MF Review: Factory JCW Coupe

eager2own Nov 12th, 2008 Link

As expected, an outstanding and-I think-well balanced review.

Mark Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Nice review. I have to disagree with you in terms of the suspension and other available ad-ons. While this car is somewhat “M” related, it’s nice that it’s not “M” priced. $32000 is a hefty price to pay (and I’m sure many readers have played online and built a $45000 car) it’s not the $75,000 of the M3. It gets great gas mileage, and it’s much more of a viable daily driver. If you want a suspension upgrade, there is certainly one available. Some people aren’t crazy about all the enhancements that MINI has available, so I think being able to get the ones you really want (via dealer install) is a cool way to go about it. I’d love to park one of these in my driveway, even stock!

Krut Nov 12th, 2008 Link

One glaring omission is the acknowledgement of the 4 piston Brembo brakes.

Gabe Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Nice review. I have to disagree with you in terms of the suspension and other available ad-ons. While this car is somewhat “M” related, it’s nice that it’s not “M” priced. $32000 is a hefty price to pay (and I’m sure many readers have played online and built a $45000 car) it’s not the $75,000 of the M3. It gets great gas mileage, and it’s much more of a viable daily driver. If you want a suspension upgrade, there is certainly one available. Some people aren’t crazy about all the enhancements that MINI has available, so I think being able to get the ones you really want (via dealer install) is a cool way to go about it.

An M3 starts at just over $50k. A 335i starts at just over $40k. In those terms I would say that expectations of this JCW should be of an M type of package.

One glaring omission is the acknowledgement of the 4 piston Brembo brakes.

There’s more info in there now. I had written it for our JCW vs MCS JCW review that will be on the site soon but decided to throw it into this one as well.

David Nov 12th, 2008 Link

I’m on the fence about this factory JCW car. I expect to be placing an order at the end of January ‘09 for an MCS. On the one hand, it’s difficult to justify the extra $6,800.00 CDN the JCW car commands over a similarly equipped MCS. (although that difference is not apples to apples, what with the better brakes and more powerful engine, DTC/ELDC, etc.) It seems to me that a lot of fun can be had with a standard MCS (this coming from an R50 Owner) and, that if one wishes, the stage 1 JCW kit can be added down the road at substantially less cost. The fact the suspension of the factory JCW is not much (if any) different from any other MCS does not play in to my particular decision, but I do agree the factory car should make a statement in this area, like it does in most of the key dynamics areas. Should the factory car look much different? Not necessarily, there is something to be said for a subtle “sleeper” look. The JCW cross spoke wheels look great, and of course, provide clearance for the large front brakes. But, at 23 lbs. each, the term “light-alloy” wheel is a bit of a misnomer, and I fear that (great looks aside) I would be tempted to change these out for a true lightweight wheel. But then, there’s the other hand… the hand(s) that grip the steering wheel of the top performing MINI available, with an engine that sounds great and makes serious power, with brakes that may save your life, and with a price tag that, while high, is much less than any M car, barring a used E46. The debate rages on…

cct1 Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Mark, I’d respectfully disagree. I think this car is a near miss, and I’ll bet they’ll get it better on the next generation. That’s not to suggest that a substantial number of people won’t buy it and love it, but it’s still not quite what many of us were hoping for.

Throwing more horsepower and torque in a car is all well and good, but the MINI has always been about handling more than power–and this is where BMW missed the mark. Many of us were salivating over the JCW, figuring if BMW was truly going for an ‘M’ version of the MINI, the handling would reflect that. It doesn’t. They did improve the brakes, but you’re not getting the full benefit of even that improvement without upgrading the suspension and the tires. And I’d love to see what the ediff does to the rear brake pads on the track, but I doubt we’ll ever see a mechanical LSD on a MINI again.

