Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/mini-to-offer-exclusive-rally-edition-clubman-s-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/mini-to-offer-exclusive-rally-edition-clubman-s-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/mini-to-offer-exclusive-rally-edition-clubman-s-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mini Rally Edition Clubman S - Click above for image gallery

If you're into the Mini Clubman but would like to get something a bit more unique, the pint-sized automaker has something for you. Mini site Motoring File is reporting that the brand is building 70 USA-bound Rally Edition Clubman S models. That's 70 in total, or enough for just one Rally Edition Clubman S per U.S. Mini dealership.

The Rally Edition Clubman will feature a midnight black monotone paint job with silver racing stripes and matching black JCW aero kit. The Rally Edition Clubman also sets itself apart with hot-looking 17-inch black wheels and a roof rack. The special rally edition model will also receive "Rally Green" side mirror caps that pop, at least in the presumably Photoshopped pic above, when contrasted with the black paint. The Rally Edition Clubman S looks pretty damn good, and MINI knows it. Add up all those features and the exclusivity that comes with a limited production run, and you get an MSRP of $32,999.


Gallery: Mini Rally Edition Clubman S

clubmansrally2minirallyclubmans

[Source: Motoring File]

MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those folks concerned with All Things Mini over at Motoringfile have some more salacious gossip regarding the rumored coupe and speedster variants. A conceptual version of the fixed-head sportster is expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn, and according to the website, the model will carry the moniker 'Broadspeed Coupe.' (Quick history lesson: A team by the name of Broadspeed raced Mini Coopers back in the 1960's, and they even went so far as to produce a racier coupe version of the of the Mark 1 1275 S (shown above).

Regardless of what they end up being called, the Mini coupe and speedster are expected to be based on the current model - reportedly making them the last such iterations to be based on the R57 platform. An earlier report pegged the coupe model as being available exclusively in hardcore John Cooper Works spec, but now Motoringfile suggests that due to economic and regulatory pressures, both cars will likely be offered as complete families, with standard Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW flavors.

[Source: Motoringfile | Image: Racemini.nl]

Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbroadspeedcooper sCooperSjcwjohn cooper worksJohnCooperWorksminimini coopermini cooper speedstermini speedsterMiniCooperMiniCooperSpeedsterMiniSpeedstermotoringfileR57Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 - Click above for high-res gallery

Although it actually debuted at the Mini United Festival at Silverstone late last month, the special edition Mini Cooper John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (good luck getting all of that script on the hatch lid, gents) has finally received a full slate of details and press images.

The special edition was designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Mini's motorsports successes, as well as John Cooper's victory in the F1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship with Jack Brabham manning the controls. Limited to just 250 examples, the MCJCWWC50 features the standard JCW's 211-hp turbo four, along with a full slate of celebratory garnishes inside and out.

Available exclusively in Connaught Green (a new color for Mini), all examples receive Pepper White stripes down the hood and roof, a color scheme designed to invoke the livery of Cooper F1 cars. There are also cross-spoke Challenge alloy wheels finished in black, a bunch of carbon-fiber bits (hood scoop, rear diffuser, mirror caps, tailgate handle) and special numbering. The model was designed in conjunction with John Cooper's son, "John" Michael Cooper, whose signature appears on the hood stripe and on a special fascia plate.

Inside, there's carbon black leather with red piping and stitching throughout, along with more carbon fiber bits (fascia, door handles), an Alcantara steering wheel, and a six-speed manual gearbox - no torque converters allowed in this celebration.

All-in, this looks like a tidy package not just for collectors, but enthusiasts as well. No word yet on how much this limited-edition hatchback will cost, but if Mini's current pricing stratagem is anything to go by... it won't be cheap.


Gallery: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50

Continue reading Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released

Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JCWjohn cooper worksJohnCooperWorksmini cooperMini unitedMiniCooperMiniUnitedSilverstoneWed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Preview: MINI drops the top on the JCW cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/geneva-preview-mini-drops-the-top-on-the-jcw-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/geneva-preview-mini-drops-the-top-on-the-jcw-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/geneva-preview-mini-drops-the-top-on-the-jcw-cabrio/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible

As far as cute cars go, it doesn't get much more adorable than the MINI. Especially in convertible form. But as the Anglo-Saxon carmaker has shown with the top-spec John Cooper Works versions of the hatchback and Clubman, cute can turn (kinda) mean with the addition of some go-fast bits and next month at the Geneva Motor Show MINI will do just that -- again -- when it takes the wraps off the new JCW cabrio.

