Hi Guys,

Well, as luck would have it, mere weeks since I placed my order for a 2012 JCW Hatch, Motoring File reports that the JCW Countryman is delayed until 2013 because MINI intends to use a redesigned JCW engine with variable valve timing (the same tech that increased power and efficiency in the LCI Cooper S).

If this is true, and primarily to make me feel better, does anyone have an opinion on when MINI will release the next gen JCW (with the new engine)? The hatch is due for a new generation for 2013, correct? Do they release the JCW version at the launch or do they hold it back for some time?

I'd be pretty unhappy if the new JCW arrived on US shores less than a year after I take delivery of my 2012...

Thoughts?

 

I've also heard the rumors that the next hatch will be moving to a 3 cylinder engine in order to maximize fuel efficiency, so who knows what the next JCW engine in the hatch will be based off of. Not to mention how much the price increase will be too. I'd say, just enjoy your JCW when you get it and don't look back. Start thinking about what your first mods will be or which roadcourse you plan to visit first.

 

Good points. I read the 3 cylinder rumor too. Guess it doesn't make much sense to "worry" about an engine upgrade that's likely more than a year away.

 

I would guess MY2014 at the earliest for a factory F56 JCW. The engine from the JCW Countryman will be carried over, but they'll need at least a year to develop a new intake, exhaust, brakes, etc.

Just enjoy your car!

 

There are always going to be newer and revised cars available shortly after you purchase. Happens all the time, and not just with cars. Companies do it on purpose to entice people to buy new products and of course to try and stay competitive. I got the MacBook Air 11" and it's awesome for my mobile use, but it got updated later to be twice as fast (damn you Apple!!) - but it doesn't bother me because I never found it to be slow in the first place.

I know there will be a revised JCW engine at some point... I also know there will be a re-designed R56 hatch... But I'm not willing to wait 1-2 years before getting my JCW and I definitely don't want another lease to bridge the gap. I also don't want to end up with a first year run of a new car so I'm OK with my decision for a 2012 JCW I am however pretty happy about the JCW Aero being standard - good timing there.

 

I'm off the ledge now...and in total agreement with all responders. The 2012 FJCW Hatch is the best incarnation of the R56 and, by the time a non-first-year next gen FJCW is available stateside, I will have already enjoyed my car (arriving in Dec / Jan) for 2-3 years.

The standard Aero Kit is a huge plus and I'm back to slowly counting down the next 3 months...

 

One of the rumors I read was that the Cooper and the MCS would use a 3 cylinder, while the JCW would go with a larger 4 cylinder, like a 1.8 or a 2.0. A JCW with a 2.0 would be ridiculous!

 

A 2.0 litre engine would be cool but I hope it doesn't have a locked ECU like the 2011 MCS. And I hate the aerokit and would hope that the JCW could be ordered without it. How much extra will they charge to not have it. They seem to be moving away from "make it your own MINI". Really happy with my 2011.

 

I have been told by bmw motorsports munich no 2 litre will be offered in a 56. 2 litre will only be offered in countryman.

 

Totally agree.. have fun, drive it like you stole it. Honestly I'm not sure if I would want too much more power than i already have.
I would be happier with a little more torque...
& a newer better clutch system

 

The more power the better. Never can have too much! I would rather wait for the new body style, and not have my car look "old" so to speak. I would love to sell my car for a factory JCW, but am going to wait until the new body style next year. I still love my JCW stage 1 conv, and it will be paid off next year, so I may keep it, who knows. Just enjoy what you have now!

 

I believe that the last information from motoringfile stated that the Coopers would get the 3-cylinder engine and the MCS and JCW would still have the turbo 4-banger.

 

I look at it like this, the 2012 can still use the AP, the newer motors still have not been cracked.

Plus, owning a first-year car from BMW is not something I'd want to do.

 

If I already had a MCS or JCW I would be waiting for the refresh too.