2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
[Updated w/Official English Press Release] MINI has officially announced the JCW kit for the R56 that we reported about earlier in the week. The kit includes a JCW exhaust, intake and ECU software upgrade. The new components develop 192bhp and Torque 184lbf-ft/250nm (199lbf-ft/270nm with overboost).
The dealer installed kit will retail for 1689.80 Euros in Europe (presumably w/o installation). No other pricing was given in the press release but we expect more information in the coming weeks.
The new JCW kit will indeed debut at the Geneva Motorshow in early March as we predicted. Expect to see this kit available at your local MINI dealer later this spring. You can read both the German and English official MINI press releases below for more information:
MINI of Germany Press Release (English Version)
>Get the Racing Feeling: John the Cooper Works Tuning kit for the new MINI Cooper S.
>The International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 8th – 18th 2007) is the setting for the world premiere of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S. From mid-2007, what is already the most powerful version of the compact premium model will be given an additional power boost under its bonnet. With the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S, the output of the 1.6 litre twin scroll turbo engine is increased to an impressive 141 kW/192 bhp, with maximum torque up to 250 Newton metres in the engine speed range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With the overboost function, the torque level can even be increased temporarily to 270 Nm for powerful acceleration in the engine speed range from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.
>And the MINI brand has even more John Cooper Works components on offer for fans of the new MINI Cooper S – enough to quicken the pulse and put motor racing passion into everyday driving. These include a sports chassis, perforated brake discs for the front axle of the MINI Cooper S and 18-inch light alloy wheels. These options can be ideally combined with numerous other features from the John Cooper Works accessory range which equally enhance the car’s sporting spirit: with the aerodynamics packages in body colour, the John Cooper Works sports seats, the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel and selected equipment components made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. Not only is the dynamic potential of the new MINI Cooper S increased but also its charismatic sporty appeal.
>Racing expertise for more fun in everyday driving.
>The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S includes components whose development is derived directly from expertise gained from motor racing. This most powerful version of the new MINI thus carries on a tradition which dates back to the legendary racing success of MINI and John Cooper Works in the sixties. The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S consists of a sports exhaust system, a sports air filter and an electronic engine management system optimised for greater power efficiency. The resulting package fires the MINI Cooper S to new performance peaks and even greater driving fun.
>Perfect look for a sports vehicle.
>And the sporty look of the new MINI Cooper S can be further refined with the appropriate ingredients from the John Cooper Works collection. The sports suspension not only ensures even more agile handling but also lowers the suspension by 10 millimetres. In keeping with this, John Cooper Works provides an aerodynamic body kit in body colour – consisting of a front and rear apron and side sills – as well as several versions of 18-inch light allow wheels. The “Double Spoke” design has a particularly agile look and is new for 2007. The largest wheel authorised for the new MINI (dimensions 7J x 18) has low-section tyres sized 205/40/18 with runflat properties.
>The perforated brake discs are also borrowed from classic racing technology. And finally, numerous equipment components in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic give the MINI a new visual kick. The high-tech Formula 1 material is used for John Cooper Works trim panels for the front air inlet, exterior mirrors and tailgate handle – not made exclusively for the MINI Cooper S but also available for other model variations of the new MINI generation.
>The new MINI: individuality is the key focus.
>A John Cooper Works roof spoiler with carbon spoiler is also available for the new MINI. John Cooper Works leaves its mark in the interior of this racy little car, too: the John Cooper sports seat (ED: not available for the US market) provides an attractive appearance and optimised lateral holding for dynamic travel. And if you want to be absolutely sure of having a good grip on the new MINI at all times, you will opt for the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel. It is optionally available with a cover in leather or Alcantara – a stylish touch of individual flair!
>Alternatively, the Original MINI accessory range offers a single-section roof spoiler which can be finished in body colour. Even greater individuality is provided by additional headlamps, illuminated entry sills with free choice of lettering and a wide range of roof decor variations. In addition to the popular motives “Union Jack” and “Chequered Flag” – which are also available for the mirror covers and door handle trim elements – the roof of the MINI can also be decorated with the MINI lettering or even the markings for a helicopter landing spot (“Heliport” motif).
