Taken from MINI2:

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MINI Cooper S Auto gets tuned on

The John Cooper Works engine tuning kit has been a great success since it was launched in 2003. Demand in the UK has seen one in nine Cooper S hatch owners opting for the upgrade. From this month, the tuning kit is now available for MINI Cooper S’s with automatic transmission.

The JCW kit will push the auto-shifting Cooper S to 203bhp at 6,450 rpm with an impressive 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds; an increase of 33bhp over the standard MINI Cooper S. Offered as an aftermarket kit from all 157 MINI UK dealerships, the cost is £2,999 (excl. fitting).

The Aisin six-speed transmission in a MINI Cooper S auto was developed to maintain the MINI’s traditional zesty drive. The close gear ratio settings ensure sharp gear changes and a dynamic driving experience that complements the sporty character of the MINI Cooper S. The great drive is further enhanced by the high level of standard equipment including Steptronic paddles on the steering wheel, limited slip differential and Adaptive Transmission Control (AGS). AGS allows the transmission to adapt over time to fit with the driver’s individual driving style.

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Huh? This is going to be retrofitted to existing cars....do the existing MCSa's have a limited slip that I don't know about? Or has someone slipped up a bit?

-jac

 

Hmmm...do I have an lsd...or do they mean torque converter?

 

MCSa's don't have LSD and that's exactly what my dealer told me when I asked, " when the JCW kit is avail can I get LSD for the MCSa too?" Answer: "no, LSD is not available in the automatic."

 

i wonder if theres a way to electronicly control the lockup of both wheels inependantly. like an electronic LSD.

 

There is, it's called DSC. Only catch is, it uses the brakes to do it.

Seriously, without a mechanical mechanism to change the forces applied to the wheels (either LSD or brakes), it's impossible to do it!

 

Well it took people a while to realise the supercharger inlet tube was different on the auto, so who knows.

 

Personally, I am starting to wonder if the JCW kit will be released in the U.S. for the 2005 and 2006 MCSa's. As far as a true mechanical LSD for the MCSa, don't hold your breath waiting for MINI to release an LSD for the current transaxle for the Aisin-Warner tranny. IF LSD becomes available from MINI for the MCSa, it will be for the 2nd Gen MINI - 2007+ MY.

 

Kind of thought this was the case....car sure doesn't feel like it has an LSD!

As for the US JCW for the MCSa...i could care less for our car. (not to say that i don't hope that those who want it get it!)

I think once the car gets close to the end of it's warrantee I'll just throw a 15% on it when my wife isn't looking....

"Honey, why is that oil change taking so long? And why did it cost $120!?! And why are you grinning like that..you KNOW i hate that grin...."