As for adding on, you could do a stage I, JCW suspension, and brakes and overall have a better balanced car for the track than the currently configured stage II JCW. I’d rather have a car ready to go WITHOUT having to do much, if any, improvements (And the M3 is a car that is ready for the track out of the box–yes, it can be improved further, but the gains are those of diminishing returns rather than huge improvements), and the JCW isn’t there in its stock form.

The GP is still king (wish I would have bought one), but I’d wager the next generation will take this things into consideration.

Bob H. Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Thanks for an objective and well balanced review. IMHO, the JCW works car is an enthusiasts car, not nessesarily one which appeals to the the average person who considers buying a MINI. Additional performance always equals more $$$$’s. More power is great; but better suspension is well,…way way better. Having had an ‘03 S (with sport suspension) and at present owning a ‘07 S with JCW engine upgrade, I can appreciate the better overall ride quality of the ‘07 with stock suspension. Having said that, the JCW suspension is next on the radar screen for me…

TC Nov 12th, 2008 Link

I can understand wanting to draw the mass appeal with the stock MCS suspension, but make the sport or JCW suspension a factory option. It is a waste of money and resources to have the dealerships do it and stick the “beloved” consumer with one useless suspension setup to deal with. Same goes with the aero kit.

dickdavid Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Great review.

JonPD Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Gabe as normal an excellent review, several of your reviews are some of the best that I’ve read about Mini’s over the years. Could just be me but reading your prior review of the dealer R56 JCW and this one I got the feeling of a little more passion with the dealer kit. Think this is likely because it was your personal car you were reviewing at the time.

I completely agree with cct1’s comment about this car being a near miss. I have had the pleasure of tracking both my GP and the new JCW Mini. Without a doubt the JCW Mini feels every bit as fast as the GP, if not faster. The four pot brakes are very nice and more sure footed on the track. Having said that the GP is so much better through the corners, the base R56 suspension is better than the base R53 but really not suitable for the potential performance of the JCW Mini. The exhaust note of the JCW is very nice, although while driving the car its somewhat muted, however the engine sounds are pretty much boring. Every time I get in the GP and stock R53 I feel that I am wedged between the sounds of the supercharger and the exhaust, pound for pound its still one of my favorite soundtracks.

My biggest problem still with the JCW Mini is that if you park one in a cluster of R56’s 99% of most people will see just another Mini. I can bury the GP in a fleet of Minis and it still stands out, I really think they should have built on the strengths of the GP with this car. This boils down to making the current JCW Mini something I would not bring home, if they spent the money building a true performance Mini I would purchase it without hesitation. I don’t see this car even as a performance car as its hit on only two of the three things that make a performance car starting,turning,stopping.

Gabe Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Gabe as normal an excellent review, several of your reviews are some of the best that I’ve read about Mini’s over the years. Could just be me but reading your prior review of the dealer R56 JCW and this one I got the feeling of a little more passion with the dealer kit. Think this is likely because it was your personal car you were reviewing at the time.

As much as you try to remove any bias from reviews, it can be hard to take away simple life experiences you’ve had. In fact I think that personal preferences are some of the best things that drive sites like MF. Without it we’d have Consumer Reports.

That said I tried to look at this objectively through the eyes of someone looking to buy one. On one hand you have slightly used GPs floating around. On the other hand you have the stock MCS. Then you have the MCS with the JCW engine and suspension kits. It’s truly a tough decision and I’m not sure that the factory JCW is truly the car many of us were waiting for.

Now that said it’s incredible and in my mind only really missing two things: JCW suspension and the JCW aero-kit. With those included this car becomes what most of us would have hoped for.

BTW I add a bit more on the aerokit and the objectivity. Some of this I had already written for the other piece on the JCW vs the MCS JCW (coming soon).

JonPD Nov 12th, 2008 Link

I agree Gabe that if they would have put the aero and suspension on this car I would have taken first delivery at my dealership for sure. I still say though that I try to imagine the M division making a car that blends into the others made by BMW their buyers would object. I think a majority of people that open their pocket books deeper for special cars more or less demand this. The example case of this is the GP which even while blocks away stands out and screams “hey there is something different here”.