>The Original MINI accessory programme also offers MINI fans the opportunity to increase the comfort and functionality of their vehicle. The MINI interface for integration of Apple iPod models means you have just the music selection you want as you drive. MINI-specific roof and rear carrier systems enable the safe transport of bicycles, skis, snowboards or roof boxes. The especially useful options also include high-quality textile floor mats, a rear protective cover, a luggage compartment tub and folding sun blinds. No matter whether sporty or practical: thanks to the extraordinary variety of the individualisation options available, every MINI is one thing above all else: unique.
MINI of Germany Press Release (German Version)
>Get the Racing Feeling: Das John Cooper Works Tuning Kit für den neuen MINI Cooper S.
>Der Internationale Automobilsalon in Genf (8. bis 18. März 2007) ist Schauplatz für die Weltpremiere des John Cooper Works Tuning Kits für den MINI Cooper S. Mitte 2007 bekommt die ohnehin schon kraftvollste Variante des kompakten Premiummodells damit nun zusätzlichen Dampf unter die Haube. Mit dem John Cooper Works Tuning Kit für den MINI Cooper S wird die Leistung des 1,6 Liter großen Twin-Scroll-Turbomotors auf eindrucksvolle 141 kW/192 PS gesteigert und das maximale Drehmoment im Bereich zwischen 1 750 und 5 000 Touren auf 250 Newtonmeter erhöht. Durch die Overboost-Funktion lässt sich das Drehmoment beim starken Beschleunigen kurzfristig und im Drehzahlbereich von 1 750 bis 4 500 min-1 sogar auf 270 Nm anheben.
>Darüber hinaus hat die Marke MINI für die Fans des neuen MINI Cooper S noch weitere John Cooper Works Komponenten im Angebot, die den Puls beschleunigen und leidenschaftliches Racing Feeling in den Alltagsverkehr bringen. Dazu gehören ein Sportfahrwerk, gelochte Bremsscheiben für die Vorderachse des MINI Cooper S sowie 18 Zoll-Leichtmetallräder. Ideal kombinieren lassen sich diese Optionen mit zahlreichen weiteren Angeboten aus dem John Cooper Works Zubehör-Programm, die den Sportsgeist unterstützen. Mit dem Aerodynamikpaket in Wagenfarbe, den John Cooper Works Sportsitzen, dem John Cooper Works Sportlenkrad sowie ausgewählten Ausstattungskomponenten aus kohlefaserverstärktem Kunststoff wird nicht nur das fahrdynamische Potenzial des neuen MINI Cooper S, sondern auch seine sportliche Ausstrahlung noch weiter gesteigert.
>Know-how aus dem Rennsport für mehr Spaß im Alltag.
>Das John Cooper Works Tuning Kit für den MINI Cooper S umfasst Komponenten, deren Entwicklung unmittelbar auf Know-how aus dem Rennsport basiert. Folglich setzt auch die leistungsstärkste Ausführung des neuen MINI eben jene Tradition fort, die auf die legendären Racing-Erfolge von MINI und John Cooper Works aus den 60er Jahren gründet. Das John Cooper Works Tuning Kit für den MINI Cooper S besteht aus einer Sport-Abgasanlage, einem Sport-Luftfilter sowie einer auf eine höhere Leistungsausbeute hin optimierten elektronischen Motorsteuerung. Das daraus entstandene Paket beflügelt den MINI Cooper S zu neuen Spitzenleistungen und noch mehr Fahrspaß.
>Perfekter Look eines Sport-Fahrzeugs.
>Auch die sportliche Ausstrahlung des neuen MINI Cooper S lässt sich mit den passenden Zutaten aus der Kollektion von John Cooper Works noch weiter verfeinern. Das Sportfahrwerk sorgt nicht nur für ein nochmals agileres Handling, sondern auch für eine Tieferlegung um 10 Millimeter. Dazu passend bietet John Cooper Works ein aerodynamisches Bodykit in Wagenfarbe – bestehend aus Front- und Heckschürze sowie Seitenschweller – sowie 18 Zoll Leichtmetallräder in verschiedenen Ausführungen an. Besonders agil wirkt dabei das Doppelspeichen-Design “Double-Spoke”. Das größte für den neuen MINI freigegebene Rad (Dimension 7J x 18) trägt Niederquerschnittsreifen der Größe 205/40/18 mit Runflat-Eigenschaften.
>Der klassischen Rennsporttechnik entlehnt sind auch die gelochten Bremsschreiben. Zahlreiche Ausstattungskomponenten aus kohlefaserverstärktem Kunststoff geben dem MINI schließlich auch optisch einen neuen Kick. Aus dem Formel-1-Hightech-Material entstehen John Cooper Works Blenden für den vorderen Lufteinlass, Außenspiegel sowie Heckklappen-Griffleisten, die nicht nur exklusiv für den MINI Cooper S, sondern auch für die weiteren Modellvarianten der neuen MINI Generation verfügbar sind.
