What Do you Want MINI USA To Add to the JCW?

Sections: JCW | MF Poll | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) | R57 (Conv.) Feb 1st, 2010 71 Comments

(This article is specifically about the US-spec MINI JCW and not the version that comes with the aero-kit elsewhere in the world)

Last year we gave you our take on the factory JCW and why it wasn’t selling as well as it could be nationwide. For a quick recap we basically said we’d keep the drivetrain just is and focus on making the car look for unique while offering a sportier suspension standard.

Now it’s your turn.

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Update: Due to (un)popular demand we took out the JCW Wing from the first choice.

(Obviously one option miss here is subtract $1000 off the MSRP. However that’s just not plausible given the residuals MINI will need to protect of all the current JCW factory cars out there. )

Written By: Gabe

eto

There are two suspension options. Should one be the non-JCW sport suspension?
rosvick

How about adding a smaller price tag?
Dean

I didn’t vote because I think the Aero kit should be standard, but I really hate the JCW wing. But it’s moot for me anyway since I already have a JCW and won’t be getting another one.
lavardera

I agree with Dean about the wing – I like the challenge car’s wing much better. Otherwise I think they should be doing all that stuff, and I’d charge the same 1000 to option the softer standard suspension as to option the JCW sport. Unique colors, steering wheel, less interested in the interior trim but dark dials would be a nice differentiator. 18″ wheels – let them go for whatever is the standard up-charge. Sorry – to me 18s are cosmetic or I expect that’s what we’d see the challenge cars rolling on. I can’t see promoting them as if they were a performance upgrade.
JonPD

Well, tough choice. I feel there are many reasons why the JCW has been a lukewarm are linked to several items. The JCW is a good car although selling it with the soft stock suspension is a mystery to me. Its like buying a Ferrari and then opting for a soft and silky ride, bizarre.

I personally also have issues with the car looking just like every other MINI on the road. I cannot think of a single other tuned version of any other car (by a manufacturer) that is not made to be unique with more than a badge. Just have to wonder how lucky /M would be with the current JCW chameleon approach. I still cannot help but feel that the GP is still light years ahead of the JCW in creating the feeling of being something special.

Finally I have to say that MINI has missed the chance to really make the JCW a sub-brand. It feels still like nothing more than a tuning kit installed at the factory. I personally still find myself hoping that MINI will create a true sports model rather than the so/so sports model it has to up to now.
KyleJ

The aero-kit should have been standard to differentiate the look from the beginning. The wing is a no as it is a very polarizing design. JCW suspension should be standard from the factory. Something else in the interior to differentiate it would be nice (special seat accents / black gauges, etc). I’m seriously considering a JCW when the warranty on my S runs out, but it is hard to justify replacing perfectly good stock parts for the look because of the cost (especially adding in labor for items I feel should have been added at the factory).
Minipuma

Another vote against the wing here.
CraigE

Humans are visual animals. When the differences are limited to badges, red brakes and red pattern on the shift knob, most people are likely to not know there is any difference. I’ve seen people walk by factory JCWs to a Cooper S with the aero kit and ask if it is a special model.

With the way things are now, only people in the know will buy a JCW. If MINI is content with that, it’s ok. If they want to sell more, it needs to be visually distinct.
http://www.lilcoopr.com lilcoopr

Although I love the JCW wing, it should remain optional because it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and when installed from the factory, they can be quite tedious to remove if you don’t want it.

I have the JCW Sport Suspension on my Factory JCW Clubman and I didn’t realize it wasn’t standard in the U.S. I really like it… I don’t think it’s too harsh and I think it gives the car a nicer stance than without it. Of course, some M7 coilovers would help with the wheel gap, but visually it’s still nice and the drive is fine in the city. I do admit it’s a little rough in some spots downtown, but it’s worth it for the unique feel on the highway.

I voted for a unique paint colour as an option. Like the GP had. And how Dark Silver in Canada used to indicate that an S was motoring past (even before you looked for hood scoop/dual exhaust/etc visual cues of an S). Now that Dark Silver is available on Coopers, it removes some of the exclusivity of the colour. Although I wouldn’t drive it, I think that Connaught Green would be a lovely colour to feature on the JCW as an option :)
Borinot

And what about Valvetronic, automatic gearbox,…? Is JCW a new antiquated car?
bee1000

Agree with Rosvick. The JCW just plain costs too much for the performance you get. In the latest Car and Driver, a Mazdaspeed 3 at $25,840 lapped VIR 0.9 seconds quicker than a $31,550 JCW.

