After owning an MCS for a year, although I really enjoy it, I think I would prefer a more driver focused MINI. My car is stock with the sport suspension option.

I don't exactly want to pour money into it to make more focused and am thinking about maybe selling it for a GP? Or would it be better to hold out for a next gen JCW if it's going to be even more driver focused? What are the chances of MINI making the next JCW closer to something like a Renaultsport R26.R?

Anyone else want a more driver focused machine out of the box? The B-Spec option for the Cooper is enticing but lacking power for my liking.

 

You might want to look into suspension upgrades. I've seen this mentioned before but these seem to be highly recommended upgrades:
-Camber plates
-After-market front control arm bushings
-Mild rear anti-sway bar

Personally I would not sell for a GP but that is just me. I would do some mild upgrades to the MCS and wait and see what the next JCW looks like, or check out other cars that might be available (Subaru BRZ might be more up your alley for a "driver's car").

 

Just to be clear, did you get the sport package or the sport suspension option?

IIRC, the suspension was not different with the sport package. This would seem to make a noticeable difference.

 

Out of the box, 1st gen MINI is more driver focused than 2nd gen (notably the steering). GP may be a good choice. Test drive an R53 to get general impressions. It is unlikely that the JCW update and rumored 2nd gen GP will change the overall driving character of an R56.

 

This.

 

R53 is a way more raw driver's car than any R56 will be. A GP might be what you're looking for.

BUT, there are tons of rumors of another "GP" coming out at the end of this year. I would hold off for that.

 

Like others have said, the R53 is more of the drivers car than the R56. The R53 was the first gen, and they were trying to make it as fun to drive as possible, once BMW realized they had a hit, they softened it to appeal to more people with the R56.

Anyway, there are rumors that future JCW's will be a part of their own division. Like BMW and M. They are saying the next gen JCW's will be even sportier than the current. I hope its true.

 

Subie BRZ looks like it could be a good option. I don't have high expectations of it being a super focused in the base model, but if they make an STI version, it'll be awesome and out of my price range.

 

I'll be keeping a watchful eye on the next gen JCW.

 

R53 or JCW Coupe.

 

I do not hold any hope of BMW/MINI ever making any of the MINI models more driver friendly. Certainly not as nice as the R53. Very disappointing.

I'll be keeping my eye on the Suby BRZ, I have great hopes for it.

 

With all the "style" special editions that have been popping up by MINI over the past years, it is possible that they could make a performance special edition.

 

Bless the power of positive thinking

 

I look at it this way. Mini couldnt have been bought out by a better company than BMW. They are the most driver focused car brand other than any sports car company. So im sure theyll come out with a new GP or something.

I mean, BMW came out with the 1M. Best car they have made since the E46 M3.