More Powerful MINI JCW Performance kit Spied at Nurburgring

In addition to the high demand of the customers wanting more power, MINI's tuning division, John Cooper Works (JCW), seeks to distance itself further from the competition with a second more powerful performance and styling kit for the Mini Cooper S. With potential competitors such as the Clio Renaultsport 197 with 197 horsepower or Fiat's 180hp Punto Abarth SS Concept revealed at this past Frankfurt Motor Show and likely to go into production, the first JCW kit for the second generation MINI with its 192hp is slightly inadequate.

Expected features:

• power increase to 215hp

• JCW exhaust

• bigger / larger JCW brakes

• restyled JCW Aero body kit

• unique 18' JCW wheels

• JCW sport suspension

The car shown in the images is a prototype / development car during tests at the Nürburgring - Nordschleife with a restyled Aero kit which includes front and rear bumper fascias and side skirts plus 18-inch wheels from the JCW GP Limited Edition. The front bumper fascia shows revised fog lamp and lower center grills for improved cooling to the new brakes.

The unveiling of the finalized car is expected for Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 with first deliveries starting with model year 2009 in summer 2008.

New JCW Kit for MINI Cooper S (UK)

[UPDATE: official photos of JCW kit for Cooper S added 08.26.07]

Just last week MINI whet our appetite with its track only John Coopers Works Challenge race car. And now for all of you MINI wannabe racers, there is the new John Cooper Works aftermarket kit now available in the UK as an add-on package for all Cooper S models.

The kit, available at MINI dealerships this September, includes a sport exhaust system, high-flow air filter and reprogrammed engine management - all good for an extra 17 bhp to 192 bhp on the 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbo engine. Torque is also increased from 240 to 270 Nm with Overboost. As a result, 0-62 mph happens in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph. The cost of the kit is £1,095 inc. VAT with 4 hours of fitting time not included. For additionally cost, the JCW look can be completed with JCW branded front grille and tailgate, body kit and 18-inch wheels. Also, an assortment of carbon fiber trim and panel pieces are available as well.

This is as close as it gets without shelling out the EUR 49,900 for the JCW Challenge race car which you can't even drive around your neighborhood, unless you live at Silverstone!

MINI Clubman: In Depth

Introduction

• More doors, more space, more legroom, more individuality, more British production.
• Same great driving dynamics, same leading residual values, same tlc, same low emissions.

The new MINI Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday 10 November 2007. Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all the demands and technologies of the 21st century.

It takes a sneaky peek back in time, but has its eyes firmly ahead on the engineering, design, safety and image demands that today’s customers expect of a premium car. Still a MINI, but with a little bit extra.

Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S, the new model offers practical flexibility, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customisation options. But nothing compromises MINI’s revered driving dynamics and the Clubman look will be unique on the streets.

The stand-out styling (and added practicality) reinforces MINI’s position in the 21st century as the most in-demand small car on the planet. Over 188,000 were demanded in 2006 and 2007 will be yet another record sales year for MINI. But it is the swinging ‘60s that had a hand in the Clubman development.

The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate. The new MINI Clubman nevertheless stays true to the successful, modern MINI design language. It’s still a MINI, so owners get short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase, the high shoulder line rising towards the rear and, of course, MINI decals for the roof.

The new MINI Clubman is 24cm longer than the Hatch. Inside, it offers 8cm more legroom for rear passengers and is the first new MINI to enter the market with five seats. Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down. Access to this extra space has been made easier via the split rear doors and additional Clubdoor on the right-hand side.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: “MINI remains the most successful small car of the decade, and its appeal to a wider variety of customers has increased even more in 2007. The MINI Clubman is the third model in the range to join the successful MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible. We have a great choice of engines that satisfy low emissions and high fuel efficiency desires, but also keep the fun in driving. The new MINI Clubman has all the plus points of a MINI, with added functionality and a unique style.”

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation MINI, feature new improvements to optimise fuel economy and emissions management. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Gearshift Point Indicator are standard on all variants. The greatest impact is seen on the MINI Cooper D Clubman, which achieves a hybrid-matching low emissions figure of 109 g/km C02.

The Clubman body style adds to the MINI family of Hatch and Convertible models, which have sold over one million models worldwide since 2001. All three derivatives are built at Plant Oxford, where £100 million has been invested in the past two years to increase production up to 240,000 by 2008. This is more than double the planned production capacity prior to the first car coming off the line in spring 2001.

