A rather downbeat review. Subtitle says it all - "Is more better? No question? Is it worth $135 a pony. Your call on that one."

After some background babble, they get to the meat of the matter. On MINI's claim of a 6.3 sixty time. "We feel this estimate may be a bit optimistic. The new supercharger seems to spool up a little quicker than the one in the standard S version, and it also seems to provide much better midrange response, reducing the drama of passing maneuvers."

The say there is no downside to the kit except for a "slightly higher level of supercharger whine, not bad for short stints, but undoubtedly tedicous over a long range haul."

The rest of the column deals with the issue of the relative value and questions the value compared against the Mazda RX-8 or Nissan 350Z. Makes me really think that the speedniks left in C&D just don't get it.

Other items of note. "The vanes of the new Eaton supercharger are coated with a ceramic compound that provides better sealing, and maximum boost has been bumped from 11.6 to 14.0 psi. "

They also paraphrase Mike Cooper as saying they could have mined more from the (engine) but "we stopped at 20 for reliability."

I've not seen this version online. You might have to go buy the issue.

Tom

 

Actually I think they do get it... is it really worth $4500 + install on top of the price of the car? I don't think so but that's just me. I'll mod mine the aftermarket way.
-Chris

 

In my neck of the woods (Miami) they wanted an estimated $6,500 for the Works kit. Obviously I opted out. Would have brought the car to the $30K mark and a little too rich for my blood. Just c~~~ me Scrooge.

 

>>Actually I think they do get it... is it really worth $4500 + install on top of the price of the car? I don't think so but that's just me. I'll mod mine the aftermarket way.

What I don't think they get it this notion that the best car is the fastest. The greatest appeal of the Cooper goes far beyond speed. The questions over the value of the Werks package are right on the money in my opinion. I think they miss the point of the Mini however when they try to view the MINI as a pure performance car and not just a great car.

You'll get better performance than a Mini in many cars at the same or better price, but I bought a Mini because it's a Mini. I'm happy it's quick and can hold its own, but if all the offered was a baseline Cooper. I'd happily motor around in one of those too.

 

Read the reviews in the May CAR MAGAZINE, comparing the JCW mods performance and price against the Hartage mods....the review showed the Hartage had better low to mid range perfromance than the JCW and the JCW performed better at the top end of the range...at 1/3 the price the Hartage seemed a no brainer unless of course you are worried about the warranty...but it appears that is where everyone is making the money, Cooper, BMW....on the insurance policy for their mods by having the customers all bend over before installation, laugh !

 

This months Automobile also drives the JCW MCS. A paraphrase of the last two paragraphs:
"The MINI Cooper S Works is fluid, refined, fun, and very fast. Aside from the engine's dramatically increased oomph, which is expected to cut the 0-to-60 time by three-quarters of a second to about 6.3 seconds, the best thing about the car is its overall integrity. The suspension, steering, and brakes, which are strengths on the stock model, are untouched. Although the Works MINI is not a factory effort, it feels and acts like one, with none of the cobbled-together character afflicting so many tuner cars." "...At that price, the Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 350Z surely will make more sense to many buyers, but then again, the MINI Cooper S is its own very different, and very delicious, cup of tea."