Can anyone specifically tell me what the differences are between the JCW and S in respect to the powertrain (or where I can find such information)? I know that the turbo, engine internals, transmission, and clutch are different, but what exactly is different (e.g. S has X:1 and JCW has Y:1 compression ratios, S has ABC internal and JCW has beefier ABC internals, etc.)?

Also, I was looking at the brochures for my 2012 and 2013 configurator builds and I noticed that the 2013 JCW transmission no longer has a line to itself in 2013. In 2012, the Cooper and Cooper S had a “Getrag 6-Speed Manual transmission or Aisin 6-Speed Automatic transmission” and the JCW had a “Getrag 6-Speed Manual high-capacity transmission”. In 2013, all models are lumped together for both automatic and manual transmissions. Does this mean that the 2013 JCWs are using the same transmissions as the Cooper and Cooper S or was MINI being lazy in not breaking out JCW by itself, and assuming that everyone knows they’re different, or am I reading too much into it?

 

Bigger turbo
Different pistons
Brembo brakes
Different exhaust

 

From reading this forum, I've learned that this is the first year that an automatic transmission is being offered for JCW cars. Aero Kit and suspension both options?

 

Do you know what size the turbo is on the S and JCW? Are the pistons bigger or do they have different heads? I assume the exhaust has a larger diameter, but what does the S come with?

Do you know where detailed specs on both cars can be found?

Yes, the auto is an option for the 2013 JCW. The aero kit is standard and both the sport and JCW suspensions are options.

 

Aero kit on JCW Clubman is different than the optional add-on JCW Aero Kit you can get in the Clubman Base and Clubman S

 

In addition to those items already mentioned:

Engineers have given the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine a tune-up with new reinforced pistons, a sturdier cylinder head laded with lightweight cams, and sodium-filled exhaust valves

The JCW also offers brake regeneration, and energy efficient steering, that only uses power when needed.

 

Also:
S boost is 13psi, JCW boost is 19psi...

Search MotoringFile.com for their original test/evaluation of the car in 2008 for the upcoming 2009 model. They also had the original BMW press release...

 

Seriously! Wow!

 

That's why the stronger head and pistons are needed...

 

Makes sense, thanks!!!

 

Here's another difference, no torque steer on the JCW!

 

The brake regen feature and auto-start/stop are non-US features on all Coopers. The energy efficient steering is the electrically assisted steering in lieu of the hydraulically assisted setup on all MINIs.

 

This was a feature they started implementing via a steering software upgrade on 2011 Cooper S and JCW's where they could eliminate the tug on the wheels from gunning it around a bend. Not sure why this hasn't been made available to all MINIs made prior to the update. I can't seem to get my dealer to give me the update even if I'm willing to pay for it!

P.S. Hope you're enjoying your new JCW!

 

When I nail my 2012 R58 JCW, plenty of torque steer in 1st and 2nd.

I don't mind it at all, just adds a little more excitment!

 

If you aren't feeling torque steer on your JCW, you aren't trying hard enough.

It's certainly a lot better than, say, my '84 Cordia Turbo, but it's still quite possible to find yourself having to do the Macarena to keep the front hooked up and going where you want it to.

= Mike

 

Have you driven a 2013 JCW? I came from a 2008 MCs which had gobs of torque steer, and this car really does not have any, and trust me, I have pushed it.

Greg

 

It would be interesting to get a new JCW and MCS next to each other and see how these differences play out.

 

Something has changed then in the 2013

 

Sounds like the biggest difference in the 2013 is MINI has now added optionv 5DT (Dynamic Traction Control) as a standard on the JCW, but still as a payable option on the Cooper S.

I could be wrong, but this would be an electronic way to control or limit the torque steer.

 

From what I have read, the electronic limited slip differential is what offsets the torque steer. All I can say is that I can have two fingers on the wheel, gun it, and the wheel stays steady. A feat not possible on my 2008 MCs.

 

its the suspension. my r56 2012 jcw with sport suspension has no torque steer. i remember reading people mention that aftermarket suspension or jcw sport suspension really minimizes or gets rid of it completely.

 

I believe it's something else. Just suspension can't offset the torque steer I experienced on my 2008 MCs. With all due respect ,
Greg

The early reviews said the electronic LSD did it.

 

i dont see why not. wheels/tires can. my gti came with crappy all season tires with 17x7.5 wheels. had pretty fair amount of torque steering. the minute i change to 18x8 and summer tires it was gone.

 

Ok, I respect you. Maybe I'm wrong. I just love for once having no torque steer for whatever reason

 

im not trying to fight or argue with you.