The 2020 JCW GP – What Do you Want to See?
Now that the 2020 JCW GP has been confirmed, our thoughts turn to what it could be. There quite a lot our sources are telling us. But we want to know what your ideal JCW GP would be. Manual or auto? Front wheel drive or all wheel dive? Two seats or four? Let’s hear your thoughts below in the comments.
For some background, here’s what our sources are telling us we’ll see in late 2019.
2020 JCW GP: The Details
The design concept we saw last year was just that. Yes we’ll see a rear spoiler that’s clearly influenced by that car, but otherwise this will be a bit more realistic than that concept. The front brakes look to be an evolution of the standard JCW set while the rear brakes look to be identical. Elsewhere we see evidence of MINI using off-the-shelf aftermarket parts (those wheels) to match the weight and aero characteristics of the final production pieces (which we’ll see in later test mules). So no, those wheels aren’t final.
2020 JCW GP: Power Figures
The MINI JCW GP has never been about power. It’s been a lightweight two door hatch track weapon that is meant to cater to those looking for feedback and responsiveness. For the 3rd generation GP, MINI is keeping that formula intact with one major addition: an enormous increase in power.
Sources in the know have told us that MINI is targeting 280 hp out of a modified 2.0L JCW engine (with torque figures likely approaching 300. That figure coupled with a modest weight reduction will make this far and away the fastest MINI of all time.
Let’s think about that for a moment. The previous JCW GP made do with 208 HP and felt plenty quick. 280 hp not only makes this the fastest MINI ever. It will truly be in another league than previous quick MINIs.
2020 JCW GP: Suspension and Differential
In the past MINI has been reluctant to offer that much power due to torque steer. According to sources, that opinion has shifted. Engineers are confident that they can limit torque steer with a new and highly advanced torque vectoring system that will be much quicker and more aggressive than DTC currently found in JCWs.
It doesn’t end there. MINI is also working on a mechanical differential as part of this package. The combination will be similar to the MK2 Ford RS in its approach and should allow power to hit the ground aggressively without the car pulling the steering wheel out of your hand.
Similar to the previous JCW GP, this new GP will have a fully adjustable coil-over (likely Ohlins) suspension that will allow for the driver to tailor the car for the track or road.
2020 JCW GP: Transmissions
It’s becoming increasingly clear that MINI will opt for an automatic (better for the track) over the traditional 6 speed manual (better for driver involvement). Clearly our preference would be for the latter but MINI may face some hurdles in that choice. For one the Asian market doesn’t buy manuals, making the GP a non-starter in places like China. Secondly the European market is quickly looking at manuals in performance cars as antiquated. The BMW M2 for instance has a 70/30 DCT/manual split in markets such as Germany (it’s closer to 50/50 in the US).
On one hand we think there’s an opportunity for MINI to own the enthusiast market with this car by offering a manual only. Making that a barrier of entry creates mystique to a car that should have one. It also suits the MINI character. On the other an automatic (especially the 8 speed) tuned correctly would give The GP better performance and allow the power to be much more accessible with proper launch control.
2020 JCW GP: The Look
While not quite as aggressive as the concept, we do expect it to look a bit more aggressive than the test mule above. Look for an aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser along with the giant rear wing seen above. Unfortunately that means those lovely boxed fenders are out. Also unlike the concept, MINI intends on having a full finished interior (there will not be bare metal) but don’t expect rear seats.
2020 JCW GP: Pricing and Release
The good news is that you have time to save. The bad news is that you have a full two years to save. According to our sources the JCW GP will be released in late 2019 as a 2020 model. Options will be limited and the stock configuration will likely include several premium options (such as Nav XL).
Sources have told us that pricing should be near 42.000€. We’re not going to bother translating that into a US market price because EU pricing is a bit more complicated than that. However we would expect the JCW GP to be priced over $45,000 USD.
Like previous GPs, this new car will be limited in production. Worldwide MINI is planning on making 3,000 units.
<p>It’s more than likely going to be the next car I purchase. But only if it is stick shift. I’ll only drive a stick.</p>
<p>I think they got the spec right, especially if it includes a real LSD and close to 300 HP. The wing I can live without, but that’s just me. While I personally like the manual, either a well-tuned automatic or DCT is a better choice (although offering a manual option would be nice).</p>
<p>Interesting that there are those that will stick with manual transmissions to the end. Looking at high end exotics supercars, my guess is most are automatics of various types. Even most, if not all US muscle cars, have moved in that direction. The automatics of today are quicker off the line & more fuel efficient than the manuals in most cases.
I have the 8 speed auto with paddles on my Countryman S All4 after having the 6 speed auto on a MCS 4 door hatch, and manuals on a JCW Coupe and MCS hatch. Have enjoyed all. When needed on hilly winding roads, I use the manual and sport modesworks fine for me!
Bob Lavoie/Grayghost</p>
<p>I think for most it is less about the quickness off the line and fuel savings and more about the feeling of driving a manual car. Before my MINI I had only driven a standard transmission car one time and it was a disaster. After having owned two MINIs, I would never even think about buying an automatic.</p>
<p>The moment you choose to drive a manual car is just the beginning of good automatic transmissions, that give today as much pleasure …if not more :)</p>
<p>It’s all about control. I don’t care about saving gas or quicker off the line, I like to be able to pick a gear and shift to it. Also, another quirk is that you never have to worry about being guilted into lending your car to someone who can’t drive: “Oh you can’t drive stick? Sorry!”</p>
<p>-300hp taken from X2 M35i
-DCT with manual shifting
-Selectable AWD
-4seats with a rear seat deleting option similar to Dodge’s
-Body colored front bumber. The black section is ugly.
-no mid resonator</p>
<p>According to Autocar’s News editor, Lawrence Allan, lots of purists are up in arms because the new eighth generation 911 won’t be available to order with manual transmission for another twelve months. “Perhaps those purists should put their money where their mouth is? Over 85% of 911s globally are sold with a PDK Dual Clutch transmission” he said.</p>
<p>He could well be speaking about JCW GP purists. With 280hp and only 2WD, I suspect the JCW GP – despite having a mechanical differential – would be a bit of a handful with manual transmission, but will BMW sanction 280hp?</p>