Like its tin-topped counterparts, the JCW convertible packs a 1.6-liter turbo four with 211 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, plus an extra boost in low-end grunt helping the open-air machine get to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a scant 6.9 seconds en route to a follicle-stimulating 146 mph top end. Retuned suspension and electronics, 17" alloys, beefier brakes, Works aero kit, dark grey soft-top and special interior touches, including three-spoke leather steering wheel, special pedals and piano-lacquer trim also form part of the package, which you can check out in full in the press release after the jump and in the photos below.

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works Convertible

Continue reading Geneva Preview: MINI drops the top on the JCW cabrio

Geneva Preview: MINI drops the top on the JCW cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

MINI's going to be busy over the next few months, with new product debuts already scheduled for Geneva (the MINI One Clubman) and Frankfurt (MINI Crossover). If the rumors are correct, you can add one more to the mix, as the John Cooper Works edition of the new convertible looks to join its fixed-head stablemate at the Geneva Motor Show in March. As in the JCW hardtop, the ragtop version will be blessed with a more powerful version of the Cooper S model's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which can send its 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. As with the hard-hat JCW, an overboost function allows for a torque peak of 207 lb-ft for a short period of time of quick bursts of acceleration.

Chassis improvements include new 17-inch alloys (with optional 18-inchers), an upgraded brake package and standard sport suspension. Of course, no upgrade package would be complete without a few visual modifications, and the JCW delivers with a revised front fascia, aero kit and plenty of badging inside and out. Want one? Expect to pay at least 30K for the privilege.

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible


[Source: Carscoop]

2010 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible tipped for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works convertiblejohn cooper works miniJohnCooperWorksJohnCooperWorksConvertibleJohnCooperWorksMiniminimini coopermini cooper convertiblemini cooper smini cooper s jcwmini cooper s john cooper worksmini jcw convertibleMiniCooperMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSMiniCooperSJcwMiniCooperSJohnCooperWorksMiniJcwConvertibleThu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above to view a high-res gallery of the MINI One Clubman

It's exciting for us when we get to report on a new, more powerful version of a much-loved car, but this isn't one of those moments. Thankfully, we also like it when a much-loved car becomes available in a less expensive formula. What you see here is the soon-to-be minted entry-level version of the MINI Clubman.

The stretched version of BMW's MINI has until now been offered only in Cooper guises: The standard Cooper with 120 horsepower, the sportier Cooper S with 175hp and the diesel Cooper D with 110hp. The MINI One Clubman makes do with lower levels of equipment and a less powerful 95hp 1.4-liter four, mated to the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Despite the lower content, it also includes such green touches as regenerative braking and start-stop engine management, giving the One the second best fuel economy and emissions figures in the range, trailing only the Cooper D.

Naturally, the decontented Clubman will come in as the cheapest version of the MINI wagon, retailing in the UK for £13,290 (approximately $19,250). That's a comparable price to the smaller but more powerful MINI Cooper hatchback (£13,715), about a grand more than the MINI One hatchback, but more than a grand less than the Cooper Clubman. MINI will continue to offer the North American market the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW versions, while the MINI One Clubman makes its debut in Geneva this coming March. Details in the press release after the jump and plainly superimposed high-resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: MINI One Clubman


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWCoopergenevageneva auto salongeneva auto showgeneva motor showGenevaAutoSalonGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowJohn CooperJohn Cooper worksJohnCooperJohnCooperWorksminimini clubmanmini genevamini onemini one clubmanMiniClubmanMiniGenevaMiniOneMiniOneClubmanMon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-mini-clubman-john-cooper-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-mini-clubman-john-cooper-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-mini-clubman-john-cooper-works/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works - Click above for high-res image gallery

The names MINI and John Cooper have been intertwined for more than 40 years and now they are closer than ever. When British race car and engine builder Cooper prepped the original MINIs for the Monte Carlo rally back in the 1960s, he helped cement the iconic status of the little car. When the MINI was reborn as a product of BMW earlier this decade, the Cooper model was a standard element of the lineup. A semi-official tuned John Cooper works edition was also available for the hard-core addicts. Earlier this year, BMW announced that the John Cooper Works MINI would become an official factory product analogous to M models from its parent company BMW.

