We’re Picking up Our 301 HP JCW Clubman and Heading to the Dragon
This week we pick up our new 2020 301 hp JCW Clubman. But that’s just one of three reasons we’re massively excited. We’re doing it at the BMW Performance Center where we’ll have a chance to hit the track in MINI’s first 300 hp car and see what it’s truly capable of. Finally we’ll be taking it back home to Chicago via a massive trip that will include one of the best roads in the world, the Tail of the Dragon.
As always we’ll be taking you along with us via updates on MF and on Instagram. But before we get there let’s talk about what we’re giving up and getting. Yes we’re trading our manual JCW Countryman in for a much faster and much less manual JCW Clubman. We’ve reported all year about of love of the JCW Countryman despite its flawed manual transmission. It will be missed but we’d be lying if we didn’t say 301 hp in a daily driver doesn’t sound exciting to us.
The B48 engine at the heart of our new Clubman is a monster. Technically known as the B48A20T1, this four cylinder turbo not only delivers 301 hp but an astonishing 331 lb-ft @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm. To go from 228 to 301, this new version of the B48 features a number of physical changes over the 228 hp JCW version we know. Reinforced crankshaft, larger main bearings and new pistons fitted with a reduced compression ratio (9.5:1 vs 10.2:1) all allows for a larger turbocharger and increased boost. The intake airflow tract is also improved on the B48A20T1 for higher flow while the cooling system has been upgraded to keep it all at a proper operating temperature. That last bit will be crucial for all those looking to track this engine.
And yes, you can definitely feel the difference. In our early (albeit brief) tests the extra power transforms the JCW Clubman into what we’ve always wanted it to be. But that’s getting ahead of ourselves. Next week will offer us a chance to truly see what the combination of the 8 Speed auto, AWD and 301 hp will do for the Clubman.
Let’s Talk Specifications.
Rebel Green again. This will be our third MINI with the JCW exclusive color and we couldn’t be happier. Outside of a few special hues from BMW M and Porsche, Rebel Green is simply our favorite color in the autotmoiae world right now. Almost black in some conditions, it’s subtle yet distinctly different on second glance. What isn’t subtle will be the Chili Red top – our first on a MINI.
The overall spec is pretty simple – Iconic trim with a few added tweaks to keep things well simple (albeit well specced). Here’s a quick look at how are car is equipped:
Exterior:
– Color: John Cooper Works Rebel Green Body Color Chili Red Roof/Mirrors
– Wheels: 18″ JCW Grip Spoke Black Wheels
Interior:
– JCW Leather Steering Wheel w/Multifunction Multifunction Steering wheel
– MINI Yours Interior Style: Piano Black Illuminated No Chrome Line Interior Trim
– Anthracite Headliner Dinamica/Leather: Carbon Black John Cooper Works Sport Seats 40/20/40 Folding Rear – – Seat Heated Front Seats
Options:
– Dynamic Damper Control/Sport Suspension
– 8.8″ Touchscreen Navigation Display MINI Navigation
– MINI Head-Up Display
– Active Driving Assistant
– Parking Assistant
– Comfort Access System
– Front & Rear Park Distance Control
– Driver Assistance Package
– Wired Charging & Enhanced Bluetooth Apple CarPlay Compatibility
– Harman/Kardon Sound System
– SiriusXM Satellite Radio
– Universal Garage Door Opener with Compass Panoramic Moonroof
– Piano Black Exterior
– LED Headlights with Cornering Lights
– Auto-Dimming Interior & Exterior Mirrors
– Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror Powerfolding Mirrors
– Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps Ambient Lighting
The only thing we missed are the gorgeous new 19” wheels that are optional on the JCW Clubman and Countryman. Unfortunately they weren’t available at the time of ordering. Otherwise what we have here is a
$47,250 car with more options than our Countryman for $1,500 less. Some of you might gasp at that number but the 300 hp figures changes the equation a bit. Looking around it’s hard to find a well designed, impeccably built and performance driven family car for under $50k – especially one with 300 hp and a true brand heritage.