Oliver Zipse, Managing Director BMW Group Plant Oxford, said: “The new MINI Clubman is another milestone in the MINI success story. Our highly committed associates in the MINI production triangle plants in the UK at Oxford, Hams Hall and Swindon have so far produced more than one million MINIs since the car was relaunched in 2001. With the MINI Clubman we are expecting new production and sales records for MINI which is great news for the UK automotive industry.”

As with the Hatch models, the petrol engines will be assembled at Plant Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies are from Plant Swindon. This ‘MINI production triangle’ employs a workforce of approximately 6,800 in the UK, and delivers MINIs to over 70 markets worldwide.

Clubman’s vital statistics

Model	Power hp	Torque Nm	0-62 mph secs	Top speed	Combined mpg	Emissions EU g/km	VED tax band
Cooper £14,235	120	160	9.8	125	51.4	132	C
Cooper D £15,400	110	240*	10.4	120	68.9	109	B
Cooper S £17,210	175	240*	7.6	139	44.8	150	C

The new MINI Clubman will be sold through the UK MINI network of 148 dealers spanning the country. Over the past few years, MINI dealers have been investing in their dealerships, expanding or re-locating to fit the growing MINI range.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: "It’s a great time to be a MINI dealer. They’re very excited and confident about the imminent arrival of the Clubman. The planned expansion of the MINI range is in no small part down to the great service MINI owners receive at their dealerships, and this is reflected in the year-on-year growth. Dealers in the UK have invested close to £40 million in the last two years in expanding or moving premises, enabling them to present the huge choice of models, options and accessories to customers in the showroom.”

Hearn continued: “Demand continues to grow with 2007 sales up nearly 14 per cent, including three record sales months from March. Residual values remain the best in the industry according to Lex and the arrival of Clubman will further add to MINI's growth over the coming years."

Standard Specification MINI Cooper Clubman

Safety

• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
• Central locking, automatic at 10mph
• Corner Braking Control (CBC)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) inc. Hill Assist
• Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
• Crash sensor
• Disc brakes all round – vented at front
• Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD)
• MINI Mobility System (MINI MS)
• Passenger airbag deactivation
• Tyre defect indicator
• Driver and front passenger front airbags
• Driver and front passenger side airbags
• Curtain head airbags
• Three-Point safety belts with pretensioners

Exterior

• 15” light alloy wheels – 5-Star Spooler
• 6-Speed manual gearbox
• Automatic rear wash wiper
• Chrome-plated door handles
• Electric door mirrors
• Heated rear window
• Front and rear bumpers in body colour
• Third brake light
• Black side air inlets with integrated orange indicator
• Silver or black contrast roof and door mirrors
• Chrome-plated grille
• Chrome-plated tailgate handle
• Security locking wheel bolts
• Silver or black contrast C pillars

Interior

• Automatic start/stop function (MSA) (manual only)
• Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR)
• Switch Point Display (SPA) (manual only)
• 3 rear seats (2 rears seats as a no-cost option)
• 50 / 50 split folding rear seats
• CD changer preparation
• Aux In connection (3.5mm plug) for MP3 players
• Cloth Cosmos
• Cup holders front and rear
• Easy entry function (a seat release lever that moves the whole seat forward to allow easy access to the rear)
• Start/Stop button
• Electric front windows
• Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Steering column height and length adjustable
• ISOFIX child seat attachment on rear seats
• Radio BOOST with single CD
• Remote central locking and alarm (Thatcham CAT1)
• Glove box
• Rev counter with outside temperature display

MINI Cooper D Clubman

Standard Specification above MINI Cooper

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

MINI Cooper S Clubman

Standard Specification above MINI Cooper

• 16” light alloy wheels – S Winder
• Twin scroll turbo charger
• Sport button

MINI JCW Challenge Revealed

MINI CHALLENGE: the popular one-make series.

Now in its fourth year internationally, the MINI CHALLENGE has become one of the most successful and popular one-make series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Holland have hit the headlines all over Europe and boast massive followings of fans at the track and on TV.

MINI CHALLENGE has also hit the headlines Down Under with a summer series completed in New Zealand and another planned for 2007/08. The MINI CHALLENGE delivers a highly attractive blend of thrilling racing for both drivers and fans alike.