Of course a non-JCW MCS that would cost about the same as the Mazda was about 6 seconds slower last year, so compared to other Minis, the JCW is reasonable. But I’ve got to think sticker-shock is a big factor if people don’t buy a JCW.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Update: Due to (un)popular demand we took out the JCW Wing from the first choice. So all you who refused to vote due to the wing, go back and hit it.
MINIBro

JCW Aero Kit for sure. I would also make the rear fog lamps standard as well since they really complete the look of the Aero Kit. I would also make the sport suspension as standard and have the JCW suspension as a factory option on this model. The JCW suspension is just a bit to aggressive for most. Having it as an option would reduce the cost and additionally give the Motorer looking for a really aggressive setup the option to have it come that way.
jbkONE

I can only vote for 2 options max? I think they should put the aero kit, suspension AND interior trim on. I guess the 1st 2 are more important, but it’s a shame I couldn’t vote for all 3. No wonder the results look like they do.

It’s interesting to me that people think the aero kit is more important than the suspension. Looks over performance? Hmmmm….
http://www.facebook.com/markcichy Mark Cichy

The JCW Sport Suspension is not standard. Nor is it a factory installed option. Just like the Yanks, us Canadians must settle on the fact that it is a dealer installed accessory. However, we do have the option of installing the “Sport Suspension” which comes standard with Sport Package on any Cooper S. Yet, there is still a huge difference between the JCW Sport and Sport. Several Ontario dealers have confirmed the JCW Sport is a dealer installed option only. A $2600 dollar one at that! Yet, I agree with previous posters, it makes all the difference! I think this is definitely one component that should be standard. I think the aero-kit should be an option, this is an item that adds major exclusivity to the look of the vehicle beyond the fact that it is a JCW. I think this status is fairly maintained. It creates another echelon of exclusivity.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1198355200 Matthew Adams

I voted for the suspension and aero-kit as I believe the car should be visually distinct and requires the handling edge the suspension provides, however I also believe the steering-wheel and shift-knob are must-haves as well. I don’t know whether this is possible under the cost structure considered, but the wheel and knob are such dramatic improvements, I couldn’t imagine buying one and not speccing them.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=555017836 Jamie Howton

The only thing that’s missing IMO is a mechanical limited slip differential. The open diff on a front driver making this much power is just idiotic.
Eysmahn

For me the main deal breaker was the price. Even now a JCW is $29,500, but a BMW 128i is $30,575. The BMW is bigger, has more power, and a longer warranty/service plan. For a difference of $1,025, it wasn’t a hard choice. Even though I ultimately just went up to a 135i. Which sucks, cause honestly, part of me still wishes I had gotten the MINI.
rkw

Make JCW Sport Suspension Standard (w/JCW Suspension a $1000 option)

Please clarify this. I thought there is only one suspension with the JCW label, and it is the one installed by the dealer (or at the port) for over $1000. Sometimes “Sport” is used in the name and sometimes not, but it is the same JCW suspension.
Spokane MINI

In July, I’ve will have had my JCW Factory car for two years. I track it often and the heat build up in the brakes caused by the ELSD and no cooling ducts to the wheels have caused many problems. I would vote for mechanical LSD and ducted cooling thru the JCW Aero Kit front and rear side vents. I had the JCW Wing put on the back last year to help keep the rear end planted in fast sweeping corners. It works great, though it has cut my top speed on the straight section down by about 2mph. I can’t wait for the MINI Coupe’. I just hope they make a high performance track ready version from the factory.
beken

I’d like the JCW seats. But alas, not available in N. America.
Huckleberry

Well for me the suspension was number 1. It should be standard. The 2nd one was hard because I felt the aero kit should be standard, although I would rather be able to have a unique paint color. If you really want the aero kit you can add that in cheaper then a custom paint job. Unique interior trim would be my next vote as again it’s not even an option right now.
Micah
1. JCW suspension — Is not MINI’s mantra handling? Why build a high performance JCW car and only add power/torque steer?
2. Aero kit
3. Two unique non metallic paint options
jpd

