The 2015 MINI JCW Set to Debut in December
For several years MINI has been working on how to properly position the JCW sub-brand now that they have full access to BMW technology. The first glimpse into these efforts will be the internet debut of the 2015 MINI F56 JCW in December followed by the public debut in Detroit this January. The first JCW of MINI’s new era will pack the B48B20O0 2.0L four cylinder that will have an output of around 230 hp and torque over 255 ft lbs. With weight around 2,800 lbs this would give the 2015 JCW the best power to weight ratio of any MINI ever – by healthy margin.
Performance
The B48B20O0 will be the same engine that BMW will install in the 225i AT – aka the higher-end front wheel drive BMW due in 2015. Sources tell us however that the character of both engines will be quite different given very unique engine mapping and electronics. In other words the BMW will e about effortless performance where the MINI will be more raucous in character.
But fast MINIs have rarely been dominated by the engine and the 2015 F56 JCW will be no exception. The new JCW will feature a revised suspension which will allow for less body roll and ultimately even more feel through the wheel. However the biggest upgrade beyond the power for track junkies will be the brakes which feature larger rotors, calipers and a more aggressive pad compound.
The Look
What you see above is what you’ll get. Minus some stickers and the extra coat of paint on the wheels. Look for 17″ wheels standard with 18s optional. The areo-kit will be a tweaked version of the JCW aero-kit that’s hitting showrooms as we speak. All told the F56 JCW will be a much more unique looking MINI than any previous JCWs save the GPs.
The Timeline
While the JCW will debut at NAIAS in early January, we won’t see the JCW hit showrooms until March throughout Europe and late Spring in the North American market. Pricing should be consistent with the previous generation JCW albeit with a substantial performance boost making it a bit more or a financially interesting prospect.
<p>“The Look: What you see is what you get”</p>
<p>I assume that does not include the hand-polished paint that appeared on the concept, and the photos above, correct?</p>
<p>“The Bright Highways Grey exterior paint shade owes its expressive character to a special manufacturing process. The hand-polished surface layer is finished with a clear coat and the resulting lustrous sheen of the paintwork further accentuates the eye-catching structures of its pigment layer.”</p>
<p>Still hoping they will make an F55 version…</p>
<p>Of course they will. MINI has offered a JCW variant on every model since the R50. They’ll happily put the JCW stamp on any product, even those which are not a JCW ;)</p>
<p>Don’t be so sure this strategy will continue.</p>
<p>I would welcome any sign of restraint with the use of the JCW logo (same goes for ///M) however the JCW interior package is already on the F55 configurator. Surely the full JCW will follow.</p>
<p>Perhaps the strategy will evolve with future products (iCountryman, Clubman, etc) but don’t yet see any indication of a change.</p>
<p>@gbridger:disqus That is my concern however I have been told it is NOT off the table. I do think the F55 will be one of the top sellers so offering one more option may prove beneficial.</p>
<p>@johnmclauchlan:disqus You make a great point, I personally do not see the need for every model (Paceman) to have a JCW version but being a bit selfish here :-)</p>
<p>Will this come with an option of having a tail pipe/exhaust that looks like an empty beer can like a riced up mid 90’s Honda Civic?</p>
<p>This post is more evidence of why I am The Car Expert.</p>
<p>I thought the inspiration for the R53 tail pipes was a beer can.</p>
<p>perhaps but I am referring to the huge, giant, single, empty beer can look like a mid 90’s Honda Civic may have with other riced out attributes.</p>
<p>“right” as always</p>
<p>You’re correct. Don’t feed the troll.</p>
<p>I really wish the JCW would be more aggressive and stand visually apart more. Ok we have the usually redesigned front and rear clips but I would really like more flared wheel arches instead of the dainty add on lips, wider wheels and rocker panels. Just something a bit more hooligan.</p>
<p>Damn! Of course this car WILL BE AWESOME. You all can thank me because I just picked up a ’15 JCW Coupe (R58) over the weekend.</p>
<p>I am <em>NOT</em> The Car Expert</p>