Automatic MINIs get a performance boost
BMW has had such success selling the John Cooper Works tuning kit to the U.K.'s MINI Cooper S owners (one in nine
bought the upgrade) that it's decided to make it available for automatic transmission versions of the Cooper S.
The JCW kit boosts the auto-Cooper to 203 hp, a 33 hp increase from the standard version, good for 0-60 mph in 7.3
seconds. The six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters should make for a fun drive.
BMW also announced a factory JCW "sound kit" - a high flow air filter and stainless steel "sports" exhaust system. No
performance boost is claimed, but the kit is said to create a "more powerful, sporty sound for the driver."
[Source: BMW Group]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bgdc 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Just put a DSG style tranny in the car and you'd have something fun and fast. BMW's steptronic is utter garbage so the current system is just heavier and far slower to respond than a manual.
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james ken 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
YAY! sound kit!
that really sums up the whole mini concept to me, really.
the ultimate posing machine.
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Brian 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Wow James...you've obviously never driven one, otherwise you'd realize what a blast it is to drive. Why do you think they're so popular for autocrossing?
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Doogs 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
James - what popular vehicle doesn't become a posing machine to some extent?
While I will agree that the JCW "sound kit" is lame...the Mini certainly is not. As Brian said - its pretty obvious you've never driven one.
And...I for one would be curious to know what it is you dislike about the Mini.
Now...ultimate posing machine? I'd call Hummer H2.
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james ken 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
of course i've driven one!
you know, the one WITHOUT a torque converter!
i do understand that they are fun to drive. however, the people that own them in the bay area are your typical BMW yuptastic poser. they don't even know which wheels are powered most of the time.
i realize that this shouldn't take anything away from the car itself, but it makes me sad when dopes cluster around an otherwise appealing automobile. heck, i'd be more interested in owning an SRT4 if it wouldn't associate me from HS-dropout FWD street drag racing goons. now those things can be a hoot to drive too!
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charlesk 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
There are plenty of ways to describe a vehicle with an automatic transmission. Convenient, easy, (often) slower, (often) power sapping.
However, 'fun' isn't one of them.
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Tom 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
My 99 Regal GSE with a supercharged V6 was timed 0-60mph at 6.1 sec. Not impressed by the 7.3 sec here of the Mini. Doesn't that seem slow for a lightweight, performance sedan and 203 hp?
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