Look for plenty of updates throughout the week as we get behind the wheel at the track and on the road.
<p>Looking forward to hearing about the new Clubman.</p>
<p>While you are in the area (I’m from Knoxville), be sure to check out the Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherhola Skyway.</p>
<p>If you are around downtown Knoxville, Stock and Barrel has amazing burgers.</p>
<p>you’re gonna love it!! i’m so in love with my Clyde i just got last thursday and have 300 miles on. he’s a 2020 JCW CTM, went from my Bonnie an R58 S to him and wow!! that power and torque.. and i’ve been babying him until break-in’s done, 1200miles. can’t wait for the upcoming articles!!</p>
<p>I’m awaiting my ordered 2020 JCW F60 silver-ghost (melting silver metallic) which is still very early in its build process…probably won’t reach my dealer until well into Dec. I’ll be going from my existing S F60 All4, which will up my HP by 102 & torque by even more. Also had one of those R58 JCW Coupe awhile back which was my fastest MINI ever.</p>
<p>OMG!!!! yea… wow!!! you will not be disappointed.. seriously.. the power in the new 2020 JCW Countrymans make it so much fun.. and the build quality.. yea.. feels like its an actual BMW and not a mini.. but thankfully it keeps all the MINI dna we love.. burples and pops.. oh yea.. just need to put 400 miles on him.. ;)</p>
btw.. a quick tour of my baby.. 😉 i know i was searching for 2020 JCW Countryman vids every day while i was waiting.. got a good burple pop one too <a href="https://youtu.be/n9p1Xw3o1Ck" rel="nofollow ugc">https://youtu.be/n9p1Xw3o1Ck</a>
<p>I decided to go for the red roof, mirrors, & stripes with the melting silver metallic body..also grip spoke silver wheels. Have added the options of black out head light/tail light rings, & door handles. Also from another source to add black out outer grill trim over the existing chrome and replacement all black hood & hatch winged MINI logo.</p>
<p>Just watched the video of your new blue JCW CM. Sharp! Re the blackout waist line, did you do that yourself with the applied black tape that can be had from some MINI sources like Outmotoring? That’s where I got some black out items re the winged hood & hatch logos, outer black trim for the grill (outside the red trim).</p>
<p>Other black out re the head lights, tail lights, & door handles are to be added as dealer installed options. Your wheel appear to be the black versions of the silver ones I selected. Usually go for black wheels but those silver ones seems to complement the melting silver body. Have the power seats on my current S CM but decided to go for the Carbon Black Dinamica/Leather JCW Sport seats this time which are not powered. Really like the look of of those. Also saves a bit of weight versus the powered ones. Otherwise, I probably have just about all the options available.</p>
<p>yes, i did the beltline myself w/the matte black tape from outmotoring. the hardest parts were the curves but well worth it!!</p>
<p>nice!! sounds like you have a very fun and awesome build too!!! so excited for ya!! be sure to post some pics once you get your new beast :)</p>
On the 2020 JCW CTM (silverghost) that I have on a build order, I also selected a ‘delete’ of the moonroof since, on my past 2 MINIS, I had a sunroof & over 6+ years, I don’t think I used it more than 5 times. Don’t know how much the moonroof on the CTM weighs compared to not having one, but I would assume it’ll save a bit of weight. Anyone have info on that topic?