>Der neue MINI: Individualität wird groß geschrieben.
>Für den neuen MINI ist darüber hinaus ein John Cooper Works Dachspoiler mit Carbon-Oberfläche erhältlich. Auch im Innenraum des beliebten Kurvenkünstlers hinterlassen die Entwickler von John Cooper Works auf Wunsch gern ihre Spuren: Für eine attraktive Optik und einen optimierten Seitenhalt während der dynamischen Fortbewegung sorgt der John Cooper Sportsitz. Und wer ganz sicher gehen will, den neuen MINI jederzeit fest im Griff zu haben, entscheidet sich für das John Cooper Works Sportlenkrad. Es ist – soviel individueller Stil muss auch hier sein – wahlweise mit Leder- oder Alcantara-Bezug zu haben.
>Alternativ dazu steht im Original MINI Zubehör Sortiment ein einteiliger Dachspoiler zur Verfügung, der in Wagenfarbe lackiert werden kann. Für noch mehr Individualität sorgen Zusatzscheinwerfer, beleuchtete Einstiegsleisten mit frei wählbarem Schriftzug sowie die große Auswahl an Dachdekor-Varianten. Neben den beliebten Motiven “Union Jack” (britische Flagge) und “Checkered Flag” (schwarz-weiß-karierte Zielflagge), die auch für Spiegelkappen und Türgriff-Blenden zur Verfügung stehen, können der MINI Schriftzug oder sogar die Bodenmarkierung eines Hubschrauberlandeplatzes (Motiv “Heliport”) das Dach des MINI zieren.
>Das Original MINI Zubehör-Programm bietet MINI Fans darüber hinaus die Möglichkeit, auch den Komfort und die Funktionalität ihres Fahrzeugs zu steigern. Mit der MINI Schnittstelle zur Integration von Apple iPod Modellen wird das musikalische Wunschprogramm an Bord geholt. MINI spezifische Dach- und Heckträgersysteme ermöglichen den sicheren Transport von Fahrrädern, Ski oder Snowboards sowie Dachboxen. Zu den besonders nützlichen Optionen gehören ferner hochwertige Textilfußmatten, eine Fondschutzdecke, eine Gepäckraumwanne und Sonnenschutz-Faltblenden. Ganz gleich ob sportlich oder praktisch: Dank der außergewöhnlichen Vielfalt der Individualisierungsmöglichkeiten wird jeder MINI vor allem eines: einzigartig.
>Das John Cooper Works Tuning Kit für den MINI Cooper S kostet in Deutschland: 1689,80 € (Inklusiv Mwst)
MF Analysis
At 1700 Euros (w/possible US pricing around 2k w/o installation) I think MINI really has hit a sweet spot with this new JCW kit. While it’s not the uber MINI we all had hoped for, it’s certainly a nice upgrade for those who want a bit more power without breaking the bank. Add to that the JCW pedigree, Nurburgring tested and a full factory warranty and you’ve got a rather compelling package.
And don’t worry, that uber MINI is still coming…
Translation anyone?
My Deutch is nist zer goode. Can we get a translation anyone? 192BHP? is that 189hp net? Depending on the cost-underwhelming.
Guess I’ll wait for stage two. Please Mini, step up to the plate and hit one out of the park this time!
I have read somewhere that Munich was having issues with the full blown R56 JCW kit. Can anyone elaborate?
>I have read somewhere that Munich was having issues with the full blown R56 JCW kit. Can anyone elaborate?
Nothing to elaborate really. From my understanding they weren’t having problems in as much as they were trying to decide on how and what to modify while keeping costs and daily usability in mind.
I agree with the price estimate and if it’s 2k installed it’s not a bad deal for the person that wants a faster R56 right now and probably doesn’t feel the need to go any further.
I’d have at admit that I’d seriously look at this kit as an option.
Thank you. I am very interested in following further developments with the JCW kit in the new R56 chassis. I am looking to go this route in a few years. For now, I am happily holding onto my R53 MCS.
If MINI can get it done for $2K, hats off & they’ll certainly steal some aftermarket business.
If it’s above $2k, I think lots of folks will still go aftermarket.
