We’ve had a couple of readers write to us with juicy rumors of the dealer installed JCW Engine kit being discontinued now that the factory car has been announced. So we’ve reached out to our contacts and at MINI for clarification. The answer is that the dealer installed kit will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. And at $2100 we believe it (along with the JCW suspension) continue to be a relative performance bargain.

On another topic, we’ve also got confirmation that MINI USA is continuing to progress with it’s dealer installed engine kit for the automatic Cooper S (coupe). So for all those waiting for that kit, don’t give up yet.