The JCW edition is available on both the standard MINI hardtop and the extra-length Clubman. Having a JCW MINI means you have opted for the fastest factory MINI ever built. We spent a week with a John Cooper Works MINI Clubman in the Autoblog Garage just as winter weather clamped down on Michigan. Find out how this maximum fared in wintry Motown after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works

Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the apparent keys to creating a viral video is mimicking reality by showing young people attempting stunts. The main difference is that in Virals, the injuries aren't real, and the camera work is better. Oh, and the payoff is usually CG that's been fussed over, versus pimply little Johnny trying to figure out chromakey in his bedroom. MINI wants to put across the point that the Cooper S with the John Cooper Works package is more extreme than extreme. The very definition of extreme, perhaps. Extremus maxiumus. Whatever. Corralling a big-power MINI is first rate entertainment, but a lesson in how levers work from a massive crane would tickle the adrenal gland more. The fact that we just expended a bunch of words about the video means that MINI hit its mark, though -- the whole point of Viral ads is to get people talking, so... as Linda Richman would say - "tawlk amongst yuhselves..." Video posted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper S JCW


[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus

VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high resolution image

We've had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a few MINI variants, including a 2007 Cooper S and more recently a 2008 Cooper Clubman. Despite some quirky interior design cues and limited practicality, it's hard not to love the MINI for its superb handling and slick-shifting transmission. Still on our to-do list, however, was to experience some of the John Cooper Works options that were absent on our previous test cars. Fortunately we were able to schedule a short drive with a 2008 MINI Cooper S with a few select JCW options. Are the upgrades worth the price of admission? Read on...

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper S JCW


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW

First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the JCW MINI

The intrepid (and trustworthy) scribes over at MotoringFile have confirmed with their sources that the softest available suspension tuning in the brand's lineup will be standard on the high-performance John Cooper Works model, while a sport suspension or a dealer-installed JCW suspension kit will be optional equipment. MINI cites the fact that it wants the JCW to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible as the real reason for the decision, though it's a choice that's causing some ire among diehard MINI fans. Some are going so far as to suggest the brand should drop the car's brake upgrade in favor of an actual sport suspension as standard equipment.

[Source: MotoringFile]

John Cooper Works MINI gets base Cooper's suspension as standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for more hi-res pics of the John Cooper Works MINIs

Hitting the bull's-eye for enthusiasts, BMW's MINI brand is launching two hot new models next month at the Geneva Auto Show. Loaded with performance upgrades and new interior appointments, each race-bred model serves as the basis for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 race car.

Based on the three-door MINI and the five-door MINI Clubman, the heart of each model is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder massaged to 207 hp. Pedal to the floor, it should be good for a sprint to 60 mph in just under 6.5 seconds (the MINI Clubman, a bit heavier than the three-door, is a few tenths slower). Unique light alloy wheels, a new performance exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and a modified 6-speed manual transmission are just some of the mechanical upgrades. Aesthetically, the John Cooper Works models will be differentiated by their distinctive body kits and unique interiors. With a base price of under $30,000, get ready to storm your dealers when they're released in late summer. Follow the jump for MINI's endless press release.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click above to view more JCW-related MINI images

Back in December of 2006, we reported that BMW had officially acquired the John Cooper Works garage with the intent of making it the MINI brand's official performance label, much like the M division is to BMW. Over a year later, Munich has finally relaunched the JCW division, which is headlined by the evolutionary new logo you see here.

The rebranding of JCW is more than an exercise in badge engineering, however. The new effort draws on the decades-long heritage that has been shared between Cooper and MINI, starting with the first MINI that F1 engineer John Cooper tuned and continuing through the resuscitation of the MINI brand by BMW to today's rapidly expanding second-gen range. John's son Mike Cooper continues on as chief executive to oversee JCW's activities under the Bavarian wing, which will include products for both road and track.

In addition to the one-make John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing series (spec car shown above), JCW will also continue to offer the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit as well as a catalogue of individual components for the top-of-the-line Cooper S versions of the MINI hatch, convertible and Clubman. The bottom line is that with JCW under the same white roof, MINI can now offer even more packages and options than the gazillion choices already in store for buyers, all with full factory backing.

BMW released a bunch of retro-licious MINI Cooper JCW pics, which we've put into the gallery below along with descriptions of what you're looking at. The official BMW/MINI press release can also be found after the jump.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works

Continue reading John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled

John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've covered the JCW kits for the new R56 MINI already, but it seems we may have gotten some of the details wrong. According to our pal Gabe over at MotoringFile who knows what he's talking about concerning all things MINI, the tiniest division of BMW has two different JCW kits in mind for the R56. We already discussed how the US version of the Stage I kit (shown above) is slightly different than the Euro kit because of the already-upgraded exhaust manifold we get in the States, but we've also learned that the Stage I that went on sale last month produces 192 HP and a hefty 199 lb-ft of torque. That makes the Stage I about equal to the previous-gen JCW GP edition because of its increased torque. But some people want to see a higher horsepower number as well, and that's where the Stage II kit comes in.