Will be interesting to note the performance difference b/n the R53 JCW & R56 JCW I when someone finally gets to drive both cars.
$2K installed, that is.
and this can or cannot be installed in the automatic? i know you stated (gabe) that there was to be no jcw automatic…again… but are you/we sure?
$2K installed while keeping your factory warranty in-tact? That’s a steal! When can I order?
1690 Euro includes 19% tax. Thats about 1370 tax free.
I would hope for $1500 to $1800 in the US.
Should be a better deal than the last kit version, still expect to never recover that 2k when/if you sell the vehicle. Mini’s with kits are basically a writeoff in the aftermarket. Still Glad to see Mini giving another option for the car, not thrilled though if they call it a JCW. With that logic a 335I should me a M3 lol.
If you can get everything done for around $2K I am interested in this kit. 193hp with 199lbs is awesome, I prefer having a good even amount of torque and horsepower.
As for people comparing this to the R53 JCW, I think you should look at something other than pure numbers the cars are completely different, personnally I prefer the higher compression’s quicker response over the sc car.
Im really considering checking this box when I place an order for my R56
I got a 06 JCW for sale if anyone is interested…
That’s 2000 dollars WITHOUT Installation folks. Read the fine print
Yeah, we know it’s w/o installation. I’m just saying MINI dealer install costs are going to push this north of $2500. Then, aftermarket & bolt-on at home would probably become a lot more attractive for most people.
And, we all know the R53 JCW & R56 JCW Stage I are much different cars. Hence, it’ll be cool to know the difference when someone DRIVES both.
So does the ECU upgrade return the burbles?
Any guesses on when more concrete info on the uber JCW will be available? Also, is a JCW suspension upgrade available/to be available?
Ahh yes can’t forget the burbles, who’s bright idea was it to take that out of the R56.
MINE MINE MINE! “Vapor” will be an animal with this installed!
>sarcasm/sarcasm
Actually the price is listed by Gabe as presumably without installation. If the euro list is 1600 then the US list could be less than that (after all it’s not a direct conversion and the US market tends to pay less) and the whole kit could come in at 2K on the car.
$2k for 7 Lb-ft? 177 Lb-Ft to 184 Lb-Ft, and 192 Lb-Ft to 199 Lb-Ft in “overboost” is hardly impressive in my eyes, even considering the ease of dealer$hip installation and iron-clad warranty.
I have a hunch MINI was pressured to release this preemptive JCW kit in lieu of beating the aggressive USA aftermarket to the market. Everyone remember Milltek’s claim of 20-some HP with JUST a full turbo-back exhaust? That was “only” $1k. I just think everyone should keep this JCW’s minimal power gains in perspective. I’m kinda bummed out with JCW over this announcement.
The miltek is a full turbo back system and they did make some pretty big claims, this makes me wonder what the JCW exhaust system includes?
Those MINI lovers who expect this kit to be around $2,000 including installation are more than likely dreaming. It’s my guess that MINI dealers requested some aftermarket installs now that the vehicle distribution centers have taken over much of the add-ons. Perhaps we will know in a week or two.
This shouldn’t be too dear to install. The components are pretty much exactly what was featured in the R50 JCW Sound Kit – ie. exhaust, intake & software. That was only an hour to install, or so my dealer said. And why would they undersell?
I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised when all the details finally emerge, and depending on your dealer rates, could be only £100 to £150 to install.
Here’s hoping anyway, cos I want it untiil the full on version arrives!
IB
<blockquote>Ryephile
$2k for 7 Lb-ft? 177 Lb-Ft to 184 Lb-Ft, and 192 Lb-Ft to 199 Lb-Ft in “overboost†is hardly impressive in my eyes</blockquote>
My thoughts exactly. My comment above would’ve said exactly that had my sarcasm tag not confused whatever program is that posts these comments.
How did the JCW kit get that ~20 hp gain with such a small gain in torque? Did they boost the redline?
They should have provided this as standard equipment on the original R56 MCS. Reminiscient of a Porsche model year “tweak”.
Although many readers have been complaining about the lack of power on this kit, they have to realise that in places like the UK, car insurance sky-rockets with even simple after-market add-ons.
A full-blown JCW kit may not be too expensive to buy and install, but would be prohibitively expensive to insure for many people who want just a bit more ‘oomph’. If they only introduced one kit, they wouldn’t be able to compete with all the 180-190bhp hatchbacks we have over here. The MINI is expensive enough as it is, compared to other “more powerful” (but slower and less exciting) cars.
