Does the 2011 JCW have the Valvetronic motor?

How different is the drivetrain between a 2011 JCW & MCS?

 

Just like the older engines, the 2011 JCW has partial Valvetronic. IIRC it has variable valve timing, but not the variable valve lift that the 2011 S has.

 

Yep the current JCW still uses the N14 as opposed to the N18 the 2011 Cooper S has.

 

Which motor would you prefer? Why?

 

They both would have their advantages.

The JCW currently has more mod-able options, since it is the same as previous engines.

The S however would seem to have more potential for tuning once the ECU is cracked, which may be some time.

But with the JCW and a $900 tuning device you can have around 220hp and 240tq (numbers are guesstimates)

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/05/...013-jcw-minis/