I'm looking down the road a bit, but here's my concern. Just bought a 2012 JCW and I live in New England. I need my car for my job and I'm wondering how it will do with ground clearance in snow. Actually, I'm wondering what I can do when the winter arrives to give myself another inch or two of clearance. Anyone recommend adjustable shocks or struts that I can use to raise the body a few inches in November and then lower them back to normal in April ? I'll be seeing my mechanic in another week for my first oil change at 1200 miles, so I'll talk to him, but I was just wondering if anyone else has tackled this issue. Thanks

 

Chicago here, no problems

 

Mine was fine through the only German winter it will see.

 

I took mine up to the mountains on a regular basis skiing this year, I have an MCS with the Aero kit. Just be sure to get winter tires. Ground clearance is adequate. If there is more than 6 inches on the road you should just stay home and wait for the plows anyway. Work can wait. On the way to VT on a stormy evening I passed just about everyone on 89, not on purpose. Even though we had a weak winter, I did not miss a powder day.

So, get winter tires and you'll be good to go in most all conditions.

 

+1

 

Not knowledgeable about your JCWs here, but I will say this...

Downsizing your wheel and going to a narrower snow tire helped my old 1998 A4 2.8 run through snow fields as deep as my hood. Ground clearance was never an issue for me at all. I doubt that a JCWs low ground clearance would be a serious factor really. Your snow tires would do a lot more than you'd expect to allow you to get anywhere you need to go.

 

Also, because they're not THAT heavy they don't sink into the snow like larger cars/SUVs do you can safely make it through show other cars can't. It's pretty cool.

 

Snow clearance - traction - snow melt
After a heavy snow, parked my XKE curbside at my apt for just a few moments. Got back in and it wouldn't move. The engine heat had melted snow which re froze and froze the car to the ground. Couldn't move it.

 

An ancient rear wheel drive Jaguar and you're wondering why you couldn't move in the snow? ...

Lots changed since those days...

 

Buy dedicated snow tires and you will be fine.

 

HAHA.

Yeah, really, you have no worries here.

 

Just to confirm what others have said,...and good set of snows will be really important. And,...although you are severely limited to the size because you will need to run 17" wheels,...skinny is better.

As far as lowering/raising, it would pretty difficult because most adjustable systems, KW, Bilstein etc put the car slightly lower in their
highest setting. I'm not familiar with any aftermarket systems which would allow you to go higher than stock. I do know there are a couple of ways to raise the spring platform to get the car higher,...but,...well,...that may complicate things too much.

I think you'll enjoy it in the snow,...and if there is more than 6" on the road,..I wouldn't stay home,....I'd find a plowed road.

Rich

 

Agreed - and don't forget that although you may not get stuck with snow tires in 6+ inches of snow, there is a huge chance somebody else will plow into you due to road conditions... likely a big 4x4 with all-season tires.