The Stage II should be able to match the 218 bhp of the JCW GP, as well as adding even more torque to the mix. The Stage II kit includes a larger turbocharger, a new intake and a reprogrammed ECU. MF is also reporting that for the first time ever the new MINI will be wearing multi-piston brake calipers. The Stage II will be sporting 4-piston pots in place of the customary single piston numbers on all other MINIs. While pricing hasn't been set, MF says the decision has been made to NOT include the JCW Sport Suspension, perhaps because of cost. Unique JCW wheels will also be available for ordering separately when the Stage II kit arrives in the second half of 2008.

[Source: MotoringFile]

The real scoop on the MINI JCW Stage II Cooper S originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>John Cooper WorksJohnCooperWorksMini CooperMini Cooper GPMINI JCWMiniCooperMiniCooperGpMiniJcwFri, 09 Nov 2007 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Leakage: <strike>John Cooper Works</strike> MINI Clubman with JCW accessories]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/leakage-john-cooper-works-mini-clubman/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/leakage-john-cooper-works-mini-clubman/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/leakage-john-cooper-works-mini-clubman/#commentsFiled under: ,

UPDATE: Apparently these shots are of an accessorized version of the Clubman, and not official pics of the full-bore JCW variant. Thanks to Gabe for the heads up.

Click the image above for more.

With the first few details about MINI's Stage II JCW Cooper S emerging, it was simply a matter of time before we saw a similar package for the brand new Clubman S. As we speculated, the John Cooper Works edition Clubman is somewhat similar to the MINI Challenge safety Clubman that we featured last month. The revised front bumper isn't quite as radical as its track-bound compatriot, but the JCW Clubman makes up for it with a unique stripe design, new exhaust tips, red brake calipers peering behind 18-inch wheels, plus carbon fiber side mirrors and (non-functioning) hood scoop.

Naturally, power output will be bumped up -- somewhere in the realm of 200 HP -- while torque will likely increase to around 200 lb.-ft. Beyond that, expect to see some carbon fiber trim on the inside and an F1-style shift light on the instrument cluster. All standard practice for the JCW crew.

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Gallery: Leakage: JCW MINI Clubman S

Leakage: John Cooper Works MINI Clubman with JCW accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The MINI franchise is finally facing some stiff competition in the compact performance segment, particularly abroad where buyers can now get their retrotastic kicks in the 180-hp Fiat Punto Abarth SS or the Clio Renaultsport 197. It's been simply a matter of time before MINI let loose the John Cooper Works team again on the new R56 Cooper S, and the fruits of their underground labors have been caught on the Nurburgring in the form of a Stage II version of the R56 Cooper S JCW package.

Sporting a set of 18-inch rollers pilfered from the JCW GP Limited Edition Cooper S, this test mule also receives a set of upgraded brakes, a JCW-spec sports suspension package and a restyled aero kit. A proper tune of the turbo'd 1.6-liter mill, coupled with a new JCW exhaust, is expected to bring output up from to around 215 horsepower.

Expect the JCW-massaged version of the Cooper S to debut in Geneva next year, with sales beginning later in '08.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our main-MINI-man Gabe over at MotoringFile procured a handful of shots showing the safety car for the 2008 MINI Challenge, and the series' organizers have commissioned a one-off Clubman S to be built with a host of modifications to make it track worthy. Although there's no mention of what changes were made under the hood, according to the site, a John Cooper Works (JCW) exhaust is fitted and the new rear spoiler will be an option for the Clubman come 2008. The obvious changes to ride height would imply that some serious suspension tweaks were in order, while the new front and rear diffuser could foretell the future of JCW-equipped Clubmans.

You can read over our previous posts about the MINI JCW Challenge racer here and here, and check out more shots of the Clubman safety car here.

[Source: MotoringFile]

2008 MINI Challenge Series Clubman safety car, fastest Clubman to date originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for live gallery of this hot new MINI

MINI quietly parked the hottest Cooper ever in front of its booth here in Frankfurt, letting everyone just discover it on their own. It's pretty hard to miss, though. As we told you when the info dropped last week, this new John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is a race-ready hatch with some serious changes to the engine and suspension that add up to a weekend track car for all intents and purposes. Things like new pistons, a reworked turbocharger, new intake and exhaust plumbing, a reprogrammed engine management system, race suspension, and new four-piston brakes hidden behind Dunlop-shod Borbet wheels are just some of the upgrades to make the Cooper race ready.

