Dec 30th, 2013
There is little question the original JCW GP is a special car — an incredibly special car. It was thrown together at break-neck speed with off-the-shelf parts and yet it’s one of the most satisfying cars I’ve ever driven at any price. Sure, MINI had some trouble selling all of them at the time, as they have with the GP2, but since then it’s become a classic with ever-slowing depreciation. That original MINI JCW GP will surely be a classic.
In contrast, the new GP is a much more serious car. Road testing and development took place primarily at the Nurburgring, led primarily by a MINI race car driver. Instead of a few months, the second generation JCW GP was two years in the making. In those two years, MINI JCW fitted an entirely new, bespoke suspension. MINI spec’d unique tires and a specially-matched six-pot braking system that was designed to stop cars almost 1,000 lbs heavier. The result was nothing short of phenomenal. Whether on the track or on the road, the 2013 JCW GP is astonishing in its ability to change direction, stop, and go. Yet it’s not just the quickness of the new GP that exhilarates. It’s the car’s feedback at every touch-point.
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Dec 26th, 2013
Drive TV – a Youtube favorite of ours features a handful or different shows that explore every corner of the automotive world. One of our favorites, Tuned with Matt Farah recently took a JCW GP to the Silver State Classic. An open road challenge in the Nevada Dessert, it’s a timed event that involved speed, endurance and math. And on a long holiday weekend it’s also a perfect thing to sit back and enjoy. continued →
Dec 17th, 2013
This morning MINI took the wraps off of their latest thinly veiled, production-oriented concept. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept previews two key things. First, it gives us a look at the JCW exterior package, complete with specific aero-kit and wheels. Then second and more importantly, the concept signals MINI’s intent to bring a new level of visual differentiation to the JCW model when it goes on sale in then spring of 2015. Gone is the subtlety of previous JCWs and in its place stands a more BMW M-like approach to both the exterior and interior design. To our eyes, the combination of little touches and overtly aggressive styling does wonders for the F56 and gives the car a fantastic look. We’ll have much more soon, including hands-on time with the concept at NAIAS early next month. Until then, read on for the official MINI press release.
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Dec 11th, 2013
No matter your late night viewing loyalties, there’s no denying that Jay Leno is the gear head to end all gear heads. His collection includes motorcycles, antique fire engines, tractors and more cars than one could count. While he calls it his garage, what Jay’s got is a private motor museum of his own making. That facility isn’t open to the public for tours (yet), but Jay shares his passion for all things that turn energy into noise and speed on his long-running web series, Jay Leno’s Garage.
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Nov 25th, 2013
For those wanting to order their F56 with the JCW aero-kit we have some definitive news on production. The JCW Aero-kit will be available for March production to be available only as part of the JCW Package. Much like the current JCW exterior kit, this new version will likely give you JCW wheels and a few other cosmetic touches. What about other JCW options?
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Nov 18th, 2013
Our first look at what will undoubtedly by a waterfall of JCW accessories for the new F56. We expect the full-on factory JCW to look a bit different but be thematically similar. continued →
Nov 8th, 2013
The MINI JCW GP is a car that we here at MotoringFile hold in rather high esteem. While certainly not for everyone, it’s a package deal of everything the second generation MINI has to offer in terms of a pure driving experience and special JCW touches. It’s a car MINI created not to make money on (because like the 2006 GP, MINI likely lost money on this model), but out of sheer brand enthusiasm.
We’ve reviewed it on the track and on the road and fell in love with it both times.
Turns out we’re not the only ones who feel that way. EVO has included the second generation MINI JCW GP in its list of final contenders for EVO Car of the Year. continued →
