Our friends at AUSmotive broken the news that MINI of Australia will indeed be getting the WC50. With production up to 500 units (from 250) it would seem that several markets will now be getting the 50th Anniversary MINI. Rumors suggest it’s not out of the question that the US might follow suit. Here’s the full press release:
MINI Lands 500th John Cooper Works WC50
500th car destined for Australia
Most exclusive MINI model ever produced
Strictly limited production
Ten secured for Australian market
Public debut, MINI CHALLENGE race series – rounds 1 and 2
Official Release: This MINI special edition has a strictly limited production run of only 500 units worldwide – each are individually numbered – and will become one of the most exclusive MINI models ever produced.
Just ten of the limited John Cooper Works WC50’s, including the 500th, are destined for Australia. This comes as a significant milestone for the MINI brand in Australia and reaffirms the importance of the local market on a worldwide scale.
(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.
MINI of Australia this week released the JCW Challenge Edition meant to bring the factory JCW car a little closer in visual apparel to the JCW Challenge race cars. There’s no word on if we’ll ever see something like this in other markets but we do know that MINI USA (among other markets) will be tinkering with the JCW factory spec for 2011. Full release below.
Official Release (Australia): More performance. More customisation. More MINI. Introducing the new and exclusive race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition – bringing the MINI John Cooper Works even closer to the track.
In recognition of the pure pedigree that underpins MINI, the release of the MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition draws John Cooper Works even closer to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, both in its appearance and performance.
WC50 are being delivered around the world as we speak. And while most deliveries go on without a hitch, some are marred by dealers mishandling the initially detailing of the car. The following six (!) videos details the art of fixing that nightmare. Oh and it’s also an excuse to look at the most glorious paint ever seen on a new MINI; Connaught Green.
(Look below for the full release just published hours after this was originally posted).
Over the last few days we’ve been able to get a clearer focus on MINI’s pending 2011 model year refresh and confirm much of what sources had been telling us for over a year. And now that some of the details have started to slip onto the web, we can now start divulging much of what we know. While there will be a host of exterior design changes and interior improvements (look for these in future stories), MINI plans to raise power on some models and efficiency across the board. But in an interesting move, MINI will bring the updated powerplants online and into production starting with March 2010. The refresh shouldn’t start production until August of 2010 (as 2011 models).
Starting with the One MINI is dropping the 1.4L and replacing it with a ultra efficient version of the Cooper’s 1.6L powerplant. With 97 bhp (up from 94) and over 36 mpg (43 mpg imperial). On the Cooper MINI will be eek out another couple hp and should hit atleast 120 hp (122 bhp) and 118 ft lbs of torque. However any efficiency changes should be minimal since the 1.6L used on that car has had Valvetronic since its launch in 2006.
The Cooper S on the other hand is where the big news is. As we’ve confirmed at Detroit, MINI will be adding BMW’s Valvetronic system which continuously variates timing (on both intake and exhaust camshafts) intake valve lift. Valvetronic-equipped engines are unique in that they rely on the amount of valve lift to throttle the engine rather than a butterfly valve in the intake tract. In other words, in normal driving, the “gas pedal” controls the Valvetronic hardware rather than the throttle plate. It’s a small distinction but one that has served BMW well since it’s introduction in 2001.
With this change power is up to 181 bhp or 179 hp. Torque is up as well at 177ft lbs. However those numbers may go up or down before the official announcement in early February. Efficiency will also be up (due to Valvetronic) by around 10%
Finally MINI will be turning the wick up on the JCW powerplant. With Valvetronic added to the current JCW engine, power should rise to around 215 bhp (approximately 212 hp in the US). Along with all the previously mentioned refresh changes, the JCW will also get a few spec changes that we’ll tell you about in the coming days.
Adam Carolla perused the LA Autoshow recently and had a chat with Vinnie Kung, MINI USA Product Manager. On the agenda, the new MINI Roadster and Coupé concepts, the MINI crossover and the fact that Carolla is infatuated with the GP. Vinnie turns that into Coupé talk interestingly by mentioning that the new concept is actually similar in concept to the GP with more rigidity and reduced weight.
The limited edition World Championship 50 (or WC50 for short) is now in production and will be sold only in the UK and European markets. As we exclusively reported earlier this summer, US dealers showed little interest in a pricey ultra limited edition model so this latest JCW model will be skipping MINI’s largest market.
Official UK Release: Both were revolutionary and triumphant: in the summer of 1959 Alec Issigonis presented his concept for a small car which, with its transverse-mounted front four-cylinder engine and space for four occupants plus luggage, was to become a byword for economy of space and driving fun. That same year, sports car constructor John Cooper won his first Formula One World Championship title with Jack Brabham at the wheel. 50 years on, the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 evokes both the start of the triumphal path of the classic Mini as well as victory in the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship for John Cooper’s racing team. This MINI special edition was inspired by John Cooper’s son, Mike. His signature appears on the facia and on one of the bonnet stripes. It will have a limited production run of 250 units and was unveiled to the public at the 2009 MINI United Festival in Silverstone. The car is based on the MINI John Cooper Works and driven by a 155 kW/211 hp four-cylinder engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. The production version of the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 features numerous exterior and interior details reflecting the racing pedigree of the brand.
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1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Coupe R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Coupe 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe R57: One/MC/MCS Convt. R60: MINI SUV
Sections: JCW WC50, Official News, R56 (Coupe) Feb 9th, 2010 No Comments 
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