Hi all, I was at the Chicago Auto Show last evening and got a look at the new Roadster...very impressive up close. I had driven the "S" and JCW variants of the coupe, which led me to the conclusion I want the JCW. One of things I've been struggling with was the rumor(s) about a new/revised JCW motor. Back in '06 I ordered a fully specced 330i, only to have BMW release the (twin turbo)335i six months later I don't want to repeat that again. I did speak with a rep from Mini of Chicago who told me any engines changes for the JCW are likely one to two years off. That makes feel a little better...keeping my fingers crossed Also, I did manually raise and lower the top from the drivers seat...not easy, but it can be done. Lastly, there is a lot more headroom in the Roadster compared to the coupe. I'm 6' 5" and I fit fine.
Here's a pic of a Lightning Blue/Black stripes JCW.

 

It was HOT! I saw it

 

Thanks for the photos and recap. We like to take in the Chicago auto show but are taking this year off. No MINIs at the STL Auto Show, not for several years (or most other "premium" brands, for that matter).

Eager to see a Roadster in person, supposed to be 2/25.

 

Agreed
My pleasure, it was a pretty good show this year. I'm also hearing 2/25 at the dealers...can't wait

 

You know, the one other thing I was really hoping to see were the Recaro Sport seats. It would be nice to see/experience them before taking the plunge.

 

Same exact thoughts here. Opening and closing the top from the driver's seat is doable but not the most comfortable thing in the world to do.

We are hoping to have our Roadster here within the next week or so!

I was hoping the exact same. Wanted to see how the Recaro Sport Seats would be. We have spent the last couple days ordering our next fleet of MINIs that will be at our showroom in the next couple months. I'm happy to inform everyone that we have a couple JCW MINIs with the Recaro seats in them.

 

Thanks for the post! Is this Chris, whom I spoke with yesterday? I will be in to get a look that the Recaros.

-Steven

 

This is actually Melvin. I was at the show on Tuesday. Chris is on the board also, he has his own personal user name. I'll keep the board updated with ETA of the JCW with the Recaros.

 

Thanks Melvin, keep us posted. I've got a feeling there might be a few of us who are interested in the Recaros.

 

I'm very interested to see how they are. I'm sure we won't be disappointed as Recaros from the factory tend to be fairly nice. From the older ones in the Celicas and VWs to the Evo's I have been quite impressed.

 

If you're wanting to modify the powertrain, don't wait for the N18, grab the current N14.
The N18 hasn't been cracked yet in terms of ECU programming, and there's no light at the end of the tunnel yet.

Plus MotoringFile has heavily suggested that a revamped JCW powertrain won't be released until the new F56 (3rd-Gen) platform.
Remember the F56 is due late 2013; no reason to stuff a re-tweeked engine for a one model-year run.

- Erik

 

Was this there?

 

Thanks Erik, that is a really good point. The Mini rep I spoke with said the same thing, the new engine would release with the new F56, so at least one year off. Given the JCW's don't release first, more likely the later half of two years.
I'm going ahead with my order.

 

Sadly no. Only production vehicles.

 

Just got our test-drive Roadster, a 6spd one too!

 

Nice, what color combo did you receive? Thanks

 

I would almost guarantee it's white Silver!

 

You are correct, we did receive a White Silver Roadster (not the one at the CAS lol). It has CW, Premium, 17'' wheels, wind deflector, Soda Mirror Caps, Gray Bonnet Stripes, piano black interior surface, satellite grey color line, HK and BT w/ USB&ipod.

 

Thanks Melvin. Any ETA on the Recaros?

-Steven

 

I'll take a look at our inbound list and see if I can get an ETA for you guys.

 

Seems all demos are white/Silver I guess they think thats probably the most safest color.

 

I'll bet that at more than 30% of all MINI spec Roadsters will be white/silver. After all it's America's favorite color (and therefor safest).

 

All the more reason white silver was easy to dismiss as a color.