About six months ago we published a scoop about an internal test JCW going down the Oxford assembly line that had no rear seats and several sound-system components missing. At the time our sources were adamant that this was MINI’s very first prototype of a next generation GP type vehicle. The car was then shipped to Munich where it’s been hand assembled in anticipation for several key internal meetings.
Now we’re told by other sources that the two seater has indeed been shown to several internal groups and is poised to get the official approval for production. However the question that remains? Is this an R56 based GP type of vehicle or is this actually the rumored Coupe that is based on the upcoming MINI speedster?
And the question we have to our readers? What do you hope it is?
German magazine Auto Sport recently tested the new JCW MINI at the famous Nurburgring (which must be nice to have in your backyard) and were impressed with the results. The JCW with sport suspension managed an 8:35 around the ‘Ring. To give you some perspective here are some other cars recently tested:
BMW 335: 8:26
Audi TTS (2.0 Turbo): 8:29
BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe: 8:32
Lotus Exige: 8:32
Honda Civic Type-R: 8:47
VW R32: 8:49
We can only imagine what the time would have been if the car was fitted wit the JCW suspension. You can read more (provided you can read German) here:
MINI UK has finally launched the JCW Clubman almost a year after it was launched in most of the world. The reason for the delay? The MINI UK refused to release the car without the JCW aero-kit (which was just released for the longer Clubman). The JCW aero-kit is of course standard on the MINI JCW Hatch in the UK as well. Here’s the full release:
We are delighted to announce the addition of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman to the MINI Range. Production of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be from Production Week 21 (week commencing 1 June 2009) with customer deliveries starting from Production Week 25 (week commencing 1 July 2009). continued →
MINI UK has released some details around the WC50 while at MINI United that bring the details of this car into greater focus. As we’ve reported MINI will be building 250 of these special JCWs worldwide with 100 going to the UK. US availability is still up in the air.
The options list is strictly set as each car will be identical when leaving the factory. Once out of the confines of the Oxford plant MINI will fit the aero kit and other accessories before shipping them out to dealers.
Technically this is identical to the stock JCW (even down to the stock suspension) which is sure to dissapoint hardcore JCW fans. However this is a very special car that will likely be the most limited MINI produced to date. continued →
It hasn’t been announced officially but our sources are telling us that the ultra rare (250 worldwide) World Championship 50 will be priced at 40,000 Euros. If (and it’s a huge if) this car comes to the US it’ll be likely upwards of $50,000 most likely.
We’ve also received a full list of options and accessories included on the car:
Exclusive non-metallic British Racing Green (will not be offered on any other MINI)
Pepper White Roof
Signed Pepper White Bonnet Stripes
John Cooper Works Aero Kit
Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser
Additional Driving Lights w/Black Housing
Bi-Xenon Lights w/Black Interior
Numbered Edition Side Scuttle Finishers
Carbon Fibre Mirror Caps
Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop
Carbon Fibre Tailgate Lift Handle
Cross-Spoke Challenge Alloy Wheels in Jet Black
Full Leather Piped Seat in Carbon Black w/Red Piping
Directly across from the White Roof Radio/MF tent is the only MINI available in flat BRG, the MINI F1.
We have found out that only 250 will be produced world-wide. We have heard that MINIUSA is working on getting an allotment of these MINIs in the states, but nothing definite is planned at this time.
For now, enjoy the photos, specs after the jump.
continued →
We’re just hours away from MINI United 2009 and the official kick-off of MINI’s 50th birthday party. So what will this weekend bring? From what we’ve heard we’ll be seeing the ultra limited edition MINI JCW F1 (reported on several times over the last month), and the more widely available Camden and Mayfair editions. In case you forgot or missed the news, here’s what each of these special editions will bring:
F1: Unique non-metallic British racing green, dark JCW wheels, JCW aerokit, interior badges, etc and rumored to only be available in the UK
Mayfair: Hot Chocolate body color with unique wheels, interior trim and badges – available in most markets
Camden: Silver White (R52 Sidewalk color) with unique wheels, interior trim and badges – available in most markets
So our question to you; what else will we see? Or to put it another way, what would you like to see as a surprise debut at MINI United this weekend?
Look for our coverage to commence Friday when Todd and DB interview the likes of Mike Cooper, Gert Hildebrand and Rauno Aaltonen along with some other surprises.
