I did hear MINI will install the illuminated JCW shifter for $1195… :)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

CanÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t get bigger images – clicking the image gives next, not bigger :( and clicking “link” leads to broken page

Either your ISP is blocking Flickr (some places of work do this) or Flickr was momentarily down. It currently works here.
lavardera

No, its not Ian – I’m getting the Oops message when I try to click through to Flickr too. Something is hosed there.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

Yes, http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbridger/ gives “Oops” … You’re not set up as private or something on Flickr, are you Gabe? (PS: Not blocked – at home, and I can get to other Flickr contacts)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Yes, http://www.flickr.com/photos/gbridger/ gives “Oops” Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ YouÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re not set up as private or something on Flickr, are you Gabe?

For the record it’s http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/ (if you really want to see my vacation photos)
Jon

Nice shots Gabe btw
nuvolari

Can we get back on topic, please?
Jon

Just got off the phone with my MA to get my money back that I have had down on the Factory car for almost 14 months and have given up my #1 spot for the Factory car at my dealership. Time to look for another toy.
Doug

We will see everything from a competent track day car to basic model with less than ideal handling. For my view this just leave the car with no clear definition what it is.

Nail, meet head.
mowse

Frank. IMO as an owner of an ’07 stage one JCW with JCW suspensions and a ’05 MCS with standard S suspension, the R53 “feels” like it handles much better. Perhaps on a track the R56 may post better handling stats(does it?)but it does NOT have the beloved “go cart” feel. Ifelt since the MC and the MCS R56 allowed the “blank slate” options, the factory JCW should have had the suspension,bodykit,as well as other doo dads. Go ahead and charge us for it but at a bit of a discount(vs ala carte). I originally thought this was a bargain until I learned the wheels were merely 17″ vs proper 18″ JCW wheels which I dropped 3k for. BTW, this being an open forum, I back Jon’s right to voice his opinion as often as he wishes.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

For the record itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/ (if you really want to see my vacation photos)

Then that’s the problem – the gallery links are to “gbridger”
http://www.nwiminiacs.com Dean Cory

Once again BMW shows how money hongery it is. A JCW car with a plushy suspension. Back in the early 2000′s JCW meant something Now BMW has screwed it up as well, Thank GOD for ALTA!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Then thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the problem – the gallery links are to “gbridger”

Oh you mean the “link” in each photo. In the future please email me directly via the contact link so it doesn’t take away from the conversation here.

BTW clicking the image is always meant to give you the next image.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

IMO as an owner of an Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ07 stage one JCW with JCW suspensions and a Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ05 MCS with standard S suspension, the R53 “feels” like it handles much better. Perhaps on a track the R56 may post better handling stats(does it?)but it does NOT have the beloved “go cart” feel.

There’s a big difference in a car having 10% more steering feel and a car that handles better. The R56 handles better in every measurable way. Better yet it has a propensity lift-off over-steer (something an R53 could only do with aftermarket trickery) making the car more toss-able and in turn more fun.

Both cars are great but we need to try to be fair to each of them despite our own preferences.
Jon

Firmly agree that the stock R53 doesn’t handle as nice as the stock R56, which I still think is better in many ways. They are however very different cars in many ways, but both are way to soft and need serious aftermarket loving.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think the R56 is a very good car. I have just been waiting for a factory performance car from Mini, and while the John Cooper Works Cooper is a decent base to build one on I am less sure that its anything incredibly desirable.

I really think this was a opportunity for Mini to take a serious attempt at developing a class leading car. Just about everything I read about the Mini in magazines and on the web centers around performance. Its a topic that is huge topic on all the Mini boards. It does seem Mini really hasn’t figured this out. I think a part of the reason is with developing a true performance Mini could step into the performance world of BMW, something I think they don’t want.
nuvolari

Jon, just curious, what do you think of the R60 “Colorado”?
Jon

That it will be a successful car, especially in the states with our SUV obsessed owners. ;)

However lets just hope its fully developed and not left as a kit car as they have left the Factory JCW.
Pingback: John Cooper Works MINI gets base Cooper’s suspension as standard | 9autos.com
Andre

OK just got on here on the 2nd and really want to know something…. WHO DROPS A BOMB LIKE THIS ON APRIL FOOLS DAY, it gave me atleast alil hope the story was b.s. I realy wanted this car but just to make it in the realm of performance it goes into the same price range as the 135i which is hella faster, i dont get it value isnt their and now the handeling, MINI’s iconic trate doesn’t come stock idk
nuvolari

idk indeed, Andre.

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