Ok, after seeing the release of the R56 hardtop, it got me thinking what Mini will offer on the next JCW. We are probably 18 months out on the JCW version of the hardtop. I've read in the past that when Kay Segler was running the JCW group he had intended to treat the JCW as the performance sub brand of Mini, think along the lines of BMW's M division.

So, if you could have you wishes fulfilled, what would you want to see Mini do with the next JCW lineup?

I'll start…
-BMW's N-20 engine, tuned to 250 + HP
-Mechanical Diff.
-Heavy use of aluminum suspension parts, to lower unsprung weight
-All wheel drive?




-Steven

 

Everything you said, but 300 hp, much simpler looking aero front end and rear end, and monochrome body (no more black plastic and chrome!)

 

I'll take one 250-300hp and all wheel drive. It'll need all the wheels to put that much power down. A DCT transmission could also be a interesting idea.

Mechanical limited slip diff would be good, but I'd be surprised to see one of those. Though, they're already doing interesting things with all wheel drive and torque vectoring, that may be able to substitute.

It could go on a diet with carbon fibre panels like the i3. That would be even better than more power.

 

+1 all wheel drive.

More than 50k miles before a warranty repair problem shows up.

 

Sounds like you guys are wanting something more then a MINI lol

 

That would add so much weight and make the mini lose it's nimble-ness.

215 hp, but no more. I'd could go for 4 pot front calipers, 2 pot rears too.

 

Imagine the track car this monster would be…I'd bet you'd be in 911 territory.
A DCT would be a great modern way bring this together...

Why not, if Mini really wants to make the JCW/GP the performance Mini.
Yes, but Porsche can do a nimble all wheel drive...
Definitely need to upgrade the brakes with that much power, they should continue to work with Brembo…


-Steven

 

The current 4 wheel drive system seems to add 140lb, DCT would maybe another 70lb. Not ideal, but I don't think it'd be that bad, particularly if it went on the diet I suggested.

Given they've got a two litre, they're going to have to make it a bit more powerful to make it convincing. The JCW already has 4 pot front calipers, but there's the 6 pot ones from the GPII they could use. I don't know if the rears needs to be anymore beefy than currently.

 

Ok, sure, I'll play:

250 hp minimum
Simpler, yet more aggressive front and rear
Fully adjustable coilover suspension including camber and caster adjustment
Larger anti-roll bars
Larger brakes
New limited slip system similar to the new GTI

 

Nice, a coilover suspension would be great as would camber/caster adj.. I thought as a JCW owner, the price penalty we pay, the cars should have their own tuned suspension set-up.

What about a ceramic disc option? Keeping the unsprung weight to a minimum.

-Steven

 

>300AWHP, AWD, DCT <.50 Shifts, <2500lbs, Real Sport Seats, More tire and Real ATA IC. That will get it started.

 

AWD system will add more weight to the JCW if you want 300hp and weight to be around 2,500lbs. More like 3,000lbs.

 

Everything you guys said. Now all I have to do is come up with the $60,000 to pay for it.

 

That's no joke! MINI will probably overprice their cars like Audi in the end. A MCS will be priced like a TT and a JCW will be priced like a TT-RS. That's a shame when it will happen down the road.

 

Motoring file has an article: Exclusive: MINI Has No Plans to Offer AWD on the F56 Hatch

even for the JCW:

 

If that's true, I'll probably look elsewhere next time I buy a car. I like my countryman a lot, but I was really hoping for an AWD hatch as the countryman is more car than I need. I wish they'd drop the rear seat to make room for the diff and do an AWD hatch. I just ended up taking the rear seat out of my R53 anyway since no adult can fit back there.

 

Thanks for the post, I was just about to put it up. What is encouraging is this: "MINI Head of Marketing, Kay Segler, it was evident that MINI wanted to stay true to its heritage in offering a high performance front wheel drive car as its halo product."

They need something really special the next time through. If AWD is off the table, the consensus here seems to be:
-250-300 HP
-Mech. Diff to put all that power down
-Unique Coilover Suspension, ala GP2
-DCT option
-Upgraded Brakes, perhaps CF disc option
-Lighter weight, curb and unsprung
-Clean wind tunnel designed JCW body kit, full aero underneath
-? What else


-Steven

 

Get rid of that stupid dual mass flywheel and throw in a sprung clutch.