Do Rumors of a Hot BMW 1 Series Point to a Refreshed JCW Hatch?
Recently rumors have been swirling that BMW is preparing a hot version of the new F40 1 Series specifically targeting the VW GTI. Sounds good right? Even if we in the US can’t get it we always love to see car makers take on market leaders like the GTI. Competition tends to make everyone better. But perhaps more interesting to MF readers this could point towards the long rumored refreshed JCW Hatch.
We’ve heard rumors for the past few years that BMW was developing a 260 hp version of its B48 four cylinder specifically for front wheel drive applications (they’ve offered one for years with RWD BMWs). We had assumed it would be part of a refresh for 228 hp version of the B48 we’ve seen in the JCW hatch as well as allow the lower end X1 and X2 to get power bumps. So this new rumor seems to fit in nicely with what we’ve been hearing for the past few years.
Perhaps more interesting this new hot version of the F40 1 Series sounds an awful lot like a JCW MINI to us. It’s rumored to have BMW M Aero parts, M Sport brakes, M Sport suspension, Sport Seats (almost surely taken from the JCW) and other go fast parts will make up this hot version of the 1 Series. Interestingly this will be positioned below the M135i which makes use of the JCW Clubman and Countryman 301 power plant, along with other components.
It all sounds like a compelling 1 Series, but on the smaller and much lighter JCW Hatch (800 lbs lighter) it would be outstanding. However, a word of warning. This same rumor points to the new version of the 1 Series being auto only. And given the number of JCWs sold Worldwide, BMW might not be entirely keen on engineering a manual version. We saw this same scenario play out with the JCW Clubman, Countryman and forthcoming GP3.
That of course begs a the question – would you take more power in an auto only JCW? Or would you prefer MINI to stick with 228 hp and a manual? Let us know in the comments below.
I think you have to offer the manual. The GTI does, the Civic Type R does, and now the Hyundai Veloster N does. That is the MINI JCW’s competition. To not have the manual on an enthusiasts car, when all your competition does—sounds like lost sales to me.
<p>I’m sure the auto will be an improvement with or without a manual option.</p>
<p>If the auto trans was/is as good as the sport auto gearbox in my 2019 JCW, I’d take the extra HP.</p>
<p>I agree, I have the 2017 F56 JCW with the 6 speed auto, and I have to say, its a fantastic transmission.</p>
<p>MINI USA says they’re committed to keeping a manual in the US. I hope they hold true to that statement. Having the option for either a manual or automatic JCW would be pretty great.</p>
<p>I feel like every story of a new car that interests me has a disclaimer that there won’t be a manual. It makes my current cars even more special to me and bringatrailer an even bigger obsession. It’s where all of the good cars with manuals end up it seems.</p>
<p>will take take more power (300HP+) in an auto only JCW</p>
<p>I wouldn’t buy a 260hp JCW, manual or auto. Now 300hp on the other hand…</p>