MINI UK Adds Features to JCW Cars
Potentially owing to less than stellar sales, MINI UK has decided to improve the specification of the JCW MINIs it sells. Here’s the full rundown of what is now standard on the car:
John Cooper Works Updated Aerodynamic Kit
All MINI John Cooper Works cars will now be fitted with an updated John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit. This new kit is similar in design to the current version but has been enhanced to include brake air intake channels (for optimum ventilation of the brakes) as well as an extended splitter on the front apron.
John Cooper Works Leather/Alcantara Steering Wheel
The 3-Spoke Sport Leather/Alcantara steering wheel from the Aftersales accessory range will now be supplied as standard. Customers retain the option of specifying Multi-function steering wheel, at an additional cost of £175.
John Cooper Works Floor Mats
Also supplied as standard is a full set of front and rear John Cooper Works Floor Mats featuring red stitching around the border. The driver and front passenger mats also receive a John Cooper Works enamel badge.
These changes will be standard from Production Week 1 (week commencing 1 January 2009) onwards, and subsequently the New MINI Convertible John
Cooper Works Convertible from launch in Production Week 14 (week commencing 28 March 2009).
We wouldn’t be surprised to see MINI USA (and others) make similar moves in the months ahead.
<p>YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!! at least we know they listen to the customers across the pond</p>
<p>R U freeking kidding!! The aereola kit and steering wheel are worth $3k! VERY NICE if MiniUSA goes this route!! How about retrofits?</p>
<p>would definitely like to see that stateside…considering I just ordered my JCW about a month ago! (sigh)</p>
<p>that is long overdue! I would have tried to buy one if that is how they were specced out here!</p>
<p>(my guess is that they won’t put the JCW steering wheel on ours, though….just a feeling.)</p>
<p>MINI needs not only to make the aero kit standard but also the JCW suspension as well.</p>
<p>Maybe they should have let someone like Schnitzer have a crack at it. As this kit stands why bother? Not that distinctive from the non JCW version… IMHO</p>
<p>I actually dont want the JCW steering wheel bc i want the MFSW… the radio controls are so horrid, i NEED the controls on the wheel.</p>
<p>But right now, i’ll take anything that Mini will toss as standard…. JCW aero and floormats + tax deduction on sales of a new car = FTW!</p>
<p>if they tossed in the JCW suspension with no price hike, that would be FTMFW!!!!</p>
<p>Niiiiiiice. May have to get a RHD car, then.</p>
<p>Factory JCW in the UK already included the aero kit, so this is a minor update.</p>
p>@dc11r</p
<p>You CAN have the JCW and the MFSW together, even though the configurator wont let you.</p>
<p>What the article means is that the steering wheel inserts will be swapped out for the MFSW inserts</p>
<p>Wait don’t get too excited. Didn’t the UK JCW already come with the areo kit?
So the diff is just that they are using the new redesigned front bumper and the JCW steering wheel.</p>
<p>Could someone verify this?</p>
<p>Tru dat! If they throw in the suspention I’ll sell my JCW cabrio and come back to R56…….er, NOT!</p>
<p>+1 for JCW and MFSW.</p>
<p>I think the aero kit is step in the right direction — but it should be only available to the JCW… not a very distinct look if everyone can order the same body kit for their MCS</p>
<p>Think this is a good move, but then again it reeks of desperation on the part of Mini. I think they are beginning to understand how far off the mark they were with the first factory JCW. Whats sad is that in a great many ways it could take a long time now until the JCW name is really viable as a sub brand since they blew a golden once in a lifetime chance to make a statement what the sub brand is all about. Instead they produced a car that had had less than stellar sales and very mixed reviews in both the media and community.</p>
<p>At this point I think they should leave JCW as the kit name and optional components and develop a new true performance brand of factory cars similar to the M division. Heck I would buy a true M development of the Mini, as they have a proven track record of making true performance cars.</p>
<p>Right on JonPD. Why MINI Marketing decided to try and sell a JCW version as a standard looking car, and then expect owners to shell out more money making it look half decent is a big mystery.
I suspect this is the BMW philsophy of “understatement”.
If you’ve got it why not flaunt it?
