Sometimes we’re happy to say we got it wrong. Yesterday we wrote that MINI had decided to drop the JCW engine kit for the 2011 model year because it would raise power figures too close to the 208 hp factory JCW car. Apparently between the time we had heard the info and yesterday there was a change of heart and the JCW engine kit is back. In fact it’s not only back but it’s been upgraded for the N18 engine (the code-name for the refreshed MCS powerplant). The upgrade lies solely in the engine management software and it will be paired with the same JCW components from the original version of the kit (air filter, exhaust, exhaust tips and badges).

Power will increase from 189 hp to 195 hp over last year’s kit and torque will remain unchanged at 184lb-ft between 1700-5500rpm and about 200lb-ft between1800 to 5000 rpm with overboost. In total that means you’re getting a 14 hp gain plus a serious torque boost – identical to what the kit offered previously

Here are the official MINI USA part number:

– R55/R57 produced after 8/10: 11 12 2 208 028
– R55 produced after 8/10: 11 12 2 209 094

Pricing and availability will be closer to launch however we expect the former to be nearly unchanged at aproximately $2,000.