Sections: JCW, R55, R56 May 13th, 2008 15 Comments 
A few weeks ago we talked about timelines and general information on the JCW cars. This week we’ve got the final (and official) ordering guides from MINI USA. You can grab them below.
+ MINI USA JCW Ordering Guide / MINI USA Official PDF
For more information check out our previous story on all things JCW and MINI USA related.
Sections: JCW, R53 May 1st, 2008 16 Comments 
We first heard earlier this year on MF that the GP values may be on the way up. While we have yet to see hard evidence of that first hand, prices seem to be holding rather well according to the New York Times:
In two years, the GP Kit, according to my friend, had become a collector’s item. “People bought them and stored them in their garage,” he said.
Really? An instant collectible? I brought this up to Vincent Kung, a Mini product spokesman, who wrote back, “The GP, yes, has been selling for more than sticker. I saw a used former press car for sale at a local dealer at $36,000.”
continued →
Sections: JCW, R55, R56 Apr 30th, 2008 50 Comments 
One of things that MINI has trumpeted about the new factory JCW MINI is the DTC (Dynaimc Traction Control) and the EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). Both are purely electronic, weigh essentially nothing and have been doing good work on BMWs for years. However the addition of both to the JCW MINI means that the optional mechanical limited slip differential (option code 2TA) available on all other Cooper S’ won’t be available as an option on the JCW.
So are these technologies truly good enough to take the place of a mechanical limited slip? While we’re not overly optimistic, we won’t know for sure until we get the new car out at the track. In the meantime let’s take a closer look at both DTC and EDLC. continued →
Sections: JCW, R55, R56 Apr 29th, 2008 40 Comments 
If you are interested in a factory JCW MINI in the US market, today is your day. We’ve got pricing and option availability options galore not to mention news of a few price reductions.
We’ve known for a few months that MINI USA will be pricing the JCW Coupe and the Clubman at $29,200 and $31,450 respetively. However until today we didn’t have information on how MINI would break down (let alone price) each of the packages.
For starters MINI USA will officially launch the both new John Cooper Works models on July 14th. These cars will be the first ‘09 MINIs and thus will be debuting the new MINI USA packages for the ‘09 model year. Remember that sentence if you’re thinking about ordering a ‘09 MCS. continued →
Sections: JCW, R55 Apr 29th, 2008 9 Comments 
We’ve heard from a couple UK readers (and hopeful JCW Clubman owners) that MINI UK has delayed the release of the Clubman version of the new JCW factory car? The reason? Simple really. MINI UK has decided to equip all factory JCW cars with the JCW aero-kit including the Clubman. The problem? The Clubman version of the JCW aero-kit won’t be available until March of next year.
The solution? Unfortunately the solution is the problem in that MINI UK has pushed back the introduction of the JCW Clubman to March ‘09 to coincide with the aero-kit launch. While it may be a painful wait for some would be owners, at least they don’t have to deal with the factory aero-kit coming standard.
We hope to have this officially confirmed soon.
Sections: JCW Apr 28th, 2008 30 Comments 
Thanks to one of our tipsters we’ve managed to get a hold of the internal planning document for the Canadian market JCW launch later this year. If you live in Canada and are interested in a new factory JCW car, this document is probably what you’ve been waiting for (with the exception of final pricing). Here’s an excerpt:
MINI Canada is pleased to provide preliminary ordering information for MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The John Cooper Works (JCW) brand represents the performance platform within the MINI group. It combines an iconic brand with a rich racing heritage, performance engineering, and an increased level of driving excitement. The JCW brand is for the driving enthusiast and represents extreme performance and driving fun, with an unconventional attitude. It is based on the combination of the John Cooper story, premium performance, engineering and the essence of MINI.
continued →
Sections: DIY, JCW, R55, R56, R57 Apr 25th, 2008 7 Comments 
DIY Friday is back with one of the most interfaced parts of a manual transmission equipped MINI; the shift lever. And as you would expect it’s also one of the most upgraded parts of a MINI as well. One of our favorites we’ve found is the JCW Shift lever. While we were initially skeptical of the design, it didn’t take more than a couple of miles of driving with one before we were won over. continued →
Sections: JCW, R55, R56 Apr 17th, 2008 19 Comments 
MINI has finally updated the official John Cooper Works website to reflect the new factory JCW models. Included is a color visualizer, new photos and generally more details. (Thanks for the tip Darren)
MINI John Cooper Works / MINI.com
Sections: JCW, R55 Apr 17th, 2008 10 Comments 
It looks like we have our first semi-official confirmation that the JCW Aero Kit will be offered on the Clubman. On the right is a screen shot from the BMW parts system clearly showing the one part needed for the current aero kit to fit the R55. Expect to hear some official confirmation shortly.
Keep in mind that this is just the aero kit at this point. We still haven’t heard anything final on the dealer installed engine or suspension kit for the Clubman. (Thanks Ignacio for the tip)
Sections: JCW, R56 Apr 11th, 2008 36 Comments This news comes from frequent MF contributor Berthil and the Dutch NewMINIclub:
Members of our Dutch NewMINIclub.nl have recently been to Oxford to visit the plant and they spotted these suspicious looking R56 MCS’s:
Could these be the first batch of JCWs from the factory? Look at the red rear brake calipers. Rims and logo do not match but can be put on later since the rims do not have the center cap on.
Based on our information we believe there are two possible answers. Either this is one of the first batches of JCW factory cars or a batch of the JCW Challenge race car which is built in batches at the factory and then modified off-site.
As always click each image a larger view.
Sections: JCW, Motorsports, R56 Apr 10th, 2008 7 Comments For those who can’t get enough of looking at the new MINI Challenge race car, you’ll want to click through to both of these links.
+ 2008 Australian MINI Challenge in pictures / Round 2 / AUSmotive.com
+ MINI Challenge Wakefield Park 6 Apr 08 / Smugmug (Courtesy of Tiaan)
Sections: JCW, Motorsports Apr 6th, 2008 15 Comments The 2008 European MINI Challenge has officially kicked off at Hockenheim in Germany with one final testing. You can see some reports and even interview over at mini2.info. Or you can look at the photo set after the jump. A huge thanks to Sebastian for making this all available too us. continued →
Sections: JCW, R55, R56 Apr 1st, 2008 93 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. continued →
Sections: JCW, Official News, R55, R56 Mar 29th, 2008 50 Comments
If anyone needs any extra incentive to visit the NYC auto show in its last weekend, here’s the official press release announcing the US pricing and available of the new factory JCW MINI that debuted earlier this week in NYC.
Official MINI USA Press Release: MINI USA announced today the debut of two all new performance models at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Following their successful World Premier in Geneva, the MINI John Cooper Works hardtop and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are showcased at MINI’s display and represent the first new models from the recently integrated John Cooper Works Brand.
In addition, pricing for both new models were announced today. The MINI John Cooper Works hardtop will be offered at $29,200. USD. The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be offered at $31,450, USD. Both prices include a $650 destination and handling charge, MINI USA’s Free Full Maintenance Coverage for 3 years/ 36,000 Miles and a 4 year-50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continued →
Sections: JCW, R56 Mar 25th, 2008 17 Comments 
We’ve had a couple of readers write to us with juicy rumors of the dealer installed JCW Engine kit being discontinued now that the factory car has been announced. So we’ve reached out to our contacts and at MINI for clarification. The answer is that the dealer installed kit will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. And at $2100 we believe it (along with the JCW suspension) continue to be a relative performance bargain. continued →
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