As we previously reported MINI USA is planning on a full release of JCW accessories before the official launch of the Countryman January 8th. In fact sources are telling us that the JCW accessories will start showing up in inventories as soon as December (including the JCW suspension and engine kit). Here’s the full rundown of what to expect:
– JCW Engine kit (identical to the one found in all other models)
– JCW Suspension (not as aggressive but pretty close to what we see in the other models)
– Two choices 19″ Wheels (black and polished – the best design MINI has created yet)
– JCW Aerokit (A lower prices kit involving less parts but every bit as aggressive)
– JCW Strips
– Red Mirrors
– Red Brake ducts
– JCW Steering Wheel
– JCW Shifter
In our minds the top four are stars of the shows here. Specifically the engine and suspension kits. The JCW Engine kit increases power from 181 hp to 195 hp and torque goes up to 184lb-ft between 1700-5500rpm (and about 200lb-ft between 1800 to 5000 rpm with overboost). In total that means you’re getting a 14 hp gain plus a serious torque boost – identical to what the kit offers on the R55, R56 and R57.
The suspension is comprised mainly of the same set-up as on the smaller MINIs. The key difference (we’re told) is that, while the handling is quite aggressive, the ride is slightly more livable than the R56 version.
We’ll have more on the engine kit and the suspension in the coming weeks and months but at a high level expect them to be very similar to what is currently on the market for the R55.
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<p>Right in time for hanukkah!</p>
<p>I was at my dealer the other day and saw the Countryman brochure( Dealer Desk copy only). The brochure had awesome pictures of the JCW options. The Red mirrors and roof options looked awesome. i’m going back to put an order in for a MCS this weekend and maybe I’ll try to take some photos of the brochure if you don’t get a hold of them before hand.</p>
<p>Sal,</p>
<p>I got my brochure from our dealer about 3 weeks ago. I guess they were giving them to people who were committed to buying a Countryman. It doesn’t show much as far as JCW options (only 4). I’m sure a JCW specific brochure will be out by December.
The MINIUSA site shows much more for now, although it still doesn’t show all of the future JCW options.</p>
<p>The performance specs don’t quite look right, “The JCW Engine kit increases power from 189 hp to 195 hp… … In total that means you’re getting a 14 hp gain….”
The 2011 MCS delivers 181hp and the JCW delivers 208hp.</p>
<p>I would love a torque increase of 184ft/lbs!!!! but don’t think fwd would handle it ;p) – oh yeah thats why they they have an ALL4 version….</p>
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<p>The performance specs don’t quite look right, “The JCW Engine kit increases power from 189 hp to 195 hp… … In total that means you’re getting a 14 hp gain….†The 2011 MCS delivers 181hp and the JCW delivers 208hp.</p>
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<p>That’s a typo. Look again.</p>
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<p>I would love a torque increase of 184ft/lbs!!!! but don’t think fwd would handle it ;p) – oh yeah thats why they they have an ALL4 version….</p>
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<p>All4 is not a performance option and should not be confused with anything other than a safety feature. Furthermore there is no engine currently available by MINI that requires anything but FWD – JCW included.</p>
<p>Gabe still missing to in between “up 184lb-ft”</p>
<p>I got a chance to take a look at the Countryman at my local dealer. It was the Cooper S with All4. It also looked like someone had driven it on some dirt road as there was signs of dirt/dust in between panels, engine bay where you don’t normally wash.</p>
<p>Anyhoo, I liked it. It was actually shorter than my gf who is only 5’3″ but interior room was great. The seats in the back was very very comfortable. I can’t see any normal sized adults squeezing 3 wide back there and there certain wasn’t room for 3 baby seats.</p>
<p>One thing I really liked was the new flat floor with the cover. It’s a great idea with the latch and the magnetic holder for the upper portion so it doesn’t swing down and get in the way.</p>
<p>At this point I’m only unsure of couple of things. 1. driving experience/feel (i’m cross shopping against the x3 2.8i) and 2. fit finish.</p>