Sure, I’d love a 230hp MINI, but paying £1000+ a year insurance compared to £300 would make me think twice, even if the kit was fairly cheap!
So the UK folk are rationalizing why they don’t want more power? The stock MCS has already proven in Euro and Brit publications it out-hauls the Clio 197; another tiny whiff of power for $2 grand is milking the cow for all it’s worth, in my opinion. If you’re worried about cost, get Milltek’s full turbo-back exhaust and [gasp] don’t tell your insurance about it. Most if not all the power of the JCW kit for less than half the cost.
Putting 7 Lb-Ft of torque in perspective; it’s the difference between a cool autumn day and a warm summer day.
—>robbie: The reason JCW got 20 more bhp is because they didn’t pull the torque down as much after 5000 RPM like the stock MCS. Whereas the stock MCS only has 138 Lb-Ft at 6500 RPM, this proposed JCW kit will have about 153 Lb-Ft at 6500 RPM, with 190bhp from 5500 to 6500 RPM [similar to how the stock MCS has 170bhp from 5500 to 6500 RPM].
Above 5k RPM is the only place the JCW kit will make any real world improvement.
Intersting view MinivlikeUK. My only personal hesitation is if having more than one JCW will muddy the waters. Having said that I fully support this kit.
Main things that I like about it, 2K for a performance upgrade may be a little steep, but it allows mini to directly compeate with aftermarket mod’s. It also gives Mini dealerships a chance to sell a upgrade package at a later point after customers relieze they want better performance. I am just wondering how they will seperate a stage one from a stage two JCW now.
Sounds like a great option for someone wanting a little more, but who doesn’t want to muck around in the aftermarket.
—Zeke, I’ll agree to that for sure. I was just hoping it would’ve been a better value. [I know, it is still OEM!]
Yawn…26hp shy of the current GP and 18hp shy of the current JCW…torque and power curve aside. So much for an M version…
MiniMikeUK – Wow only $588.00 (US) / year for insurance… Sign Me Up!
$588 insurance for a year only comes when you hit 40 and have a completely clean licence, full no-claims, etc. Before I hit 40 I was paying about $200 more a year. A 25 year old would be paying closer to $1500.
Here in the UK, driving is slightly more expensive than over in the US. Not only are the cars more to but in the first place, but our petrol’s around £4-£5 a gallon and car tax is going up and up.
Oh, and for just fitting a different exhaust and not letting the insurance company know – that’s all well and good until you have even a minor prang. Insurance companies here will find anything to get out of paying up. Put alloys on instead of steel wheels and it’s “more desirable to theives” and funnily enough, no payout even if you’ve had an accident and it wasn’t even stolen. There’s also a hefty fine for not having valid insurance.
It may only be me concerned about this, but if I put an £18k car in a ditch, I don’t want to find I have to write it off because I changed the wheels!
Any knowledge of what the effect of the sport button is with this JCW ECU software? Is there still a distinction between “sport” and “regular”?
Does pressing the sport button have any affect on the “stage 1” kit???
This is for sure dealer installed??
How does the performance with the full JCW kit on the R53 compare to the performance on a stock R56 MCS and the proposed JCW kit on the R56 jcw?
MiniMikeUK – I don’t know how your insurance works in the UK, but in the US an insurance company can’t just deny a claim because they feel like it. Changing an exhaust on your car has no bearing whatsoever on coverage.
That in mind, when I started driving at 16, I paid about $5,000 a year for insurance. Now, at age 21, I pay about $1300. Most people with max insurance coverage in the states pay between $700 and $1000 for coverage annually. $500 for insurance really isn’t all that much at all.
go now to SLR 722 2007
the best car i see at all
add me :sou.fan.ahmad@hotmail.com
Well, my 2004 MCS JCW is supposedly rated at 200hp, not sure of the torque number though.
So far I am less than tempted, especialy given the new Gen 2’s reputation for torque steer, which would be even worse with the added JCW hp and torque…
CT dealer quoted $2100 plus $300 install. Thats $2400+/- for 17HP? That’s about $140/1HP. A full Alta,downpipe w/cat, exhaust, intake, turbo inlet hose, boost tube and ECU about $3200. If you deal, take about 5-7% off with no shipping or state sales tax (sorry CA)you are back to $3300 installed and that is about $90/1HP. Alas the “ole warranty issue”.