The MINI JCW In Detail

The 2015 MINI JCW is arriving at dealers as we speak and on paper it’s exactly what we at MF have hoped for since the brand’s inception. From the early years as a bolt-on kit to the never fully realized R56 JCW, the brand has had plenty of promise but never quite a cohesive statement (outside of the limited edition GPs). However the F56 JCW marks the brand’s first car that might just fulfill the brand’s promise. The only question left in our mind is if it goes far enough? That’s a question we won’t have an answer to until we get behind the wheel for a full test this summer. In the meantime we urge you to do two things. First keep reading. Second head to your local MINI dealer and test drive one. Third tell us about your experience in the comments. Now, onto why this JCW may just be “it.”
At $30,600 the JCW is, on paper, more impressive from a price vs performance metric than anything from the brand before. But it’s not just the 0-60 time that will define success for the JCW. For too long these cars haven’t felt exclusive enough. With the F56 JCW MINI has sought to change that. To start with the JCW has two featured colors, Chili red and Rebel green with the latter being 100% exclusive.
Starting in the front, the aerokit on the factory JCW is indeed subtly unique to the one available as an after sales accessory. There’s the red accent line across the grill for starters. But it’s the lack of foglights and the grills in their place that are more interesting to us. While the right grill is simply a blanking plate, the left is an air intake that leads to an additional radiator. This allows the engine to remain cool while running hotter churning out 228 hp and 236 ft-lbs. Early performance figures show some real improvements – 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 Seconds for the auto and 6.1 seconds for the manual. Elasticity has also been improved by 10 percent with a figure of 5.6 seconds for acceleration from 50 to 75 mph
The 17″ standard and 18″ optional JCW wheels are all unfortunately available to Cooper and Cooper S buyers along with the optional JCW Exterior package. This robs the JCW of more visual exclusivity while spreading the JCW look to the entire range. The one unique aspect of the JCW wheels (whether they’re on a real JCW or not) is that they bow outward in order for the four-pot front calipers to fit behind them. This in turn has dictated that the plastic wheel arches are subtly extended to fully cover the wider wheels.
Another detail on the JCW that might not get noticed is the side sill which is more aggressive than the stock Cooper or Cooper S design. This is thankfully done without resorting to the vulgarity of a faux air intake as the previous two MINI kits have had.
Around back the rear bumper isn’t quite what we saw on the JCW concept last year with its faux diffuser. That’s saved for the JCW Pro Aero Kit. However MINI promises that the Pro’s rear trim can be retrofitted to the factory JCW easily.
The exhaust on the JCW is different from the standard MCS and is designed to mate with the higher output engine and allow for freer breathing. However it isn’t quite as feature packed or even made as bespoke in construction as the JCW after-sales exhaust. Case in point the standard exhaust that comes with the JCW doesn’t have the electronically controlled flap that allows the driver to reduce or increase exhaust noise at will. That said MINI has assured us that the accessory exhaust should ultimately be able to be retrofitted on the factory JCW.
The stock suspension on JCW is identical to the sport suspension on the MCS. This makes is 30% stiffer than the stock MCS suspension (which is offered on the JCW as a no cost option). As expected the optional variable dampers are also available and are again identical to the MCS.
Why didn’t MINI go more aggressive? For one the sport suspension standard on the JCW already is quite stiff for everyday driving. But the real reason is the customer. According to MINI’s internal customer data, many owners who buy the JCW aren’t looking for the unilateral track car but instead are wanting the fastest and best MINI they can buy without sacrificing comfort. However for those wanting the ultimate factory track weapon, MINI will offer a fully adjustable JCW suspension as a dealer or port install. This suspension incidentally is similar to the R56 GP’s set-up.
The JCW’s engine, while labeled as a different power unit as the MCS is in truth quite similar. The turbo is different and designed for more output and to run hotter (which in turn is cooled by the extra radiator in the lower left side of front bumper). The pistons are also revised coated differently than those on the MCS. There are other physical differences but this engine’s headline story is the power and torque – 228 hp and 236 ft-lbs.
Braking is substantially improved over the previous JCW with a Brembo four-pot set-up in the front. Combined with much larger front rotors the surface area increase should allow for more stopping power and less fade at high temperature conditions (i.e. at the track).
Inside MINI has given the JCW unique seats with higher levels of bottom and side bolstering along with a unique standard Alcantara, leather and fabric trim. The seats feature a single piece back that both saves incremental weight and also seems to allow for room for helmets. The JCW seats are standard as are LED headlights.
Elsewhere MINI has added graphics that correspond with RPM levels around the center display. Additionally there’s the JCW steering wheel, shift knob and slightly revised speedometer and rev counter.
