Another review of the ultimate MINI.
>The standard suspension setup of the Works is unchanged from the standard Cooper S, although Mini’s Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is standard, so the threshold for the Dynamic Stability Control’s (DSC) intervention leaves room for a little fun. The DTC can be switched off if you want to play it safe, and the DSC can be switched off if you don’t. There is also the usual Sport function that changes the throttle map to provide more boost lower in the rev range and reduces the steering assistance.
>Mini has made some bold claims about the Works’ new electronically controlled limited-slip differential’s ability to eradicate torque steer, but the reality is a little different. Even on a dry road, you’re never left in any doubt about which wheels are driving, and the stability control’s tendency to smother the power can also be an irritation. It’s much better to turn it off and relearn the art of throttle control.
>You can opt for a sport suspension on the Works or a dealer-installed John Cooper Works kit that lowers the car by 0.4 inch. But unless you’re a track day fanatic or enjoy an intimate relationship with your chiropractor; you’re best leaving well alone. The ride is plenty stiff enough in standard guise, although the Clubman version has a better ride and more stable handling, as you’d expect given its longer wheelbase.
+ First Drive: MINI JCW / Edmunds
Not a bad review, two things that stood out though to me.
“The comparison between M and John Cooper Works is not always flattering for the new Mini supercar. While M has set a demanding standard by transforming BMW cars into unique, fully realized specialty models, the Works treatment focuses on the engine, with only a few styling mods to differentiate the car from its lesser brethren.”
For many, the temptation to purchase the fastest, most exclusive Mini will be too good to resist. But the more discerning might think twice. Although this is a nicely executed conversion, the relatively modest increase in performance compared with the standard Mini Cooper S makes the leap in cost difficult to justify. It’s a neat tuning job, but this is not Mini’s answer to the M3.
“
Hate to reopen the same can of worms, but it is sad that major car reviewers still write of the body kit as if it’s included in the price-of-admission.
Hate to see what they’d say about value added when they realize that’s not included.
Love the wheels and the new logo. Does any reviewer realize the body kit is an extra $2500? Or another $2100 for the proper suspension?
The fact that the pipes are no long inscribed with JCW is sooooooooooooooooooooo LAME!!!!!!!!!
About 1/2 the sites that attended the pre-release preview last week to enable them to have their stories ready for today, report using the same suspension… the other 1/2 report a mild change to the suspension.
One of a few examples here:
<a href="http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/car_page_content/First_drive_Mini_John_Cooper_Works_car_review.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/car_page_content/First_drive_Mini_John_Cooper_Works_car_review.html</a>
(there’s also a great video there!)
The quote: “The Mini JCW retains the same sharp and responsive steering that won the standard Cooper S thousands of fans, but the new car features new suspension adapted from the Mini Challenge race car.
While firm, the suspension is rarely crashy over bumps and only becomes uncomfortable on very bumpy roads. Mini also offers firmer and lower suspension setups as options.”
So which is true?
I’ll try the link in pieces, please cut & past them together manually:
HOST: <a href="http://www.autotrader.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autotrader.co.uk/</a>
PATH: EDITORIAL/car_page_content/First_drive_Mini_John_Cooper_Works_car_review.html
Sorry, that didn’t work either. Ah, the underscore is being interpreted to produce italicized text after it, breaking the URL.
…Sorry…
Try this link: <a href="http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/car_page_content/First_drive_Mini_John_Cooper_Works_car_review.html" rel="nofollow">AutoTrader review</a>
<strong>Mini has made some bold claims about the Works’ new electronically controlled limited-slip differential’s ability to eradicate torque steer, but the reality is a little different. Even on a dry road, you’re never left in any doubt about which wheels are driving, and the stability control’s tendency to smother the power can also be an irritation. It’s much better to turn it off and relearn the art of throttle control.</strong>
Different reviewers, yet similar results?
eager2own, this review was of a UK spec JCW on which the JCW aero IS part of the price of admission.
It’s already been established that it just was not feasible and was essentially pointless to add a mech LSD to this vehicle due to the power, braking and steering all going through the front wheels. Seems like a few would be much more comfortable in a 300hp RWD vehicle. There’s nothing wrong with that but the sooner everybody accepts that’s not what a MINI is the better.
Mozza, that may be true, but it is no less deceiving. The description of the body kit that is “new” to this car to provide a “distinct” design for those who purchase the JCW is followed a couple senteces later with the statement that ownership is not cheap — and the author quotes the expected US prices for the car (not UK spec with UK standard equipment). Nowhere does the author indicate that the car and equipment he describes as standard is any different for the US and for the prices quoted. And, of course, all accompanying photes depict the body kit . . . and the photos are provided courtesy of North America BMW.
That’s true yeah but the test took place in England and it was an English spec car if Edmunds are portraying it like the UK spec and US spec are the same car then that’s their fault not MINI’s. It’s quite clear after minimal research that the specs are different in different markets.
Ultimate MINI? 🙁
will be interesting to read a review of the car with JCW suspension – quite a few people on NAM said that the torque steer goes away with an upgraded setup (either JCW or aftermarket like CROSS).
anyways – I’m a happy camper with my JCW Stage1 MCS with engraved pipes 🙂
Ultimate mini= 2006 jcwmcs drk silver.
It has back seats. 32mph cty and a God on the hghwy.
sorry GP.
Mark my words in time ya’ll see what………
ok i would love to have a GP.
The new coopers look cool too.
don’t hate see first line.
Boris the Spiderrrrrrrr. Engraved pipes :)!
<blockquote>sandm4130 Jul 14th, 2008 Link
It has back seats. 32mph cty and a God on the hghwy.
</blockquote>
either you meant 32 mph in the city which is just above the speedlimit around town here or you meant 32 mpg in the city in which case your calculations are way off. Unpossible to get 32 mpg city in a r53. Heck, a stick shift r56 cooper would just barely pull that off.