Looking at potentially trading in my tuned up R56 for an F56 JCW. I am interested in what owners of the new JCW think of the newer platform vs the old and how the new JCW feels/drives etc.

Let me know what you think.

 

Have you had a chance to drive one yet?

Not to put too fine a point on it, the new JCW is better in pretty much every important way. It handles better, rides smoother, has more power and torque, has amazing brakes, it's quieter and more refined, and finally has a nice interior. If you want a Grand Touring hatchback, this is it.

I feel I'm in a good position to make the comparison. I've owned three R53's in various states of tune, an R56 MCS and an R56 MCS w/JCW tuning kit. The F56 JCW is clearly a cut above.

 

I had a chance to drive an auto last week but the dealership is in a rural area and didn't get a chance to really push it. Auto box seemed fairly responsive but not the same as a manual. I think that is my next test drive is a JCW manual.

 

I would like to hear some on-track reviews. I have a '15 R58 JCW w/JCW suspension I love on the track but have been bitten by the JCW F56 bug. I kinda want one too.

Anyone have track impressions of the car? Bonus if it's NorCal tracks (Laguna, Sonoma, THill)

 

Yes, Here's the thread I posted my impressions after doing the Miles Ahead school at IMS.


Looking back on what I wrote, I'm going to say that the JCW Pro suspension [or KW V3's if you can swing it] along with something along the lines of an Nitto NT01 or Bridgestone RE-71R would take the car from comfy yes competent GT to unassuming lap monster.

 

Yeah that is exactly what I would do. Right now I have two cars a Golf R which I'm not super satisfied with, and the R58 which I love. My main reservations are the safety of my son in the back of the F56 since I read that recall about rear passenger safety. I also am a little worried about it being a first year car. My '07 R56 S had a ton of bugs.