The devaluation of the John Cooper Works brand would make Charles and John Cooper turn over in their graves. But as history tells us, even old BMC turned their back on John Cooper in the early 70’s and dropped the Cooper versions. It was not until John Cooper started making tuning kits himself that he was welcomed back into the fold by MG Rover Group. Deja vue?</p>
<p>I will say that as a JCW R53 owner, I’m quite interested to see what comes of this. Not to mention, I’d have been thrilled if the R53’s aero kit were updated with those fancy newfangled brake ducts, but I know I’m only dreaming as it’s so long out of production… and I like having my fog lamps, thank you, for those who were about to suggest the John Cooper Motorsport ducts. As for the steering wheel, well, I’m just straight up jealous now. I’ve been dying for that wheel ever since it launched, and one of these days it’ll be mine…</p>
<p>I miss the JCW brand as it was in 2004-2005. It was what every MINI driver wanted- your regular old car, just TONS more exciting. JCW was all about driving fun and racing pedigree, and they had a fantastic tuning kit and a range of great accessories for an already sublime car. I feel like instead of taking JCW to the next level and really making it a serious consideration for those who truly want the most from their MINIs, MINI has watered it down and made it simpler and, if anything, less appealing to the real driving enthusiast.</p>
<p>The MINI is what made me passionate about driving. After having the JCW kit installed, the driving experience became total bliss. Rev-matching is a breeze, and the acceleration is… intoxicating. When I look down and see those slash-cut tailpipes sticking out the back, or when I glance at the little logo plate on the front apron, my hair stands on end, and I’m immediately filled with pride and excitement. Why do I not get that same sense of thrill from the R56 JCW? I’m sure it’s a great car- but it’ll never be what MINI (And JCW) wanted it to be.</p>
<p>Jack, after reading your post I want to go out and locate a R53 JCW Kit. Can you even get a hold of those anymore?</p>
<p>BTW, I have a 2005 R53 S.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You CAN have the JCW and the MFSW together, even though the configurator wont let you.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yes you’ve always been able to have the JCW steering wheel and the MFSW controls together. I’ve had the combination both my ’05 R53 and ’07 R56.</p>
<p>The JCW Aero Kit has always been standard equipment on the John Cooper Works hatchback in the UK, so really they’re only adding the grille with air ducts and front splitter (which can be retrofit to existing JCW Aero Kits) and the steering wheel.</p>
<p>Jack, I can say that I hear exactly were you are coming from. I think however that as a kit the JCW brand is still relevant as the dealer kit is still I think the much more desirable car as for equal money you can have a car that may not stick with the JCW Mini on the straights but will walk away from it on the corners.</p>
<p>Just makes you wonder just how many JCW’s are sitting idle at a number of dealers. I know both my local dealers have a JCW for sale.</p>
<blockquote>the dealer kit is still I think the much more desirable car as for equal money you can have a car that may not stick with the JCW Mini on the straights but will walk away from it on the corners.</blockquote>
<p>Which is what Mini should be all about.</p>
<p>Wow! Free floor mats!</p>
<p>C4 they’re out there if you look. Heck, I’ll sell you mine for the right price (’08 AB JCW/MCSc SP,PR,CW +lots of cool pricey performance upgrades)gregzito@zitoinsurance.com</p>
<p>I meant the 2005-2008 R53 R52 S 210HP JCW Kit.</p>
<p>C4 check with your local dealer, I know mine still has the R53 JCW kit available for sale.</p>
<p>C4 that’s what the 2008 cabrio is (R52). It’s a June build and the last of the supercharged Minis. 5900 miles.210 hp.</p>
<p>Oh! I read that wrong. You meant just the kit. So sorry and good luck. Of course, with a factory JCW you get LSD and JCW brakes. The cabrio can’t get the JCW suspension but I made my own suspension upgrades.</p>
<p>I like the addition of the brake ducts, a very good idea. Kinda funny though allowing cooler brakes for later braking only to then deal with a substandard performance suspension trying to deal with the corner.</p>
<p>A funny image for sure</p>
<p>Greg, I would not mind a factory JCW R52 convertible either. :)</p>
<p>Don’t blow up C4 😉 lets do the deal!</p>
<p>i am about to take delivery of a jcw in the new midnight black.i cant friggin wait! i think the extras that come as standard r wiked and im stiking with the cross spoke 17 inch wheels but getting them spray coded for free by mini also! got a private plate im dying to put on it using the new 09 plate spelling bo09ee! see u lata chumps!!!</p>