2025 MINI Cooper JCW Is Hiding an Extra Exhaust Pipe
When the new (F66) 2025 MINI Cooper JCW debuted earlier this year, it surprised MINI enthusiasts by shifting from a dual exhaust layout to what appeared to be a single, large outlet. However, that was only part of the story—something had been hiding in plain sight all along.
The single-pipe layout aligns with MINI’s new minimalist design language and reflects the brand’s focus on greater efficiency. It also mirrors JCW race cars, bringing the production model closer to what we’ve seen at the Nürburgring and other tracks around the world. But there’s more beneath the surface.
Upon closer inspection of the images, you can clearly spot a second exhaust pipe just to the left of the center outlet. This design closely resembles the standard MINI Cooper S exhaust, where the second pipe is discreetly tucked behind the rear valance.
Why the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Has a Hidden Second Exhaust
According to our sources, the second exhaust was an engineering necessity for two reasons. First it’s important to remember that the new F66 JCW carries over its engine—and full drivetrain—from the previous F56 model, including tue basic exhaust system design. Since MINI didn’t fully re-engineer the engine, two exhaust outlets were still required.
Second, the EU’s ever-increasing emissions regulations required a rethink of the exhaust design to further minimize CO2 output. Like the Cooper S, one of the strategies employed was a secondary exhaust outlet design (with a flap) that burns slightly cleaner than before. While we don’t yet have the technical details behind it all, we’ve been told it’s one of a handful of small changes MINI had to make to the JCW’s drivetrain to meet Euro 7 regulations.
From what we understand, performance remains unchanged, and the exhaust functions identically to the system found in the previous F56 MINI Cooper JCW.
If you look at the schematics of the F56 JCW exhaust, the layout is conceptually similar, with two outlet pipes extending toward the rear. The F66 JCW retains this setup but relocates one of the pipes to the left side of the muffler, concealing it.
What do you think? Should MINI have pursued this direction, matching its race cars and simplifying the design? Or do you prefer the classic dual-pipe look? Let us know in the comments below.
I sure like to see a view from the driver’s seat including tachometer, speedometer, gear position, and range. Having all that information in the center screen is almost a no go for driver enthusiasts
Bring back the twin pipes! Schnitzel has a F66 twin pipe conversion with new valance for over $4,000! Bring back the functional hood scoop and manual trans
Wow, I checked that from AC Schnitzer and confirm: looks waaaay better. Not perfect, though, but better.
One pipe in the middle looks like an anus.
Two pipes in the middle do not.
I think all previous explanations that only one pipe is needed were just lies. If 2 pipes are required, then there is no reason to complicate things and both pipes should be back and visible as in F56. I firstly came to this news about F66 JCW exhaust from memes… how bad does this 2nd pipe look? :/
Despite what some purists say, being a fan of Minis including the 1960 one which only had one exhaust (FYI), I like this version.
This article says, increasing emissions regulations required a rethink of the exhaust design to further minimize CO2 output.
What a joke, the new Countryman JCW has 4 visible exhaust pipes in Europe.
Completely different system with different C02 mitigation concepts.
I’ve spoken to a bunch of people and no one is a fan of the new interior design as well as the decision to put a single exhaust on the JCW model / no exhaust on the S model
For me, It depends on the technical reasons. I don’t mind a singe exhaust but one thing I don’t understand yet is why it couldn’t just be an even larger single exhaust. Maybe there’s a technical reason. If there is a reason to require 2 exhausts, they should have just exposed both.
The new mini lacks style of a mini,,it looks like a blue print for Lego,.bring back the mini and the dual exhaust, and a manual gearbox,.
It doesn’t matter if you have one pipe or 4,whatever exhaust the engine makes is coming out and the pipes will make no difference on co2.
Get whatever exhaust you like, I have a countryman s that has 2 pipes and I love it.
The design is definitely minimal lmao.
That is still a fugly car
It looks dum, like an afterthought. We shouldn’t have to pay extra for jcw just to get this, and BLACK seats. I wanna hear the rumble of the exhaust. They need to also bring back real leather as an option. The off gassing of vescain fake leather vs real leather plus real leather smells so rich, most luxury cars offer leather, except mini now. Id think real leather wohld be greener and more healthy for a human to breath in. Plus lasts. Leatherette cracks is my point! Id like a knob for the ac/heat fan. If windows steam, i need them de steamed asap especialky atnight crossing the river. I need to keep my eyes on road and just reach for the knob not have to look and scroll a computer. No one ever mentions the blue interior. Some like black. I havent worn blue jeans in decades. I think it must be a european thing.