I was at a point of buying either a dealer JCW, JCW Mini, or a very low mileage GP. I was pretty much amazed at the price point of the dealer kit and very tempted by it, however the moment I laid hands on the GP there was no doubt that this was the car for me. If I were looking at buying a new car today I would go instantly for the dealer fitted kit. I can’t help to feel somewhat let down by knowing I am buying the ultimate version of the car only to have to spec it to make it what it should be.

CiaoBoy Nov 12th, 2008 Link

I agree that it is a glaring omission to not put the JCW suspension on the car. I equate that to an M3 with the 414hp V8, but with the base suspension of a 328i or 335i. That’s just not right. We would feel the same way if the M3 came with the stock 335i brakes, and likewise, if the JCW came with stock MCS brakes.

Buyers who want to upgrade to the JCW suspension will now have to pay for the labor to swap out the old suspension and they will have the leftover suspension parts as well.

At least it’s better in the sense that Mini allows the car to come with the base suspension and did not force the sports suspension on its buyers. On the R53 JCW, buyers had to pay a bit extra for the sports suspension package, even if they were planning to swap out the original suspension and upgrade to the JCW suspension. Just a costlier initial investment for something that is going to be removed from the car anyway.

By the way, “it’s” = “it is”. The possessive form should be “its”, without the contraction.

capital Nov 12th, 2008 Link

FWIW the optional JCW suspension (I’ve only ever driven the R53 version) is firmer than that of the e46 M3. I would put it on in a heartbeat though, and I wish my M3 was that firm and controlled..!

On the other hand, I can understand why it’s not standard. The front scrapes all the time and it very tiring on bad roads.

The stock JCW should have been delivered with something at least as firm as an M car though for sure..

Craig Nov 12th, 2008 Link

I can’t wait until the JCW R57 is available. That exhaust, on a convertible with the top down, will be like gearhead crack. I wish there were more tunnels in my area. ;)

Adam Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Just saw that the EPA has published fuel economy results for the ‘09 JCW convertible. (See the link on my name.) Same numbers as the Coupe and Clubman.

greg Nov 12th, 2008 Link

What’s with all the gramatical correcting of everyone lately? Is this the Mensa site or a car blog. Lighten up dorks!

My 2 cents on the Factory JCW. I drove three of them all stock suspension. Embarrassing to think anyone would buy this car with stock suspension. It’s pathetic and dangerous with the power.

On my (now long gone) satage one JCW I dropped the 2k for the JCW suspension and still have the stock suspension sitting in my garage(for sale cheeep). It should be a factory option vs a gouge to the buyer having to pay dealer labor. Same goes for the aero kit.

I love the wheels and with the brakes and internal component doodad upgrades (first gen didn’t do that) this isn’t a bad value. Although I came away a tad underwhelmed after my test drives. The smoothness of the R56 power took away the “sportyness” that the R53 had IMO.

I didn’t feel it was really faster than stage one (Mini claims 0-60 in 6.5 for both models which is double BS) or dramatically faster than the stock MCS. But again, I feel the “smoothness” factor robs the R56 of the road feel/sensation so it’s difficult to tell without a stopwatch. It seems butt dyno resistant.

Guess I’ll keep my ‘08 JCW cabrio until the third gen factory JCW. Maybe not as fast(on paper) as the current JCW but still more fun to drive. Hope they get it right next time.

Now bring on more reviews of the mazzola powered Mini!

greg Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Oh, forgot to mention that not ingraving the tail pipes is WEAK!!!!!!!

MikeJCW Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Excellent review! The only real issue I have with the new car is the lack of JCW susp option for the Clubman. My JCW Clubman is due next month and I opted for the base susp after driving base and sport, couldn’t tell much difference. The ride and handling is fine, except for too much body roll. I’m thinking of doing Eibach springs, which will reduce the wheel gap too.

