MF Exclusive: No JCW Countryman for 2012
When will the Countryman get a JCW version? It’s a frequently asked question here on MotoringFile, and we finally have an answer for you. While we don’t have specific release dates as of yet, sources at MINI have told us that the JCW Countryman will not make an appearance in model year 2012. What’s the reasoning? Because the 2013 JCW Countryman will be worth waiting for.
While that might be disappointing to many holding out for the extra grunt of the JCW, your wait will be worth it. MINI tells us that before the JCW comes to the Countryman, the engine will first undergo a refresh. Most importantly, this next generation JCW powerplant will finally bring variable valve timing to the JCW engine.
If the 2011 Cooper S engine refresh is any guide, the updated JCW engine should see a very noticeable uptick in power as well as gains in efficiency. In fact we predicted 220 hp for the JCW Countryman a few months ago based on sources and we’ll stick that figure based on what the technology brought to the Cooper S.
Is it worth the wait for a high-performance Countryman? You tell us in the comments.
<p>will this coincide with the paceman release?</p>
<p>Not sure. If I had to guess, I imagine that the new engine will simply be part of the model lineup for 2013. That includes the Paceman, but I don’t foresee the two of them launching “together” in a more meaningful sense, as that engine will be available across the lineup, at least eventually. The JCW versions of MINIs tend to lag behind the launch of the Cooper and Cooper S versions. The Coupé being a recent exception, however.</p>
<p>Nathaniel, Gabe. I’m planning on ordering a JCW Roadster when it comes out, (I’m assuming April next year, but correct me if I’m wrong), anyways, obviously I want to get it with the revised engine.Will it be availible for the roadster?</p>
<p>When the engine is revised, it will be available across the entire model range. We don’t have specific dates as to when that revision is happening, but I’d wager that it won’t by by April, but likely as part of the 2013 model year. So the soonest you’d see it is likely late summer 2012, but that’s just a guess.</p>
<p>Thanks for the great info.</p>
<p>Thanks – I can’t wait that long and will stick with my 2012 JCW Hatch with delivery ETA 2 months from now ! :-)</p>
<p>Any information about the JCW Tuning Kit (intake, exhaust, ECU) for the Countryman? Timeline? A factory JCW Countryman is great but will likely be out of my price range, the Tuning Kit is the next best option.</p>
<p>I’m interested in the JCW Engine kit as well. I have a Countryman on order and would really love another 14HP and increase in torque.</p>
<p>Booooo….</p>
<p>So no chance of the N20 then? That would be a shame. </p>
<p>I’d say 250hp is a minimum requirement for this class (AWD 5-door “hot” hatch) especially given the price point the Countryman JCW is likely to arrive at, which I’m guessing will be up in Evo/STI territory.</p>
<p>No way will it be in EVO/STI territory BMW won’t push the limits that far…as a former STI owner I can say that while Mini is known for it superior handling EVO/STI’s are just in another league of performance.</p>
<p>Price. The price will be in Evo/STI territory. No chance that performance will.</p>
<p>But by then BMW may have a nice diesel AWD ‘something’ offering in the wagon/small SUV form which’ll be close in performance and trounce it in fuel economy.</p>
<p>Yes, still waiting for the 335dxi wagon… How hard can that be?</p>
<p>Anyway, If MINI don’t solve the quality issues they have with the Countryman…they will not succeed 🙁 I own a countryman since January and I’m really disappointed by the poor quality of the paint and assembly. For a premium brand, it’s unacceptable</p>
<p>Didier, please elaborate on the problems you’ve experienced. </p>
<p>Basically, the paint is highly sensitive to scratches. I really take care of my car, and it’s the first time I have so many scratches after 9 months (I previously own Volvo, VW, BMW, Citroen …)
Regarding the assembly, I have lot’s of noises, vibrations and so on in the dashboard, the doors and the B pillar. MINI service was unable to solve those problems, even after 3 interventions.
I read on MINI2.com I’m not the only one…</p>
<p>Will there be an ALL4 JCW?</p>
<p>Simply yes. Other manufacturers are competing on many different levels and The JCW Countryman needs to be extra special.</p>
<p>Any JCW Tuning Kit planned for the Cooper S Countyrman???</p>
<p>Any thoughts on the new Mazda CX-5 Diesel which should hit about the same time? </p>
<p>these countrymen on sketch are looking great, like its a hatch. always hated that the wheels appear too small on a real life countryman because of the car size.. and the wheel arch gap is too large. </p>
<p>Why not expect a countryman with the new 2l engine of the BMW528I ?
It could provide 245 BHP … what a car !</p>
<p>What about a WRC version?</p>
<p>That would be insanely great in my opinion but now with the rumors swirling about BMW and ProDrive I’m not sure MINI will put money into such a thing (which might be a fairly niche item). I’d sure as hell buy one though!</p>
<p>It would be nice to see a Mini truck concept.</p>