Motoring file has posted the new 2009 factory JCW details,going to be quite a car....possibly 220hp ..take a look...What do you think?

 

mmmm so sexy how much $$$$$$$?

 

Pretty sweet, but my car will be faster for far less $$$ once I get the rest of the ALTA goodies.

I just want those JCW wheels!!!

 

I would be curious to see what Alta could do with the factory JCW coupled with the PnP ECU they offer...hmmmm...

 

Spoke to Someone today at Mini Corporate ...seems like this is going to be quite a car,the engine will be different from the standard S,new ECU and bigger turbo and Aprox 220 hp....new 6spd, shorter throw and stronger..new brakes and a catback exhaust,the wheels seem to be similar to the GP wheels...He said they will have more info in about a month...the car should be at the
Geneva show..this should get our juices flowing just a wee bit

 

Again I say, eh. I know it's gonna be cool, but not worth the extra money to me IMO.

 

Here's a link

 

hmm.. the only thing im interested in is the revised tranny/clutch, brakes, and wheels. I wonder how the JCW brakes will compare with Wilwood.

 

I'll be heading down to the local Mini dealer to place a deposit tomorrow. I'll have to ask a friend in Geneva to get some pics for me

 

Seems like a street-legal Challenge!

 

There is something else to consider: for everyone going aftermarket, there are going to be concerns with the ability of the drivetrain to handle the extra power above and beyond what the Stage I kit delivered--if you read the Motoringfile article, the Stage I JCW stopped where it did because that was what the upper limits of what the engine/drivetrain was designed to handle. The stage II drivetrain has been significantly modified to handle the extra power.

Personally, I'm a little disappointed with Stage II. It addresses the engine (although for the life of me I can't figure out why LSD wasn't included) and brakes, but IMHO a Stage I with JCW suspension/rear sway bar and LSD will come in cheaper than the Stage II--probably significantly cheaper--and while not being as fast in a straight line, will perform better where it counts--on the track or autocross. I guess with BMW making the JCW a "special" car, I was thinking more along the lines of what they did with the GP...

 

It's interesting the JCW has so many new parts. Maybe the current S motor/tranny can't really handle 220hp and the added torque. At least not in Mini's eyes.

 

Ahh yes, the time honored JCW battle. Is it worth the extra money. I went through this when I purchased my 06. What may not be worth something to someone, may be worth to another. I chose the JCW route knowing that everything was made to work together through extensive research AND with the full blessing of MINI, backed by the full warranty.

Not to take anything away from Alta or any other aftermarket company, but the fact is you may lose warranty coverage if you choose that route. Think of the extra cost of the JCW as R&D and warranty coverage, and it's worth every penny IMHO.

 

Agreed (and I went the ALTA route ).

 

So here we go...I too think the JCW route is definitely worth the extra money for the Mini Blessing and the BMW engineering.I couldn't be happier with my existing car and look forward to this new car coming.I have had the oppurtunity to speak with a Mini Corporate exec in NJ and someone in England at the factory.Nothing is cut in stone as to the exact specs for the car as yet and there should be more factory info soon.But one thing is for sure,this is going to be a great little car...Lets wait and see how they address the suspension issues..they have to do something to work along with the extra power,we can always make things work to our specific requirements.The Alta and other routes are always available but this new car is going to more of a brand offering and down the road far more attractive to the mini enthusiasts who like to drive a little faster and hopefully safer as well as having the warranty issues in place.It comes down to personal choice and whatever floats your boat...It will be interesting to see what they actually come up with...Take care and enjoy your cars

 

The price will be probably at least $35K. Too much for me to afford.

 

I think it seems like an incredible car but if the price gets into used elise territory then to me the choice is obvious

 

I hope they reconsider some / most of the upgrade components for those of us with 2007 models.

 

I was thinking more like $40k. A non JCW can hit $35k.

 

Two different animals,but I know how you feel...have you ever tried to get in and out of the Elise...I'm getting a little older and my back thinks the Mini is just a wee bit easier to deal with....

 

all good news, but it's still left in the dust by the competition. just 220hp? I bought my R53 months before the R56 launch and I justified it by saying I'd wait for the full-tilt-boogie JCW R56 and trade. <sigh> as pricey as the JCW will be, it has stiff competition. the '08 STI is now a 5dr hatch and has an underrated 300hp and AWD...$35k. A downpipe and reflash for $1200 yields 300whp and 360wtq. Even the Mazadaspeed3 for under $30k is quicker.

 

RE: PGT
I just don't see buying the JCW for the speed. There are many cars in that price range that are faster, the BMW 135i comes to mind as an example. I just placed money down for one today and I'd be willing to bet that the modded GTI that I am currently driving is faster in a straight line. I've had three GTIs and it is time for something new.
I'll be driving a stock 07 MCS hopefully by the beginning of next week and it's a matter of enjoying what you drive. To me the Minis are about having a blast driving, not about being the fastest around the block...just my two cents worth. I look forward to driving the MCS for the next 4-5 months and then I'll keep it as my winter car.

 

sure, but you're implying the cars I listed aren't fun. I've never driven the MS3, but the STI is a hoot

 

PGT:

not at all... I have good friends with Evos and STIs and they are quick and entertaining. I did drive an Elise once and that was even more fun.
All I trying to say is that it might be better if we viewed the JCW Mini as a sort of a M version of the MCS. FWD cars as a rule tend not to be the fastest in a straight line and in my eyes, I just don't view it those parameters.
We all have our viewpoints and I do not imply any thing.

 

A modest MCS configuration is about $24k. Add the alleged $6500 cost for the new factory JCW and we're at $30.5k. I suppose the new components add up, but Ouch it's like MINI is charging for additional pieces not replacements!