A Sneak Peek at the Clubman JCW Package
The JCW Clubman is coming. But not today. And not even this year. However what will be available from launch is the JCW exterior package which will include the JCW aerokit and 19″ JCW wheels. Today we get our first preview of that via MINI.de’s terrible online configurator.
The JCW exterior package will consist of aero kit, 18″ JCW wheels (with 19s optional), JCW spoiler, white turn signals and performance control. The JCW Interior package will also be available at launch with Sport seats, JCW stainless steel pedals, JCW sills, JCW shift knob and the always appreciated anthracite headliner.
What about the full JCW? We broke the news that MINI was developing an all wheel drive JCW Clubman (and Countryman) with upwards of 300 hp almost a year ago. The plan is to use a high output (figures are obviously very tentative at this point) for these cars as size and weight will increase over their predecessors. Nevertheless the power to weight ratio could be the best of any MINI to date. Coupled with the traction of all wheel drive these larger JCW models could be the fastest MINIs to date.
In the meantime we’ll have this JCW exterior and interior package to tide us over. Look for the final Clubman JCW to look much like what you see above but with larger air-intakes in place of front foglights.
<p>Believe you meant Sneak “Peek” (not Peak)…</p>
<p>Motoringfile refuses to be limited by proofreading.</p>
<p>Sources are now saying that the F54 Clubman JCW will use the same engine as the F56 JCW. On the one hand this is very disappointing news, but on the other hand it’s difficult to argue with the sound business case behind this. The F54 Clubman JCW underpinnings – platform, suspension, engine and gearbox – are effectively already in production beneath the F45 BMW 225i xDrive Active Tourer.</p>
<p>The official performance figures for the F45 225i xDrive – heavier than the F54 Clubman and only available with 8-speed auto – are 0-62mph (0-100kph) 6.4secs, Top speed 147mph. It would be reasonable to assume that the F54 JCW, using the same engine, would improve on the above figures, in view of its lower body weight.</p>
<p>A hybrid Clubman, using the 1.5 triple to drive the front wheels, and a powerful electric motor to drive the rear wheels is planned, and will then become the top performing Clubman, justifying its higher price.</p>
<p>So BMW can engineer an electric motor and a highly complex dual drive system for this platform, but a little tune on the existing JCW motor was too much to ask? This is either a marketing decision, or they are holding out for later in the F54 life cycle to give it a power bump (which is a typical BMW tactic).</p>
<p>It’s a hierarchy thing. All F-series MINIs are effectively BMWs under the skin, but the MINI sibling will always be the smaller of the two, and will not be allowed to ‘upstage’ its BMW sibling.</p>
<p>SO glad to see it doesn’t have a fat lip…</p>
<p>I’m looking forward to seeing whatever materializes….. I’m hopeful that in year 2 of production of the JCW Clubman I will be a buyer (after all of the early bugs are worked out, because every car has them).</p>
<p>JCW JCW JCW JCW JCW JCW!!! How many years must we wait? Ugh…</p>
<p>Next year.</p>
<p>I know it’s bigger…….but this car with JCW package has the best looking front end of any MINI since the first generation.</p>
<p>Just hope they can figure a way to hide the crossbeam bumper on the full JCW version. Now that would look good.</p>
<p>I’m unclear. Will AWD only be offered in JCW or is it an option for regular S as well.</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>I saw this kit at a sneak preview this week. It is very understated as the pictures show. It’s just the front and rear bumpers with no side skirts. The 19″ wheels look nice though.</p>
<p>My wife just test drove a Cooper S 4 door this weekend and loved it. I want her to wait for the Clubman S. The salesman said the Clubman wouldn’t be out until fall of next year (2016) which is different from what I’ve read here and on other places on the internet. Does anyone have a good idea of when the Clubman S, Clubman JCW and AWD will be out? Next fall is when I’d be looking to purchase and a 300hp Clubman AWD would really fit the bill.</p>
<p>The Clubman will be out early 2016 in the US.</p>