Gabe, any idea from your sources if the JCW susp will ultimately be available for the Clubman or no (I would guess they won’t put R&D $$ into such a low-volume product)???

robble Nov 12th, 2008 Link

hmm…

Stock Suspension – Free – ok Sports Suspension – $500 – good JCW Suspension – ~$2000+ installed – better Cross Coilovers – ~$2400 installed – best

How much do you want to spend for suspension?

I’d rather get a (free) stock suspension and put coilovers on it.

Spending 32k+ on a race machine? What’s another $2.4k for an awesome suspension?

Gabe Nov 12th, 2008 Link

FWIW the optional JCW suspension (I’ve only ever driven the R53 version) is firmer than that of the e46 M3. I would put it on in a heartbeat though, and I wish my M3 was that firm and controlled..! On the other hand, I can understand why it’s not standard. The front scrapes all the time and it very tiring on bad roads.

Based on my time owning an R56 with the JCW suspension I’d say it’s generally about as livable as the optional sport suspension. In some ways I actually enjoyed it more around town.

Gabe, any idea from your sources if the JCW susp will ultimately be available for the Clubman or no (I would guess they won’t put R&D $$ into such a low-volume product)???

Heard nothing.

Revhed Nov 12th, 2008 Link

With regard to the torque steer issue, it’s one of the biggest dissapointments about my MCS. There are plenty of hot hatches with more torque and less ’steer’ than the MINI, I wonder why they couldn’t get it right…

A good write-up though, especially the additional technical details.

bobby_vinton Nov 12th, 2008 Link

So why would the inside rear wheel spin in a corner? Methinks ye copied-and-pasted some BMW RWD boilerpate on the E-Diff. MINIs spin their front wheels, from my experience.

Fully agree with your suspension comments. I drove a JCW Clubman and was more than underwhelmed with the wallow. I would extend the criticism to the steering as well. Even in “Sport” mode it is vague and numb, and felt like a significantly slower ratio than the R53. Talked to a guy at the track recently who swithched from an R53 to R56 JCW. While he liked the new car, he was disappointed in the latest JCW suspension and is planning to upgrade. The R53 JCW suspension was far more hardcore, in his opinion.

Gabe Nov 12th, 2008 Link

So why would the inside rear wheel spin in a corner? Methinks ye copied-and-pasted some BMW RWD boilerpate on the E-Diff. MINIs spin their front wheels, from my experience.

I thought so too but that was verified by someone at MINI. I’m still wondering they are wrong.

Talked to a guy at the track recently who swithched from an R53 to R56 JCW. While he liked the new car, he was disappointed in the latest JCW suspension and is planning to upgrade. The R53 JCW suspension was far more hardcore, in his opinion.

The rates are all the same – they are the same suspension for all intents and purposes. I’ve driven and track both as well and can attest to this.

Rocketmini Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Great Review! My only wish is I had enough money to buy one!

Charlie Nov 12th, 2008 Link

Mike JCW, Six months ago MINI had no plans to develop a JCW suspension kit for the Clubman; and I don’t believe their plans have changed of late.

They made their decision on the sales volume (or actually the lack thereof) of the JCW suspension kit offered for the R-56 Coupe. MINI decided that the volume was so low, it didn’t merit the cost to develop a similar suspension for the for the Clubman. Likely the JCW shocks for the R-56 JCW coupe would work; but the springs would be way too “light” for the rear. Given the small number of JCW Clubmans coming to the USA each year, I don’t think MINI will change their mind about offering a JCW Kit for the Clubman. Too bad

bobby_vinton Nov 12th, 2008 Link

The rates are all the same – they are the same suspension for all intents and purposes. I’ve driven and track both as well and can attest to this.

Huh. Same spring rates and dampening? Again, this was just one man’s opinion, but he logged a lot of track time in both cars.