Well too little content for the money. As previously mentioned pricing falls into BMW territory, and in some cases is even more expensive. My dealer has a $47,000 Clubman without most JCW accessories. Another problem that MINI has not addressed is the problem with torque steer.
Brian

Voted for Suspension and Aero kit, However steering wheel and knob are also mandatory.
Hoover

I may be in the minority here, but I am not crazy about sacrificing the ability to customize this car to my liking. Give it some unique paint and interior treatment options, and then perhaps offer to include a package (or packages) in the base price. If the buyer doesn’t elect one of these packages, offer a discount on the base price. Or, offer to delete certain JCW specific options if the looks or ride don’t suit your tastes.
http://www.facebook.com/fsaraiva Fillip Saraiva

Make the car more unique and do some of things that work at BMW ///M. As a former BMW ///M owner and current MCS JCW owner, these are my opinions in decreasing order:

a) make the JCW aero kit standard, or a no-cost/low-cost factory option. The car needs to stand out visually.

b) offer at least the sport suspension as standard, if not the JCW suspension.

c) there should be at least 1 or 2 “JCW Exclusive” colors

d) offer one or two styles of the 18″ JCW wheels as a factory option. Buying accessory wheels presents a challenge because they are expensive and there is usually no “trade in” for the take offs. I wouldn’t spend $2500 for them, but I would pay a $750-$1000 upcharge.

e) interior trim “package” consisting of the carbon fiber & alcantara bits at a discounted package price would be excellent… dash panels, steering wheel, shifter, ebrake, etc.

Dynamically the car is great, and MINI already offers alot of these features through the accessory catalog. The car just gets very pricey and adding these features as accessories vs. as factory installed options means that we pay alot more because of all the take off parts that we end up with.
nickmini

Add this option for track rat: remove rear seats/factory roll cage + super sticky tire ($2500)
Alan Smithee

JCW Recaros and LSD, please…
Alan Smithee

…and all R56 body kits thus far are ugly, so please don’t make any of them standard.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517549676 Ken Suzuki

How about a special lightweight JCW ‘Sport’ version that is track oriented (but street legal):

Mechanical LSD no back seat roll bar no stereo recaro seats (like euro version) lose any and all ‘luxury’ items tweak ECU for higher output use engine upgrades from the GP …?
http://www.facebook.com/fsaraiva Fillip Saraiva

Odds of the JCW recaros are pretty slim, if I remember correctly there are no side airbags and that would make them almost impossible for US.
Bernie

How about subtractions, like the rear seat, and the rear hatch. Just have a swing up rear window, you could save a lot of weight that way.
r.burns

JCW aero kit is ugly, so it is welcome it is not factory. And not especially in the US, it is like that everywhere, except in the UK.

JCW suspension is a minimum I think, without it, any differential (even lsd) will never do the job ! It is just the basis. Even on Cooper S……
Phil Gallacher

I purchased a Cooper S in 2008 (Australia) because I am a Mini nut and had one in 1968. I think they are too expensive for what they offer but if you want a Mini you pay the price. My biggest disappointment is RATTLES!and a sunroof that will not open if the car is left in the sun for a period of time – things that should not happen with a car in this price range! In regards to the JCW, again too expensive and I think the body kit is too fussy.
http://www.facebook.com/john.l.richards1 John Richards

they need to offer a dsg automatic. i am 72 and love to drive but have physical limits.
eysmahn

Instead of adding the JCW body kit… design a new, JCW specific body kit… ideally make it look like the first generation’s JCW body kit. That was the cats ass.
Max

The aero kit and the $500 sport suspension standard would make me consider one. And also a couple of unique colors like the real BRG offered in Europe.
kevinn donovan

Why wasn’t more power an option?

Perhaps delete the AC as an option?

Carbon Fiber hood and roof?

Europe’s recaro sport seats would be nice.

This car is over $30K. More like 35K once you option it. At over 30K it has serious competion like the 370z, Lancer MR, STi and RX8. If you stick with it’s real competion the Mazda 3speed is a better vaule and faster. Hell the chevy colbolt SS will destroy it at the track and it’s 10K less. A VW GTI is a better package and less cost too.