The option that a lot of you will be talking about are the JCW gauge cluster that takes the place of the also option heads-up display. The gauges are (from left to right) oil pressure, boost and a stop-watch. While we love the idea it’s worth mentioning that the gauges very slightly impede on visibility near the top of the hood and also make it impossible to opt for the optional heads-up display.
It’s hard to make any assumptions at this point. We know that the JCW is faster and more focused than any standard JCW model before and yet only costs $30,600 – $500 more than the 2013 model. But how does it compare to the revised F56 MCS not to mention competition from VW, Ford and the like? And what does this thing weigh compared to the already spelt MCS? These are questions that will have to wait until when we get behind the wheel in a few weeks.
28 Comments
<p>What’s the point of the hood scoop if they are now blocking it off with a piece of solid plastic?</p>
<p>It’s just there for looks now and the plug is to keep drag low. Air is drawn from a high pressure area at the top of the radiator cowling. Personally I would rather they ditch the scoop and add a prominent power bulge like on the Countryman.</p>
<p>My point exactly. Still too much fake elements in the design. The front is awful (especially the lower section), and the exterior in general is without statement. Almost indifferent. They have more or less just thrown in a red roof, hoping this will make a difference.
I think the problem right now is the current BMW design philosophy that is casting a negative spell into the Mini design department. It should really be sufficient that BMW is the leader (together with Audi) in conservative design. Even Mercedes has understood (and profitably so) that daring design pays these days. A hedging strategy for BMW should hence have been to “go it” with Mini and use it like “a market bet”, so that no matter what the market design preferences actually is, they would still make it with one brand. Instead they are placing all their design eggs in the same basket.</p>
<p>Just to re-iterate; obviously BMW seems to understand this very point themselves: <a href="http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/bmw/bmw-3-series-2018-next-three-codenamed-g20-revealed/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/bmw/bmw-3-series-2018-next-three-codenamed-g20-revealed/</a></p>
<p>“It should really be sufficient that BMW is the leader”</p>
<p>Couldn’t agree more.</p>
<p>The F56’s sheet metal creases, clipped fender arches and the tuck above the rockers demonstrate BMW’s influence to my eye. And then there’s the interior.</p>
<p>A firmer wedge between the two departments would suit me more. But I don’t imagine that all this will hurt MINI materially, though.</p>
<p>” to the already spelt MCS?” Svelte?</p>
<p>It is quite a light car, in any case lighter than R53/56</p>
<p>I was reacting to the spelling error.</p>
<p>I really want this car, but I need to wait until GP3.</p>
<p>Still happy with my F56S which includes the John cooper works interior package and rear spoiler, 17 in.wheels……and plenty of power to have some everyday fun</p>
<p>Same here. After 2 R56S’, the F56S is a much better car, in all aspects.</p>
<p>Likewise with my F55S with the JCW interior package, spoiler, 17″ wheels etc….have had it for nearly 5 months. It’s great in my daily driving as well as my recent MOTD trip where I kicked it up a notch or two on the Dragon!!! Only one negative…the smaller fuel tank compared to the R series.</p>
<p>You are right about the fuel tank..I’ve been averaging bet 32-34 mpg..with a pretty mixed bag of driving..freeway,city,sport and mid range. I usually fill up about 260 miles.Probably go to around 285 but I don’t like to run the tank too low</p>
<p>Getting 32-34 MPG on your F56S for mixed driving sounds real good. My mixed local driving on my F55S with auto trans/paddles, is about 30-31 MPG in mostly Green mode…maybe 25% Normal/Sport modes. Do about 70% in the suburbs & 30% hwy. Also keep the engine in the start/stop mode for those traffic lights, stop signs.
On my recent trip to the MOTD event on mainly 70 MPH Interstate, I got near 38 MPG mainly in Green mode keeping it no faster than 75 MPH (a few peaks to 80)….& that was with 2 aboard & a loaded with luggage & other misc needing to have the rear seats down. Very satisfied with that mileage in this 2900+ lb 4 door.
But, just like you, by the time I’m up around 250-270 miles for local mixed driving, I’m starting to look for a fill up. I’ve heard someone mention that perhaps the reduced size of the tank in the new F series is to allow a specific amount of ‘crush’ space between the tank & the rear bumper for safety measures. Why else would MINI/BMW have to reduce the tank size by around 2 gals U.S.?</p>
<p>I’ve also got the auto with paddle shifters. Will be taking a trip down to Southern Ca. From San Francisco Bay Area next week.Will be my first lengthy trip..haven’t reached 4000 miles yet and I’ve been driving it since Dec 28. Anyway, looking fwd to seeing what kinda mileage I get on the interstate. ENJOY!</p>
<p>I have about 5400 on my F55S since I took delivery on Dec 31st. But those miles included an 800+ mile round trip from the Tampa area where I live to Hilton Head Island, S.C. in Feb & the 1200+ mile round trip to the MOTD event 3 weeks ago.