Braden Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Myself and most people on here agree that the car should come with JCW suspension and aero kit from the factory or at least a factory install option. I really think they should have made it look a little different too, an exclusive color would have been a nice option. :( I have an 07 MCS with the JCW dealer kit and have been craving more performance, I thought the factory car was my answer, but I can now see that it’s not. Mini has missed the mark with this car, I hope that they can solve the torque steer and offer a unique and complete package on the next generation JCW. I hope they do this soon before I trade mine in for a 135i.:-(

Dylan Nov 13th, 2008 Link

JCW + Areo kit (if you live in the US) + JCW suspension seems like a great car to me. Perhaps us enthusiasts should just be thinking of the car in those terms and then the negatives become a complete non-issue?

rs Nov 13th, 2008 Link

I fail to understand some of the reasoning here. Everyone is complaining about how the suspension should have been upgraded, in spite of the motor upgrade (that’s what it read like to me)? If you did that, what would you have? A CooperS. You can’t have everything and keep it “reasonably” priced. They had to start cutting costs somewhere.

I would rather pay for a suspension upgrade then an engine upgrade any day of the week. While I wish it did come with an upgraded suspension, I’m quite happy with the car as is. Maybe after I understand the car a little bit better at the track, I’ll know what suspension mods to throw at it. But for now, It’s an amazing little car.

Ian F Nov 13th, 2008 Link

While I can understand wanting for a better suspension, if there’s a part of the car that is the easiest to upgrade, it’s the suspension. In some ways, this is MINI throwing a bone to the aftermarket and giving owners the maximum number of choices.

The suspension on a MINI is so easy to swap out it’s not even funny.

JonPD Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Agreed Ian, still have to say though that having to do a suspension upgrade on a new car just rather irks me. I would still have to say I would rather spend 35k+ for a car that I don’t have to rip into on the first day I own it to make it capable.

Never get me wrong though , I still think they got a lot right on the car for sure.

Franz Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Gabe,

How did the JCW R56 compare to the JCW Clubman now that you had a longer exposure?

MikeJCW Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Franz, good question!

Yes, GABE, could you give a quick opinion on how the JCW Clubman performed versus your JCW Hardtop press car?

Thanks!

Gabe Nov 13th, 2008 Link

How did the JCW R56 compare to the JCW Clubman now that you had a longer exposure?

I’ll be writing something later but the quick answer is what you would expect. The Coupe is quicker to turn in, quicker to go and quicker to stop – just like the difference between a MCS Coupe and Clubman.

greg Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Funny Braden that you mentioned the BMW 135. One with the sport package is $36k. Many would find this a better value than the JCW. Dependends what you like. 135 pros-it’s much faster. Period. Cons-mediore handling, boring looking inside and out. But I’m sure most people see it as a far greater value.

greg Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Whoops. I said “funny” because I finally drove one yesterday.

Mark Nov 13th, 2008 Link

“What’s with all the gramatical correcting of everyone lately? Is this the Mensa site or a car blog. Lighten up dorks!” -CLASSIC!

dave Nov 13th, 2008 Link

nice review. i’ve driven the jcw clubman and boy was it a blast, even so when compared to my jcw r53. however, the two things that really stood out to me the most were how amazing the brakes were and the exhaust sound, which is best described as wicked

BUT, while i was a dog all over the old jcw cars, the new ones don’t really get me terribly excited mostly for a very very stupid reason: pedigree. when the original jcw tuning kits came out, i absolutely loved and badly wanted them. they were expensive, but the performance was reasonable and it’s developed and made by the original john cooper garage. that really upped the desirability factor, especially since i’m really into the classic coopers. the new one is developed by bmw. period. has nothing to do w/ the old shop and people. somehow, it’s just not as desirable. for my money nowadays, i’d plunk down for a regular mcs w/ mechanical lsd

Mensa President Nov 13th, 2008 Link

What’s with all the gramatical correcting of everyone lately? Is this the Mensa site or a car blog. Lighten up dorks!

I resemble that remark. Oh, and grammatical has two Ms.