International MINI CHALLENGE series have featured both experienced drivers as well as up and coming drivers keen to make their mark in motorsport, having their first taste of racing cars with roofs as an entry into Sedan racing. In some markets, celebrity guest drivers with previous race form or a burning desire to compete have also joined the fray.

The big draw for all drivers is the level playing field. In MINI CHALLENGE, individual suspension set-up and driving skill are the sole differentiators. Other than suspension settings, all cars are technically identical.

MINI CHALLENGE racer: The heart of the beast.

Like the road-going MINI Cooper S, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer boasts a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection, churning out 154 kW with a maximum torque of 280 Nm.

Instant power and high-revs combined with muscular torque are the hallmarks of the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer’s engine. The road-going engine on which the race car motor is based has been awarded the coveted International Engine of the Year Award for its capacity class, by a group of eminent jurists. The prestigious 2007 Engine of the Year Award amply attributed plaudits to the technology, efficiency and performance of the new engine.

The road-going MINI Cooper S was the first car in its class with a twin-scroll turbocharged engine. Direct petrol injection, weight-saving technology, a high rev limit, and state-of-the-art BMW Group engine technology makes the ideal basis for a race engine, enhancing the car's sporting qualities on both the road and the race track. Less weight over the front axle allows a perfect balance giving faithful steering response on tight, twisting circuits.

For the race engine, maximum torque is up by 20 Nm over the production model, now peaking at 260 Nm or, with the help of the Overboost function, an even more significant 280 Nm for brief but ultra-powerful bursts of acceleration. The improved torque delivers higher levels of responsiveness and a higher top speed, leading in turn to faster racing lap times.

Added to the weight saving and an optimised aero and suspension package, the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer will be significantly faster and more fun to drive.

The suspension on the new racing MINI comes with adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed and built specifically for motorsport. Racers can adjust ground clearance, damper pressure (inbound and rebound stroke) as well as damper response specifically to meet the needs of each individual race track.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels through the regular six-speed manual gearbox, while a new design of 17-inch light alloy wheel rim, designed specifically for racing has been developed along with new race tyres.

The newly optimised aero package comprises a new high-performance motorsport front spoiler, an adjustable rear spoiler and a new rear diffuser, all of which work to cut lift, and increase downforce evenly on each axle, at high speed. For faster pit stops, all 2008 MINI CHALLENGE racers come with on-board air jacks to make wheel changes that much quicker.

Standard equipment also includes a safety cage welded firmly to the body of the car, a RECARO sports bucket seat combined with a six-point safety belt, and the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system carried over from Formula 1 to ensure effective protection of the driver's neck area.

"The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racer is one hot-shot track rocket," said Justin Hocevar, National Manager MINI. "We can't wait to get our hands on the first cars to race them in Australia. We are very excited that the new Australian MINI CHALLENGE series will debut the second generation of race cars early next year. We know that, internationally, the 2007 MINI CHALLENGE series have seen some extremely tight and competitive racing, but in 2008 we move into a different league. The new 2008 cars are lighter, more powerful and have even better traction. This means faster lap times and more thrilling bouts between evenly matched cars. Drivers will have to be on their game in order to stay ahead of their rivals," Justin said. "Stand by for some explosive action when the MINI CHALLENGE series hits the tracks."

• MINI John Cooper Works Performance Engine: Four-cylinder inline power unit with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection, racing exhaust
• Capacity: 1,598 cc Output: 154 kW
• Max torque: 260 Nm (280Nm with overboost)
• Power transmission: Front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
• Suspension: Independent suspension, MacPherson spring struts at the front, central-arm rear axle, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17-inch aluminium rims in MINI CHALLENGE design, dampers adjustable both inbound and rebound (KW Automotive), adjustable spring strut support at the front, racing brakes, race-specific ABS, limited-slip differential, motorsport tyres
• Body: John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package with a new performance front spoiler, adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser, Air pressure jack system
• Performance: Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds,
• top speed 240 km/h, deceleration 100-0 km/h in 3.1 seconds
• (31 metres)
• Safety: Rollcage welded into the car, six-point safety belt, automatic fire extinguisher, racing seat including Head And Neck Support (HANS) system
• Weight: Max 1,150 kg including driver