R55 Test Drove a Cooper Works Clubman
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
The factory JCW is Stage II. That wont be available as an aftermarket mod. It will only be a facory built car. It includes new pistions, new clutch, new transmission, new turbo, etc. The aftermarket JCW is Stage I, which is much less aggressive.
As far as exhaust mods, I'm not sure you would get quite the same sound as the factory JCW without the turbo, chip, etc. However, there will probably be a variety of choices for the Clubman S from various third party vendors.
Neutral
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Is the clutch heavy? Im thinking about the JCW clubman but I live in NYC and im not sure if I could tolerate another manual as a daily driver.
Im my mind an example of a heavy clutch would be the M3 E46. That was my daily driver for 2 years and it was horrible. I also have a saab 9000 turbo (1987) and that clutch was terrible. I wasnt ever aware of a clutch that was nice and light until i drive a honda accord and a CTS-V.
Im my mind an example of a heavy clutch would be the M3 E46. That was my daily driver for 2 years and it was horrible. I also have a saab 9000 turbo (1987) and that clutch was terrible. I wasnt ever aware of a clutch that was nice and light until i drive a honda accord and a CTS-V.
So I stopped by my dealer today to discuss some last minute accessories for my Clubman S arriving in a couple of weeks. When I pulled into the lot I saw two very red cars with black stripes. Wouldn't you know it one was an '09 Cooper Works Mini and the other an '09 Cooper Works Clubman. I quickly demanded keys and took the Clubman for a test drive.
The first thing I noticed was the exhaust. It sound throaty and burbly, even at idle. It barks when you downshift and will pop occasionally. I think it will need to be one of the first mods I do when it becomes available. I took it for about ten minutes and ran it it up to red line and about 60 mph. As expected the engine pulls hard at about 4 grand and does not let up until redline. It also stops great as well. It did have a loud rattle from the dash that eventually went away. I assume it was the dash. For all I know, it could have been coming from the engine.
I will say that it does have pronounced torque steer when nailing it at speed, say a 3-2 downshift. I triggered the traction control several times taking corners. I really like the alcantra steering wheel as well, but I don't think I would spend the money to upgrade unless I got a great deal.
Anyhow, I think the engine and brakes may be worth an extra $2 grand, but not the $4 grand I think they are asking. I would also note that except for a different wheel and shifter **** (barely noticable), the cabin is extremely bare for a $30k automobile.
The first thing I noticed was the exhaust. It sound throaty and burbly, even at idle. It barks when you downshift and will pop occasionally. I think it will need to be one of the first mods I do when it becomes available. I took it for about ten minutes and ran it it up to red line and about 60 mph. As expected the engine pulls hard at about 4 grand and does not let up until redline. It also stops great as well. It did have a loud rattle from the dash that eventually went away. I assume it was the dash. For all I know, it could have been coming from the engine.
I will say that it does have pronounced torque steer when nailing it at speed, say a 3-2 downshift. I triggered the traction control several times taking corners. I really like the alcantra steering wheel as well, but I don't think I would spend the money to upgrade unless I got a great deal.
Anyhow, I think the engine and brakes may be worth an extra $2 grand, but not the $4 grand I think they are asking. I would also note that except for a different wheel and shifter **** (barely noticable), the cabin is extremely bare for a $30k automobile.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Do you mean a JCW exhaust mod, or the full JCW mod?
The factory JCW is Stage II. That wont be available as an aftermarket mod. It will only be a facory built car. It includes new pistions, new clutch, new transmission, new turbo, etc. The aftermarket JCW is Stage I, which is much less aggressive.
As far as exhaust mods, I'm not sure you would get quite the same sound as the factory JCW without the turbo, chip, etc. However, there will probably be a variety of choices for the Clubman S from various third party vendors.
The factory JCW is Stage II. That wont be available as an aftermarket mod. It will only be a facory built car. It includes new pistions, new clutch, new transmission, new turbo, etc. The aftermarket JCW is Stage I, which is much less aggressive.
As far as exhaust mods, I'm not sure you would get quite the same sound as the factory JCW without the turbo, chip, etc. However, there will probably be a variety of choices for the Clubman S from various third party vendors.
I am referring to the exhaust only. I have mentally resolved to only put about $2000 in mods into the car, one of which will include new 17 inch wheels (black) and tires. So that leaves just enough for one other upgrade like an exhaust. I figure this is one of the most bulletproof upgrades as it should not negatively impact the car much, versus a Unichip, which appears to be a hit or miss affair.
If I start putting more than that into the car, then I should have purchased a JCW as the spread was about $4 grand, if I remember correctly.
I have been contemplating my original decision to get the car ordered in my sig versus a JCW. I think it would have made sense to go with the JCW had I skipped the NAV. I guess at the end of the day, I will probably be more happy having the NAV, then being able to go faster and stop quicker than local laws and my daily commute allow for.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Is the clutch heavy? Im thinking about the JCW clubman but I live in NYC and im not sure if I could tolerate another manual as a daily driver.
Im my mind an example of a heavy clutch would be the M3 E46. That was my daily driver for 2 years and it was horrible. I also have a saab 9000 turbo (1987) and that clutch was terrible. I wasnt ever aware of a clutch that was nice and light until i drive a honda accord and a CTS-V.
Im my mind an example of a heavy clutch would be the M3 E46. That was my daily driver for 2 years and it was horrible. I also have a saab 9000 turbo (1987) and that clutch was terrible. I wasnt ever aware of a clutch that was nice and light until i drive a honda accord and a CTS-V.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,223
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From: DC
I thought that the whole point of the clubman was to offer a station wagon version of the MINI.
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