2011 JCW Revealed Early
Next week we’ll be seeing the 2011 MINi range in its entirety. However today we get (another) sneak peak at the new red-roofed JCW.
What’s changing? For JCW it’s actually not that much. That means no JCW suspension, no JCW aero-kit and no unique exterior styling. However to make the model more unique MINI is offering a Chili Red Roof (potentially in place of the current black option) black and red stripes along with a black version of the 17″ JCW wheel.
Inside the car MINI will be turning to two special editions for inspiration. First up will be standard gray dials on the speedometer and tachometer reminiscent of the GP. Secondly MINI will take the black and red pipped lounge leather seats as found in the WC50 and make them an exclusive option on the 2011 JCW.
What about power? As we know MINI has added infinitely variable valve timing to the standard MCS and that has resulted in an output of around 181 hp (final US numbers are still being verified). However due to European EU5 regulations (vs EU4 which the JCW engine was designed to accommodate), MINI will not be upgrading the JCW engine in a similar way and thus we do not expect any power increases for 2011.
Image courtesy of our friends at Bigblogg
<p>I don’t really get the red roof option, it seems like it would only be passable with the black, as shown, maybe</p>
<p>Looking at the photo, does this mean no JCW airco pack?</p>
<p>EU5 regs? So a JCW will NEVER have more than 211 HP?</p>
<p>This is BS. You don’t see any other Euro car putting a cap on power. Porsche, Mercedes, BMW ect out do themselves every 3 years.</p>
<p>This looks great but as usual Mini bunts instead of homers.</p>
<p>Wonder how they’ll lame out on the twins.</p>
<p>So is the jcw aero kit standard?</p>
<p>Looks fine, but I was expecting more from mini. Just another one year until the new model i guess. They are great cars but I was hoping for some major improvements over the years in the factory jcw. It’ll be fun to see what happens with the JCW over the next couple of years.</p>
<p>I think it’s 211hp in Europe and 208hp in the US. Same engine, but the numbers convert a bit differently.</p>
<p>Here’s something I posted on North American Motoring:</p>
<p>208 hp with 192 lb-ft…</p>
<p>Interesting thing: The Press Release says “155kW/211bhp, 207hp”</p>
<p>However,</p>
<p>155kW = 210.7 metric hp and</p>
<p>155kW = 207.9 hp</p>
<p>So, with rounding up, 211 metric hp and 208 hp…</p>
<p>The EU5 regs don’t cap HP. Capping the HP is a corporate decision and is all about fleet mileage averages.</p>
<p>But I don’t see this as bad, though. Really, the car can do more than most can get out of it already thanks to a very competent chassis.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Like the red roof a lot and the dark speedo faceplate will be perfect with the refreshed black plastic centre stack… JCW cars will have the best interior of the lot, especially with anthracite roof too. Very nice.</p>
<p>Now it needs JCW suspension added. More power is the last thing the torque-steering R56 cars need… Sort handling THEN add power is the right way to do this.</p>
<p>@Don – yup it is not a power difference but a unit/rating difference.. My R53 Factory JCW similarly is 210hp in EU markets, 208hp in Canada and US market. 300hp N54 bimmers likewise are rated just over the 300 mark (303hp?) in EU.</p>
<p>So the speedo will be more like the MINI E in color than the GP.</p>
<p>JAS, NOOOOO, read the artical, they never mentioned the Mini E, they mentioned the GP. Maybe they are the same, I’ve never really looked at the Mini E. Not really interested.</p>
<p>Goat. You’re right about the suspension. Lower the car about 1 1/2″ and that will take car of most of the torque steer, what is left can be taken care of by firming up, which should be easily done in the lowering. My oldest daughter had a Dodge GLHS back in the 90’s. Talk about torque steer When you nailed the throttle on that baby, you had better have hold of the steering wheel or you were going over into the other lane.</p>
<p>Take care of the suspension, then add about 15-20 hp and just about right.</p>
<p>Jas….I just looked up the Mini E interior/center stack and if Mini/BMW is using that for the JCW gauges, I’m all for it. Especially if the improved, dark plastic is used, to me at least, really nice. In December I’ll tell you how I really like it when I get my 2011 JCW.</p>
<p>panico…paura…</p>
<p>È che il nome di queste due autos, Panico e Paura?</p>
<p>Nothing exiting from MINI since 2006…</p>
<p>The new JCW looks great in that photo with the red roof, mirrors, and pin-striped bonnet stripes. I am disappointed that there are no new changes, performance-wise, since the red detailing is something that could be easily done with vinyl during ownership. Rather than selling it as a “feature” of the 2011 JCW.</p>
<p>Well, at least there’s nothing really crazy/unique/innovative added to the 2011 JCWs to make my 2009 JCW jealous! :P</p>
<p>This is what we in the business call a “skin job”.</p>
<p>So, nothings been great since 2006, heh? You must be referring to the 2006 Mini JcW GP, right? Well, just go back and read the comments, negative that is, all about how the GP was going to be such a dissappointment. No 230 hp motor, some liked, others hated the lack of rear seats. Brakes were not good enough, interior sucked, right and that was the last great change. Well, this isn’t suppose to be a great change but a refresh, which it is. Granted, most of us wanted some performance upgrades, but at least something was done about the cheap looking center stack plastic. Some like the large speedometer, others hate it. Back in the 1st generation days, many hated that one too. Now they say how much they love it. Face it, everyone will never love everything about ANY car, including the Mini. Personally, I like the improvements and will buy one, and it will be the JCW.</p>
<p>yeah they dropped the ball on the performance upgrade which is odd on a car who’s entire selling point is performance, but I gotta say that interior is SHARP as is the black wheels and red top/mirrors.</p>
<p>On my first ’05 JCW I had jet black with black stripes which was unique showing the white outline. Looks even better in red.</p>
<p>I remain insulted that Mini expects us to believe the story about the Eurolamies preventing them from a HP bump. I’m not buying it.</p>
<p>Therefore…I’m not buying it.</p>
<p>Even a 5 HP bump (which doesn’t make much difference) would have thrilled the faithful. The decision makers at Mini puzzle me. Although ultimately it’s BMW’s call and they may not want a car that competes too closely to the i series.</p>
<p>I’d guess the 230 HP 128i is faster than a JCW. A 135i? HA!</p>
<p>Dude,
I test drove a 128i, let me tell you, a decent running Mini S has more power and feel. No comparison. Yes, probably the 135i is faster, but try and order out a 135i for less than $40K. Won’t happen. The BMW guys are begging for business. Look at their .09% deals for 60 months, there may be more to your comment there than BMW would like to make us believe. So, we (BMW) will hold back the JCW and maybe get some 135i sales that would have gone to the JCW.</p>