<p>While I love my R56, it’s no BMW and the fit and finish isn’t nearly as good as our E46 330i (with 203K miles) or E90 335d.</p>
<p>Any more information on the new JCW kit? will such a cost reduced version also be offered on other models?</p>
<p>@ Sal…</p>
<p>We’ve had brochures for over a month now (and we’re not as attached to them). Send me an email and I’ll send one to ya. 😉 <a href="mailto:tpoulson@miniofmurray.com">tpoulson@miniofmurray.com</a></p>
p>@Adam5.</p
<p>This is not a “JCW” model. They are referring to the JCW “tuning” kit which cost about $2000k.</p>
<p>I put this on my 2007 Mini S when it took it from 175 to 194. It was a steep price for 19 HP. Now with 181 standard on an S it only gives you 14 HP more. Unless Mini dropped the price a bad deal got worse.</p>
<p>I was still sucker enought to buy it in 2007 but being an “accessory” the dealership was willing to budge on price. I got all my JCW stuff (tuning kit, 18″ wheels, and JCW suspension) for 20% off because I “ASKED” for it.</p>
<p>I recommend anyone out there do the same. Good luck!</p>
<p>Does anyone have any news on rear legroom dimensions with the front seats pushed right back (for us tall drivers)? Could potentially be persuaded to go with the diesel version for improved fuel economy.</p>
<p>Toyota has recently released the Rukus down under (available in 3 variants) and am seeing more of them on the road – a potential cheaper competitor to MINI Countryman? More info available at: <a href="http://www.toyota.com.au/rukus?WT.ac=GNRukusHOME" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.toyota.com.au/rukus?WT.ac=GNRukusHOME</a>. Pricing most likely to undercut the Countryman (no Oz prices available for MINI as yet)?</p>
<p>So with JCW engine, suspension and Aero kit, this car will be pushing if not exceeding $40k. Such a deal…</p>
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<p>I put this on my 2007 Mini S when it took it from 175 to 194. It was a steep price for 19 HP. Now with 181 standard on an S it only gives you 14 HP more.</p>
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<p>Then you got some crazy rare extra powerful 2007 kit. In the first iteration of the kit (2007 to 2010) the US HP rating is 189. Sounds like you missed <a href=https://www.motoringfile.com/2010/09/01/mf-exclusive-jcw-kit-updated-for-2011-mcs/our report</a rel="nofollow"> on the updated version of the kit. Anyway you’re math is obviously off.</a></p>
<p>Remember – Most people get the ‘rated’ hp and torque at the wheels vice flywheel.</p>
<p>It can also vary greatly from car to car. Even stock cars may have different outputs. It’s doubtful you’ll ever get one with less than factory stated at the flywheel, but you could get much more.</p>
<blockquote><b>Gabe: </b> Anyway you’re math is obviously off.</blockquote>
<p>His math is not any farther off than you(‘)r(e) English. People in glass houses and all…</p>
<p>I wonder if they will release the JCW brake kit for the Countryman. Seems to be missing the in the mentioned JCW list above.</p>
<p>From a hater view, a more expensive slower and softer jcw. Adding the rather meek offerings from MINI for jcw I really don’t believe the extra mass and more pronounced body roll through the corners is not a great place for a “sport car” in my view.</p>
<p>I will have to say, those are some NICE looking wheels. Not sure I could bring myself to pay what they will surely cost, but they are so much better looking than the normal options IMO.</p>
<p>Math Smath. I get confused when one place you read the R56 had 172 HP and others 175 depending upon what measure you were using.</p>
<p>I’m no Steven Hawking anymore than you’re Percy Shelly, however, it was advertised as 19 additional HP either way.</p>
<p>A better deal then or were we deceived at some point by the marketing department at BMW/Mini?</p>
<p>What does the engine kit do to the gas mileage?</p>
<p>Glen, I can’t speak to the new engine and the JCW engine kit, but in my 2008 Cooper S, I lost .5-1.0mpg in mixed driving. Before the engine kit I was averaging 36mpg in mixed driving with about 30-35% highway. After the engine kit I am now getting 34.5-35mpg. Mainly depending on how much traffic I’m stuck behind, the mpg average is .5 one way or the other.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. That’s not too much of a penalty.</p>