Ken Lucas Nov 13th, 2008 Link

Gabe: You confirmed that BMW’s M division was responsible for the JCW engine. Is Mike Cooper involved in any design or development aspects with BMW these days? I haven’t seen or heard about Mike Cooper for sometime now.

bobby_vinton Nov 13th, 2008 Link

…they were expensive, but the performance was reasonable and it’s developed and made by the original john cooper garage. that really upped the desirability factor, especially since i’m really into the classic coopers. the new one is developed by bmw. period. has nothing to do w/ the old shop and people. somehow, it’s just not as desirable. for my money…

+1

SFRedMCc Nov 13th, 2008 Link

I really do like the red and black color combination. I may even paint my roof black sometime in the future when I’m ready for a change.

theMan Nov 14th, 2008 Link

After owning the car for 3 months I have no regrets from paying the premium, even without the aero package and an M quality suspension :). The power is incredible and the suspension is really not that bad. I have tracked the car and I had no problem getting it to go where I wanted it to go. I can only imagine how this car will handle when I drop in a coilover suspension. And honestly I don’t mind not standing out, looking pretty isn’t going to cut seconds. Though I am going to add an R-Type sticker which should shave about 3 or 4 seconds, and will definitely up the fear factor. Also, If it was truly an M car I would be getting 21 mpg rather than 35. Stop complaining and drive, no car will ever be perfect, but this one comes pretty darn close, of course that is only my humble opinion. Let me know how my grammar and spelling is…….or is it are ;)

Mike Nov 14th, 2008 Link

Gabe,

Excellent review. I bought my 09 JCW (black with silver hood stripes) complete with the JCW aero kit, driving lights and the sport suspension. So, it looks really good – but it was spendy. I agree that they ALL should come with the JCW aero kit as standard. I understand the comments about car needing the JCW suspension to optimise handling performance, but I also realize that for people that use the car as a daily commuter (like me) the ride quality is also important. I didn’t want to take a risk that it was going to be TOO hard or TOO low. I might make upgrades at some point but for my taste I think the compromises are just about right with the sport suspension. I still touch the front spoiler an awful lot. It has the exhaust sound, the quick steering, the minimal body roll. A great drive. The MINI is a FWD car with a short wheelbase, and it has certain limitations due to it’s design configuration. If you are not running the JCW at racing speeds on a track those “imperfections” (Porsche 911 owners will certainly agree)become “qualities” that give the car a unique character. The JCW makes me smile every day.

Gabe Nov 14th, 2008 Link

Totally agree Mike. At the very least the Sport Suspension should have been standard on this car. BTW your set-up sounds great!

JonPD Nov 14th, 2008 Link

Mike I think your comment was the best so far in the comments here, though I still believe that the car should have come with the Aero and suspension as default additions. I still personally tend to believe that the car should have come with the JCW suspension, but your comment shows that Mini surely knows their perspective owner base better than I do :).

greg Nov 14th, 2008 Link

M Prez… you and your pals should sell your Minis and get mensastral cycles.

I’d venture to say most peoples spelling errors are due to the fact that they bust out a quick post while in the middle of work or drinking.

I only have so much time to concentrate as I am busy here as fry manager. I actually am a good speller. I do have a ninth grade education you know.

MarkD Nov 14th, 2008 Link

I am happy with the balance of my R56 Cooper S with JCW Suspension and Tuning Kit. I agree with the Review completely. The JCW Suspensions ride quality is so close to stock, which is what I had before, it is not even worth considering as a drawback. The JCW Suspesion lowers the car a little and gives the car a more aggressive look than a stock R56. That is what an M suspension does. The M cars always look clean but only slightly lower than their non M counterpart. What a shame they missed the mark with this one glaring omission. I would not trade my JCW Cooper S for a Factory JCW unless it had the Suspension.

