2007 MCS JCW Engine Kit Reader Review

Longtime MF reader (South African R53 MINI owner) Tim van Rooyen recently spent some time with MINI of South Africa’s JCW press car and has written a fantastic review that covers every detail of the car. Here’s an except:
>There is no real comparison between the R56 JCW and the R53. They are totally different entities, in my opinion. My 2005 Cooper S feels zippy and light, raw and raucous. The 2007 Cooper S with JCW kit feels ultra refined, smooth, but eager. The amount of torque produced is unbelievable. There is some turbo lag, but it is so much fun to play with – waiting for the whoosh to kick in, pushing your eyeballs back into your skull. Keep an eye on the rev range and you can manage the lag well.
>I was curious how the JCW would stack up against the standard Cooper S. I took the car to Lyndhurst Auto and asked Derick to use his car as a means of comparison. Derick drives a 2007 Cooper S with 17 inch wheels and a standard suspension. We drove the JCW car first, concentrating only on performance – “nippyness”, acceleration, and thrill factor. Derick came away impressed with the torque available, and said he thought the car breathed easier. Then I drove Derick’s car. I got that same feeling! The standard car felt equally brilliant – same rush, same nippyness. I began to wonder whether the JCW tuning kit was worth it.
>As I drove the JCW home, the differences became more apparent. There was a shed load more torque. Acceleration was improved markedly. The car was much more eager and the revs climbed a lot faster. If the volume on a “standard” 2007 Cooper S was at 10, the JCW tuning kit turned that knob right into the red. This car was on steroids. It made me feel invincible.
A highly recommended read. You can check out the entire review below:
[ Feel Invincible – MCS with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit ] Mini2.co.za
Related:
[ MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit ] MotoringFile
[ MF Reader Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit ] MotoringFile
12 Comments
Great review – Gabe, any rumors on if/when there will be a JCW kit for the Clubman? I’m second in my local dealers pre-order que.
One chevron more and it could have been twin MF logos on the hood. Good read.
Two weeks and counting………….
Very nice review. First review that actually makes me want the kit (sorry Gabe, your review was good too:-)). Although I disagree with him about SAT/NAV.
Great Review and makes me want to get a JCW steering wheel so bad. Will it fit on an auto R56 with paddle shift?
Excellent review, with nice photos – doggies must’ve had fun.
Ahhhh, stoplight to stoplight street racing, and he started it. I guess it must be a worldwide phenomenon.<blockquote>I dropped him at the robot but he caught on real quick when he realized I was challenging him.</blockquote>
very nice review….though hate the roof spoiler and “car number” graphics.
So this car didn’t even have the sport suspension much less the JCW suspension. Kinda odd to get the tuning,18″ wheels,aero kit, and spoiler but just have the mushy standard suspension. This guy would have really had a blast with one of these tow set ups.
BTW Gabe, thanks for the nice review and change of pace from the clubman.
<blockquote>So this car didn’t even have the sport suspension much less the JCW suspension. Kinda odd to get the tuning,18″ wheels,aero kit, and spoiler but just have the mushy standard suspension. This guy would have really had a blast with one of these tow set ups.</blockquote>
greg is right – I felt the press car was overly dressed. The reason for this is that the car was used as a show car when the R56 was launched in South Africa – then it had all the JCW cosmetics, but no tuning. Since, they have fitted the tuning kit. Other JCW accessories like the seats and gear change infdicator, as well as the boot handle spoiler and rear diffuser in carbon fiber will be fitted later. Hopefully, we’ll also see the suspension and brake kit on it.
the other reason the car is dressed, is because it was used to model for the MINI game coming out soon – MINI#37 – see <a href="http://www.mini37.co.za" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini37.co.za</a>
My JCW kit (#00575) gets installed today! Needless to say, my drive home tonight is going to be SPECTACULAR!