My 1st 2 MINIS (08 R56S & ’12 JCWCoupe) both had manual, but I decided to go with the auto/paddles on my new 4 door for convenience as well as the better mileage/performance figures compared to the manual. How times have changed due to technology!!</p>
<p>Nice photo Bob. Hey did you happen to get the sunroof in yours? I’ve never had a car with a tinted glass sunroof….it really tends to keep temps a little too warm for me….but if I close the shade I don’t get as much airflow from it obviously. I like keeping it tilted open. Anyway, knowing what I do now might steer me away from a glass sunroof in the future.</p>
<p>No…don’t have the sunroof on my F55S. Here in Florida where it’s hot & sticky more often than cool & dry, I would seldom use the sunroof in the open position. Plus it adds more weight. I think the F55S is already at least 150 lbs heavier than the F56S…about 2910 lbs with the auto trans per the added length.</p>
<p>One factory change that would make the JCW a bit more disirable is to change the stock 17 inch rims into sportier ones. I saw the car at the dealer with the standard 17 rims and they optical look like 16 inch rims you expect on a One or a Cooper</p>
<p>While I don’t think that the JCW formula has changed that significantly over the prior generation, this car is definitely a step forward mechanically.</p>
<p>One spefic comment sticks out however. You applaud “the vulgarity of faux air intake” being removed from the side skirts. Yet this car is still loaded with them. It’s one of the defining visual characteristics of this car, from the faux hood scoop, to the non-functional vent on the lower right front bumper, to the 4 non-functional vents on the rear bumper.</p>
<p>One of the reasons we find the Superlegerra Vision and Clubman Concept so visually appealing is the lack of these superfluous non-function vents. Let’s hope that the LCI will bring some restraint and simplicity to these design details.</p>
<p>I went to my local dealer, on Saturday and looked at the new JCW that they had there. I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. Granted, it still has the catfish lower grill, but it’s kinda growing on me now. The quality of the interior, much better, and the steering wheel seems better than my r59 JCW. I can’t believe how automakers today are covering up the motor, hard to tell if there really is an engine in there.</p>
<p>The car looks good, could there be some improvements? Yes, for me would be bumming it up to 250 hp, and don’t tell me that front wheel drive won’t handle it, Ford sure did it. The JCW does need a real limited slip drive, and maybe like Corvette, a 7-speed manual. Plus, why does MINI seem to think that all new colors need an additional $500. on the ticket? And then they take away the lower priced BRG ll and Lightening Blue. And, the Rebel Green isn’t even a metallic color.</p>
<p>For me to buy this? I’m still on the fence between this and the BMW 228i M-Sport. BMW seems to have a much better lease deal to get costs per month down. My wife thinks the BMW is better, I’m still on the fence. January will be decision time for me.</p>
<p>I think this is a definite step forward in many ways from the R56 JCW…and I love mine. That said, I’d really love if MINI could massage those fenders quite bit more and give the JCW a noticeably wider track (ala ///M).</p>
<p>The new JCW fascia has grown on me considerably but the gleeful squinty emoji headlights still rub me the wrong way but I’m sure I could get used to them in time.</p>
<p>In my opinion, the new interior is a HUGE improvement over previous generations but I thing they really messed up with the armrest. It really kills the ergonomics/function when trying to reach/operate the Nav controls…it’s either too long or to high up or both…not sure but it’s awkward to say the least. Still, I’m sure I could learn to deal with it. Comparatively, I would still argue that for the price that the JCW interior still lags behind that of a similarly equipped GTI.</p>
<p>All and all its a solid step forward despite any minor misgivings I may have.</p>
<p>Just to get off the Nitpick Bandwagon for a moment: this is one of the very few distinctive designs on the road. I would love to own one — for the looks, for the fun.</p>
<p>2015 MINI JCW vs. Cooper S Tuning KIT – SOUND battle</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnJ6wIXSZuM" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnJ6wIXSZuM</a></p>
<p>Oh that just sounds naughty… :D</p>
<p>Mark VII Golf R – 1
F56 JCW – 0</p>
<p>your comment comes with a decided lack of amplifying information; how so?</p>
<p>One minor correction: ONLY the JCW alloy wheels (both 17″ Track Spoke and 18″ Cup Spoke) are bowed out to clear the Brembo brakes. If you order a Cooper S with the JCW Exterior Kit, the wheels are flat in profile. Since the tire sizes and rim width are the same, it makes the JCW look a bit odd to me. There is a huge visual difference between my 18″ Cup Spoke wheels (2015 Cooper S JCW Pro Kit) and the ones on my buddy’s 2015 JCW when side by side, or more evident when looking at the vehicle from behind.</p>