JonPD Nov 14th, 2008 Link

Can also say that my GP doesn’t look like its in store for a new stablemate anytime soon. Since Mini doesn’t really seem to want to product a really stout performance car likely will hold out for the Mini D and will keep any eye open on the i-development. Still think the new car is 85% spot on seems like they left it in a place that is not clear exactly what they were shooting for. To each their own however.

greg Nov 15th, 2008 Link

Aaaaeeeiiieee! Quit saying “spot on” you British wannabees!

mike Nov 15th, 2008 Link

BLAST greg! You such an old sod!

Quit being so shirty and such a bloody wanker. It seems as you’ve gone quite barney.

If you’re so gutted by this maybe you should take a kip before looking left, right and centre for something that’s more your cup of tea.

I think my evaluation of the situation is quite spot on and you should stop having such a blinkered view. You always seem to throw a spanner in the works.

Maybe you just need to have a shag.

Pip pip and cheerio and all that.

greg Nov 15th, 2008 Link

Oh bollocks.

Izzy Nov 16th, 2008 Link

Thanks for the review. I had a chance to drive a JCW for 4 days and came to the same conclusion that the car is great but not that great for the price and not GP great.

So I ended up getting a ///M Coupe to replace my R53 Cooper S

JonPD Nov 16th, 2008 Link

Nice choice Izzy, the ///M Coupe is a very good car.

Rodney King Nov 17th, 2008 Link

“Why can’t we just all spot along?”

MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: JCW Stage I vs Stage II Nov 17th, 2008 Link

[...] but also upgraded mechanicals. We won’t go into details here (you can read that in our full review) but needless to say it’s [...]

greg Nov 17th, 2008 Link

///M Coupe??? Veeeeeery nice!!

Greg M Nov 19th, 2008 Link

I bought my 09 JCW for what it has, and after owning it for nearly 4 months; for what I can add to it, if I want it to be more than I got. It has lived up to what I was looking for. I was 16 when the Pontiac GTO came out, and I could not afford it. In my 09 JCW, I got what I consider to be the current day equivalent of the GTO I couldn’t get over 40 years ago. If you want a BMW M3 or M5, go buy it. If you want MINI’s version of a fun, fast, frugal vehicle; get it. And, if you want a vehicle that can approach an M3 with fairly affordable modifications, you can do that too. Should the JCW come with some obvious unique features (more than a few badges or exhaust tips) that distinguishes it from other MINI’s, I think it should. At a minimum, it should come with the Aero Kit. It perhaps should have it’s own unique stripes. I greatly enjoy adding MY own modifications that make it mine. That is one of my great pleasures of being a MINI owner, as I think it is for other owners. And, I am one of the thousands who do the little things they want to their car to make it unique. I think the JCW is great, and the MINI is fun. I have added features to the exterior, interior, and suspension, with a few more planned. The review is one of the best I have read to date.

Mike Jan 4th, 2009 Link

Just a note that Road and Track (Feb 09)page 59 did an update on the MINI factory JCW and ame up with the following specs (using the STOCK suspension, non-JCW) 0-60 MPH 6.0 seconds 0-100 MPH 14.8 seconds 1/4 Mile ET: 14.4 seconds @98.9 MPH Braking 60-0: 121 ft Braking 80-0: 210 ft Lat Accel (200 ft skidpad):.91g Speed thru 700 ft slalom: 71.3 MPH They called the slalom performance “amazing”.

MotoringFile » Archive » JCW Re-imagined: Our Take on the JCW Jan 6th, 2009 Link

[...] untouched and ready for each owner to tailor it to their own needs. Of course the problem (as we said in the review) is that MINI hasn’t done the JCW brand or the car any favors with this visual restraint. [...]

James Jan 8th, 2009 Link

To say that Mini is leaving the JCW with the standard suspension “ready for each owner to tailor it to their own needs” is to be too kind. The fact is, most JCW buyers are going to opt for either the sport or JCW suspension. Mini is just capitalizing on the low-hanging fruit on the options sheet.