Mini has to but the greed aside. The days of the options lists are over. It needs more standard features, more power and a reduction in weight to hold true to being a sports car.
cze33r

Keep the current model/accessories/options. The real Factory JCW needs to be a stripped out bespoke car like the GP. Simple.
dc11

More power isnt the answer to anything here. Its a FWD car. All you’re going to get is more torque steer.

An automatic is a pretty horrible idea as well.. slushboxes and performance don’t go hand in hand. If youre driving an auto, you arent driving fast on any track, on any road. DSG would be nice, but BMW will never give it to the mini if they themselves dont even have it on their own cars first.

Where the JCW needs to shine is handling, and thats why i voted for the JCW suspension. There’s just no excuse for not having that standard. And for god’s sake they better not increase the price due to having it standard.

And there’s no excuse to not have the car be visually different from the standard and S. Makes ZERO sense that they would try to rebirth the JCW name, and do it absolutely no justice at all. thats just poor branding.

One question though. When the tally says total votres, does that mean every 2 votes = 1 voter? Or is it checks in total?

Because I really find it hard to believe only 50% ppl said JCW aero kit (as of 419 “voters”)
M

Strike a deal with Apple and have a laser engraved MINI ipad free with every car and you will probably sell about 15% more cars this year. I’m actually a big Audi/ vw fan but they are even harder headed than BMW group about actually listening to their customers.( buy 10000 of them and throw in a month of free service through ATT which is $30!) lots of people realize they want one but if it can be financed into the price of a new car- presto. Now this won’t solve youR Jcw models they are overpriced In my opinion and they should be unique especially the ext color!

Here’s my thinking if I was in the market for a new car and these were my options mini or new golf = that one is hard cause that crappy 5 cylinder? Mini mini with Ipad

or new golf= mini MiniS

or new GTI = prob a Gti

miniS with Ipad or new Gti= MiniS and ipad
M

Mini if you think that is a brilliant Idea just ask because I have more but you should give me a brand new countryman in pure white with blue interior!!!! Or you’ll have bad Karma for not paying your Buddha dues!
Alan Smithee

RE: JCW Recaros, they are the “Sportster CS” model, which IS available with side airbags.

The Mitsubishi Evo has Recaros; no reason the MINI can’t have better seats in its top performing model.
Mini Monger

I test drove a JCW Clubman and thought the extra power was simply a waste since i spent most of my time wrestling the steering wheel with the added torque steer. The S had plenty of controllable power.

Vw did a fine job of differentiating their R32 from the GTi by giving it 4WD and the sweetest exhaust note approaching that heard from a 911/Cayman S. If Mini could do something similar and keep the JCW tasteful (no wing please), they will have a much bigger fan/sales base.
that.guy

(1) JCW suspension standard (2) JCW steering wheel standard (3) Real seats
Braden

DC11

More power is the Answer!! This is the JCW the “Works” right? I Don’t feel like I have the works. After driving my 370z for over a year now, my Mini JCW just feels plain slow, almost like it needs an inhaler. I love the little car, still hanging on to it because it is fun to drive, but I just crave more power. FWD shouldn’t be a problem, The Ford Focus RS has a 305-hp, 2.5L five-cylinder motor with 325 lb-ft of torque!!!, available with little lag from well below 3000 rpm. Guess what, it’s FWD and gets awesome reviews. We are talking german engineering here, come on BMW figure it out. Give me a JCW with 250-260hp, factory JCW suspension, improve the torque steer, MAKE IT LOOK DIFFERENT THEN AN “S” and keep the weight the same range, then it will be worth the asking price. Otherwise I’m keeping the 370z, until Subaru comes out with the new 086A WRX STI :-)
Braden

There are enough Mini enthusiast to justify the JCW as an all out sports car, if they give it enough power, improve the handling, and make it unique looking, we would probably all buy one. Mini, quit trying to sell the JCW to the masses, that is what the “S” is for. Make the JCW a performance drivers car.
that.guy

(4) Mechanical LSD
that.guy

So people really want BMW to up the value of the JCW by including a $2000 “aero” kit, as opposed to something substantive? Really?!

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