https://jalopnik.com/new-306-hp-mini...ork-1834767697

 

Motoringfile just posted up. Looks impressive.

 

Read a blub about it today on Motoringfile (I can't post links for some reason sorry). I sounds pretty much a deluxe track type Mini to me, huge power, 8 speed trans (no manual), stiffer body and frame, upgraded suspension parts, new cooling. They said production starts in July (???). Not at all as extreme looking as the GP3 but probably as fast and handles pretty close.
I've had my eye on the Gen3 Clubman and this just might do it for me as my final Mini. I keep 'em about 6 years which will be next year. My Coupe was $40k I bet this is a bit more all loaded up. Maybe $45? Waddaya think about this badboy?

 

It's on my short list too. Waaay more than I need. Probably more power than I can justify. But... the BMW X2 M with basically the same drivetrain as the new JCW 302HP will have is getting very positive reviews. So, if there's one of these bad little JCW Clubmen to be driven this fall, I intend to test it out.

 

Yeah my JCW was about all the power I needed. I added the Stage 1 ECU tune and that's almost too much for most of the driving I do, but it's fine. I just like the idea of the tranny, the suspension, the stiffer body (which my car has being a convertible with a top basically) and frame. Plus I love the interior of the Clubman and sometimes I could like a back seat. I'll be checking it out in Scottsdale for sure.

 

The Clubman version will likely be my next MINI. I thought I'd never give up a manual, but I've been getting tired of shifting lately. Still probably a couple years out, but I'm excited!

Edit: my wife just got a 2019 JCW Clubman late last year after her car was totaled, and I'm a little bummed this wasn't out yet. Not that we really need the extra power, but it sounds fun anyway.

 

at more than 3,500 lbs and certainly need some boost to stay competitive. The S livery has still only 192hp to move around which is pretty anemic.

I don't think anybody will go on a racetrack with one of these.

 

I would have been interested in it. Recent service experiences at MINI have shown me how little they care about the individual customer. I had three MINIs being serviced with them and they just wanted to screw me every which way.

Pretty sure no more money of mine is going MINI.

 

I'm just worried about them raising the price significantly

 

I'll consider getting a used one once they've been on tbe market for three or four years. I'll let someone else pay the big $ to get it new ahead of me

 

I like the idea of the 300hp Clubman, since it will hopefully drop the used prices of the current model JCW Clubmans. Auto only will have me looking for a used manual.

 

Arent these going to be automatic only?

never if that is the case

 

Yes, automatic only, with a new 8 speed tranny. If you read the stuff about the Gen4 Mini (maybe electric only???) it seems like these 2020-2022 JCW Clubmans might be the last of BMW's "BMW-like" Minis. It said these models are getting too expensive to sell to the Mini market and the next generation will be a whole different platform. I'm not going all electric in this lifetime!

 

...then again, some of us are just a bit more wacky than others...

 

Definitely, Hell no then

Proud member of the manual transmission mafia..... aka, the dying art form

(i just trademarked that so nobody can use it)

 

Nope. No manual. Even if I could afford it that's an instant pass for me. Sure the auto is faster at shifting than I'll ever be but the fun for me isn't just in going fast.

 

Is this news being discussed anywhere else that I missed? I've been curious how NAM took the news.

While it hasn't officially been announced this new drivetrain likely will be dual clutch only. Everyone seems besides themselves over 300HP Minis but the lack of a third pedal feels like a ... betrayal ... if that's not too strong of a word, particularly in the GP3.

Consider that these models will be the 2nd MINI models ever to not include a manual. (First was the P.I.H Countryman S E)

Maybe I'm overreacting. I like MINI because they value driver engagement over brute force, but hey, if they were going to kill the manual anyway, might as well enjoy the power.

 

Definitely considering it - I've been driving manuals for years - currently own a 2018 MINI Cooper Clubman JCW manual - if the horsepower and torque are significant to the butt dyno then I will most likely pull the trigger! Also been considering a GP3 but I think the styling is a bit over the top for me. I can only imagine what horsepower and torque would be like with a mild tune!

 

I just quoted you on another thread. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4470155
I owe you a dollar in royalties.

 

Ha! I love it

 

At a buck a pop, you'll be amazed at all the mods those royalties will pay for. Maybe even a new MINI for Vinnie?

 

I actually joined NAM specifically to stay up to date on info on this car. I could never really justify paying to price for a new MINI in the past. Multiple times I've gone to check them out, driven them, loved them but ultimately went different routes. This time will be different I think. My current daily is my 2004 e46 ZHP. I want to replace it only with something that can give me just as much of a grin is it can now and this just might be it. My goal is to hold onto it for another year and go look for a CPO next summer.

 

Love it. I might need to get a JCW Countryman with that package. 300HP in a Countryman/Clubman, that will be sick.

 

Until you get to the part of being automatic only .............. nope

Manuals, the dying art of sports cars

 

Oh man!! this is getting better each day