May 22nd, 2012
Strap in, sit down and shut up! It’s been a few weeks since we’ve all been able to get together and do a show, and we do that right here. We have some Dragon interviews, MINI United recaps, GP talk and just 4 guys sitting around talking about MINI Cooper stuff. Normal service has resumed. Next stop, AMVIV!
Woofcast 424:
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Download| 1:21:052 | 40.2mb | WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes
May 18th, 2012
The 2013 JCWs have been announced with the new valvtronic engine. Surprisingly, outside of the Countryman, the JCW range will not have higher output. The HP figure will remain at 211 hp (208 for the US) for the R5X range of JCW cars. Furthermore we’ve heard rumors from well placed sources that the US spec JCW Countryman may also end up with 208 hp rather than the higher 218hp figure seen in Europe. The upside is that the 2013 JCW will be the most efficient JCW ever and on par with the substantially less powerful Cooper S thanks to technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration.
Also new for 2013 is the option of the six speed Aisin automatic across the entire JCW range.
Official Release: In keeping with the times, MINI will inject the ultra-sporty performance characteristics of its John Cooper Works models with even greater efficiency from July 2012 with the introduction of a new-generation engine and other far-reaching powertrain innovations. Fresh from an intensive course of further development, the twin-scroll turbo engine develops the same levels of output and torque as its predecessor, but will make drivers’ hearts beat faster with its even quicker responses and stoke their admiration with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. A much broader spread of MINIMALISM technology helps to enhance the efficiency of the John Cooper Works models, and all members of the sub-brand’s line-up can now be fitted as an option with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Added to which, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman comes with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard. continued →
May 18th, 2012
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Fresh off of seeing the GP Todd, Gabe and Axel Griesinger (from bigblogg.com) dissect all the details of the car from performance to parts to pricing. We also touch on the Goodwood, the rumored 9 speed automatic transmissions and MINI United.
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May 17th, 2012
Last week we brought you the history of the modern JCW Tuning kit. Now that history is getting a new chapter. As expected JCW Engine Kit is coming to the R58 Coupe and R59 Roadster later this year. As for all other models, the kit will be a dealer installed accessory with a cost of around $2,100 (not including installation).
The tuning kit will be the same 197 hp (200 bhp) kit found in other MINIs with 199 lb-ft of over boost between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm.
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May 15th, 2012
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Fresh from MINI United! Todd & Gabe had the chance to interview Roderick von Ostrowski (Product Manager for the R58, R59 and JCW products) about the just announced GP. continued →
May 15th, 2012
The debut of the MINI GP at MINI United 2012 was what one would call a “soft-launch”. There were no details (other than that 8:23 ‘Ring time) and no peak inside. Likewise there was no mention of the engine or details on the suspension, braking or those new tires. And while some of those secrets will be saved for the Paris launch, we managed to unearth a bit more about the car than the press release gave us via sources familiar with the development of the new GP. These exclusive details give us a better look at the car and technology behind it. However please keep in mind that some of what you read below isn’t completely confirmed and/or minor changes for production may happen.
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May 12th, 2012
The JCW GP is here. We’ve just returned from a preview and briefing of the car by Jorg Weidinger, head of development of the new GP and were allowed a hands-on look of the car. Through this and few other sources we were garner some exclusive details about the car, the development and why it’s perhaps a bit more special than even looks would suggest.
MINI isn’t releasing many figures at this point but there is one that they are speaking publicly and quite proudly about; the GP’s Nurburgring lap time of 8:23. That’s a full 18 seconds faster than the previous GP and puts it in a rare company of front wheel drive cars on the ‘Ring.
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