Earlier this week we broke the news of the first F1 being produced at the plant. Today we can go into details on the actual car. The non-metallic green everyone is talking about will be based off of Connaught Green and is a very dark non-metallic first seen on the Mini in 1964. Likely using the John Cooper name in its official title, it’s true to the non-metallic British racing green seen throughout the 50’s and 60’s on everything from Jaguars to Morgans.
Inside look for a standard Piano black dash with the usual JCW chequer flag detailing. Each car will come with a plaque (similar to the MC40 edition sold in the US for 2004) indicating it’s place within the production. Like other UK based JCW cars, the F1 will come standard with the JCW aero-kit and the JCW leather steering wheel. Otherwise things are relatively stock inside with the normal options still on the table for customers to order.
MINI will be producing a very limited edition JCW just in time for the 50th anniversary of John Cooper’s first F1 car. It’s taken a few weeks but we’ve now verified the rumor (first reported by theswitchback) from several sources across the globe. Expect the car to feature the JCW drivetrain, aerokit and some exclusive F1 badging throughout the car. But the most obvious exclusive feature of the car will be non-metallic British Racing Green exterior paint paired with the pepper white roof and mirrors.
We can also exclusively report that the first pre-production F1 was completed earlier this week at the Oxford Plant and was quickly spotted due to it’s exclusive paint color. We expect this very car to appear at MINI United but in a very special exclusive unveiling not tied to the Camden and Mayfair special editions. continued →
Official Release: The MINI CHALLENGE 2009: Ready, steady, go! At the Hockenheimring next weekend – Starting of the sixth season of the popular Clubsport Series.
The countdown has started: Only a few days until the start of the MINI CHALLENGE 2009. The prelude to the sixth season of the popular club sport series will take place from 17 to 19 April in the framework of the circuit race “ADAC / MCS Prize of the City of Stuttgart” at the Hockenheimring. continued →
Official Release: After the successful year in 2008, the MINI CHALLENGE ride is again on. The proposed race calendar for next season promises to be exciting entertainment: The popular club sport series in 2009 will be at eight Scoring events for a total of 16 race weekend runs out and in again Framework at top motorsports events (Formula 1, WTCC, ADAC Masters Weekend, Oldtimer Grand Prix). For some time, the MINI CHALLENGE itself but also the sporting highlight form. A highlight event of 22 to 24 May is at Silverstone (GB): Just in time for the 50th MINI birthday guest of the series at MINI United Festival, the traditional venue of the international MINI fans, and will be there with tens of thousands of fans celebrating the round. continued →
The driving excitement and individual style so typical of the MINI are now being combined once again with all the flair and refreshment of driving in the open air, the new MINI Convertible offering this unique rendition of motoring freedom in particularly intense style.
With its design improved in an evolutionary process and an even wider range of practical functions, with the most advanced and sophisticated suspension technology, even more powerful and, at the same time, economic engines, and with optimised safety technology, the new version of the open-air four-seater MINI consistently raises its strengths and qualities to an even higher level. continued →
Not a April’s Fool’s joke btw… We’ve confirmed that JCW (MINI’s tuning arm) will be releasing a a full fledged factory JCW model based on the current MINI Cooper D. However what will shock most is that the engine will come from the current BMW 120. That’s right MINI engineers have successfully slotted in the 2.0L lump into the MINI’s engine bay. According to Autocar, look for the first of these new up-rated MINI diesels to have around 150bhp (with loads more torque) and feature start-stop technology.
Future versions could include the BMW 123d twin turbo engine which features 200 bhp and (gulp) an unbelievable 295 ft lbs of torque! Whether that is the standard JCW model or even a GP diesel we won’t know for awhile.
Look for MINI to debut the new diesel next year at the Geneva Motor Show and launch the cars around this time next year.
This one comes to us from AutoExpress who is claiming that MINI will be producing a JCW version of the MINI D, complete with 160HP. While the information seems tenuous at best (something you’d expect from a magazine with Autoexpress’ track record) we wanted to post it to let you make up your own mind.
During an interview with a senior engineer, we posed the question of whether diesel power would ever be an option for the JCW brand. He wouldn’t confirm the existence of an oil-burning variant, but commented that it would be a “good idea”. With the project still on the drawing board, buyers shouldn’t expect the new oil-burner to arrive this year.
We aren’t sure when exactly we’ll see this in the marketplace (if ever) so we’re filing it squarely in the rumor category for now.
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Sections: JCW GP, R?? (Speedster) Jun 30th, 2009 23 Comments 