The CHALLENGE also features a John Cooper Works aero kit with an adjustable rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and a new front spoiler. The full roll cage inside is a pretty big tip-off that this car means business. It's welded into the car, right behind the upgraded Recaro buckets with six-point harnesses and HANS device. Like we said, it's basically a track car pre-made for racing teams participating in the regional MINI Challenge Series races. You don't HAVE to participate in the series to buy one, so just pony up the €49,900 including VAT and wait until March when the cars will be delivered. If you're a privateer you'll have to wait until next June.

Follow the jump for MINI's full press release.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works Challenge car

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: New John Cooper Works car is most Challenging MINI ever

Frankfurt 2007: New John Cooper Works car is most Challenging MINI ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FrankfurtJCWJohn Cooper WorksJohn Cooper Works ChallengeJohnCooperWorksJohnCooperWorksChallengeWed, 12 Sep 2007 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/28/u-s-r56-mini-cooper-s-owners-finally-get-the-jcw-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/28/u-s-r56-mini-cooper-s-owners-finally-get-the-jcw-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/28/u-s-r56-mini-cooper-s-owners-finally-get-the-jcw-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you're a U.S. citizen hankering for a factory-tuned R56 MINI Cooper S, you're officially in luck. MotoringFile has received the press release on the new JCW tuning package, and according to our friend Gabe, some dealers already have demo vehicles and you might be able to score a ride in one later this week.

The primary difference between the Euro kit we've reported on before and the kit to be sold Stateside is the exhaust manifold. Apparently, U.S.-spec vehicles are already equipped with the new exhaust plumbing, making the addition to the kit irrelevant.

The kit boosts power to 189 hp and up to 207 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 RPM, and while MINI admits that the package equipped on the last generation hatch was cost prohibitive, both with respect to parts and labor, this new kit will come in at $2,100 with only two hours of shop time to install.

The gains in power are provided by a new air filter housing, exhaust and a revised ECU tune, which supposedly provides faster throttle response. On the outside, tuned MINIs also get John Cooper Works badging on the front grille, trunk lid and atop the air filter housing.

After the jump you can scour through all the details, including comparisons in performance times between the stock and JCW-equipped R56.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Gallery: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

Continue reading U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment

U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for gallery

MINI will unveil a new track-only car at Frankfurt: the John Cooper Works CHALLENGE. The race-ready hatch incorporates extensive revisions to the engine and suspension to ensure that it is essentially maxed-out in all areas of performance. New pistons, a reworked turbocharger, new intake and exhaust plumbing and a reprogrammed engine management system highlight the underhood mods. Power is channeled up front via a six-speed manual. The chassis is upgraded with a race suspension, and new four-piston brakes hide behind the Dunlop-shod Borbet wheels. The entire package is wrapped in a John Cooper Works aero kit that features an adjustable rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and a new front spoiler. Since the car is intended to be raced, a full roll cage is welded in, the stock front seats are replaced by Recaro buckets with six-point harnesses, and a HANS device is also included. The car is basically a ready-to-rock package for racing teams participating in the MINI Challenge series held in certain markets. For those not inclined to participate in the series, however, it looks like a very entertaining track-day bomber. The price is set at €49,900 including VAT. The order form goes online on September 11, 2007, and racing teams will begin taking delivery of the cars in March of next year. Private buyers will have their orders filled starting next June. Follow the jump for MINI's full press release.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: MINI's track-prepped John Cooper Works Challenge

Frankfurt Preview: MINI's track-prepped John Cooper Works Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The first assessment of the John Cooper Works tuning package is in, and the verdict is a qualified "Buy." According to the JCW site, the kit has an air filter ,a remapped ECU, and a central twin exhaust. The test car was kitted out with a host of other JCW fittings, including an aero kit, 18" wheels, and lowered suspension. The now-turbocharged (instead of supercharged, as on the first-gen MINI) S gets 17 more horsepower at 6,000 rpm, but the effect is more massage than it is a Frankenstein job. The traction is great, the exhaust sounds the same from inside but blurbles nicely outside (there are a couple of videos on which to feast), and the car is certainly fast. While he's sure it will beat any R53, it didn't give him the kick in the pants that the old supercharged engine did. In the end, his advice is to buy -- unless you want to wait for the Stage II kit....

[Source: MotoringFile]

First review of the R56 MINI Cooper S JCW package originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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