<p>On the 2020 JCW CTM (silverghost) that I have on a build order, I also selected a ‘delete’ of the moonroof since, on my past 2 MINIS, I had a sunroof & over 6+ years, I don’t think I used it more than 5 times. Don’t know how much the moonroof on the CTM weighs compared to not having one, but I would assume it’ll save a bit of weight. Anyone have info on that topic?</p>
<p>i was in the opposite boat as you and didn’t have a sunroof for the last 6 years since the R58s didn’t have the option but really missed the extra light.. 😉 i would guess the sunroof delete would be a good 50lbs if not more saved on weight. pure guessing on my end… 😉 (ie too lazy to google hehe)</p>
<p>I’ve read that a regular sunroof can add 50-80 lbs to the weight of a vehicle & some large moonroofs can double that weight….all of it where added weight just puts more weight where it isn’t needed…raising the center of gravity on the vehicle.</p>
<p>For that reason as well as seldom using the sunroofs/moonroofs on my former vehicles made me decide on that delete on my ordered upcoming 2020 JCW CM. Could also add a tad better mileage, handling, & performance, even if minuscule.</p>
<p>You talk of the weight like you’re buying a Caterham 😉
The sunroof represents an extra weight of only 1.35%, and the center of gravity is already very high;)</p>
<p>Look forward to the updates on all the platforms. I don’t know if I can give up the manual in my 17 but the lower sure is tempting. Looks like you didn’t get the cloth seats, I agree that they are wonderful. But the 2020 cars seem to have spruced up contrast coloring on the interiors now that loom sharp.</p>
Also from Knoxville area! Live near 129! If you are near the airport and would like a tour of Cirrus Aircraft – please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Also from Knoxville area! Live near 129! If you are near the airport and would like a tour of Cirrus Aircraft – please don’t hesitate to reach out!
<p>Also from Knoxville area! Live near 129! If you are near the airport and would like a tour of Cirrus Aircraft – please don’t hesitate to reach out!</p>
<p>I’m sorry, but $47,250 for a Mini is just way to much. I don’t care how much horsepower they throw at it, this is simply to much to charge for a very compact car, with so many quirky details. An infotainment screen with rounded corners? A British flag pattern in the rear tail lights? A non-functional hood scoop? A custom 3D printed plaque for your glove box? Mini has just gotten way to cute, and in my opinion, have lost their sense of design and purpose.</p>
<p>You can get a Golf R for $40K, a GTI Autobahn Edition for $32K, or even a base GTI for about $27K, or nearly $20K less that this Mini. I love Mini’s, and have owned several, but current pricing and design sensibility has just soured me on the brand.</p>
<p>not really if you crosshop it with actual BMW X1s and X2s like i did w/my countryman but i get it.. the new clubman and countryman are basically BMWs w/a MINI skin and personality but BMW parts and actual build quality now too. to each his/her own.</p>
Of course BMW and Mini certainly have prestige value over manufacturers like VW. My observation was that Mini at one time was an affordable priced brand that offered clever and often quirky designs. I’m just tired of some of the cute stuff, and even more tired about how they simply raised prices to near BMW level. As I indicated, I have owned and loved several Mini’s, but I personally can’t justify $48K for Mini, when so many other options exist. Yes, Mini’s are still unique, but the price to get that uniqueness is just beyond what makes any sense, at least to me.
Now, if they come out with a sleek and simple new Mini 2 door, with out all the aero do dads, fake spoilers, fender flares, decorative touches and overworked details, at a decent price, I would be the first in line. I personally would like to see them put the “minimalism” back in Mini.
<p>Of course BMW and Mini certainly have prestige value over manufacturers like VW. My observation was that Mini at one time was an affordable priced brand that offered clever and often quirky designs. I’m just tired of some of the cute stuff, and even more tired about how they simply raised prices to near BMW level. As I indicated, I have owned and loved several Mini’s, but I personally can’t justify $48K for Mini, when so many other options exist. Yes, Mini’s are still unique, but the price to get that uniqueness is just beyond what makes any sense, at least to me.</p>
<p>Now, if they come out with a sleek and simple new Mini 2 door, with out all the aero do dads, fake spoilers, fender flares, decorative touches and overworked details, at a decent price, I would be the first in line. I personally would like to see them put the “minimalism” back in Mini.</p>
<p>The suggestion of a trip across the Cherohala Skyway is excellent. That’s a fantastic road, better than The Dragon IMHO. But when you’re at Deal’s Gap, take 28 (the Hellbender, another A+ road) towards Fontana Village.</p>