Bartek Sikorski

In addition to the just revealed 2008 JCW Mini Cooper S, we've also got some great shots below of the new 2008 JCW Mini Cooper Clubman S. It's the first time JCW's gotten a hold of the Clubman, and the photos look great -- better even the faux JCW Mini Cooper Clubman S we'd seen already. Unfortunately, we won't have a press release for a few more minutes so for the time being you'll just have to make do with the shots we've got below. All we can tell so far is it's got similar badging to the more-mini Mini. As far as performance numbers and other upgrades -- well, we promise we'll have all the deets on the speedier Mini S that's bigger, longer and more uncut in the next few minutes.



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Bartek Sikorski

Anticipation of the upcoming Geneva auto show is showing through in the reveals already taking place. BMW has just let slip its John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S and Clumban models, and we’ve got all the details and pictures.

Following on the tradition of saving the sportiest variants for the John Cooper Works line of Mini cars, the latest Cooper S and Clubman models bring very similar stats to the performance party. At 155kW (211hp) 260Nm torque, the 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged petrol four-cylinder provides the power to get the JCW Cooper S to 100km/h (62mph) in just 6.5s. The Clubman follows at 6.8s. An ‘overboost’ feature allows the JCW Minis to bump torque up to 280Nm for short stints under hard acceleration. Top speed comes at 238km/h (148mph).
While traction control gets in the way of the fun - although it helps to limit torque steer around town - a press of the DSC-off button gets rid of some of the electronic-nannying while also engaging an Electric Differential Lock on the drive axle, which improves handling and acceleration in much the same way a limited slip differential does.
Both models also get special lightweight 17″ wheels, stronger brakes, exhaust tuning and a standard six-speed transmission. Starting price in Europe is 27,700 for the John Cooper Works Mini and the Clubman starts at 29,500.
The increased power output of the new Minis comes from optimising the air-pump qualities of the 1.6L petrol four-banger. The air filter, mass airflow sensor, exhaust and catalyst have all been optimized to flow the greatest amount of air possible. Green considerations were not cast aside completely, either, with the Cooper S-based model achieving a fuel efficiency of 6.9L/100km (34mpg) and 165g/km CO2 emissions and the Clubman yielding 7.0L/100km (33.6mpg) and 167g/km CO2.
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Bartek Sikorski

Press Release

The new MINI John Cooper Works on the starting grid at Geneva
Factory-built JCW Cooper S Hatch and Clubman set for summer launch
• Engine modifications deliver 211hp and 0-62 in 6.5 seconds
• Engine, brakes, suspension settings and transmission adapted from MINI CHALLENGE race car
• Dynamic Traction Control makes MINI debut
• Full range of John Cooper Works body styling products available
• On-the-road prices expected to be £20,500 for the JCW Hatch and Clubman at £21,700
• New speedo design to accommodate the higher maximum speed
Production of John Cooper Works-tuned cars is all set to resume at MINI’s Plant Oxford after the launch of the second-generation MINI Cooper S Hatch and new MINI Cooper S Clubman. From July 2008, customers will be able to order factory-built MINIs that produce 211hp and complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds.
Motor sport has heavily influenced the engineering and development of these new MINIs that feature a larger twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection with common rail. The four-cylinder engine has had the same modifications as the MINI CHALLENGE race car, along with re-engineered brakes, suspension and strengthened gearing. Each upgrade combines to give the car a remarkable output of 132hp per litre combined with 40mpg.
Expected prices on-the-road are £20,500 for the MINI John Cooper Works and £21,700 for the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The cars will be unveiled for the first time to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show in March.
Engine
The engine specially developed for the MINI CHALLENGE race car is fitted to the MINI John Cooper Works cars. The basic unit is the 1.6 litre power plant supplied in the standard MINI Cooper S, but modifications have been made to the air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst. Air supply to the modified larger turbocharger is increased through fitment of a larger air intake pipe, which in turn creates a quicker induction phase.
The Works engines from Hams Hall also come with reinforced, specially polished pistons, as well as a strengthened cylinder head for optimised stability and a modified cylinder gasket. The intake valves and valve seat rings have also been upgraded with stronger and more resistant materials. This reduces the engine’s compression ratio.
The new Sports exhaust system is instantly recognisable through the large polished stainless steel twin tailpipes. Modification of the exhaust system has also helped to reduce counter-pressure at the point of exhaust gas recirculation. Ducts in the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are split between two cylinders each. Congestion is therefore minimised when air is inducted to the turbocharger and “turbo lag” is virtually eliminated.
The John Cooper Works MINIs are the first models in the range to fulfil all the requirements of the European EU5 emission standards that come into force in 2009.
The material used in machining the turbine has been upgraded specifically for the Works engine, with maximum charge pressure increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar, in order to maintain the highest possible temperature for a longer period in the combustion chambers. This lengthening of the combustion process helps to achieve the higher torque curve of the Works car at 260Nm at just 1,850rpm. The Overboost function briefly extends this further to 280Nm. This suits the character of a John Cooper Works car perfectly as Overboost is experienced exclusively through increased torque, not on engine output.
Safety and Driving Dynamics
MINI has always had sophisticated driving stability systems as standard. These include ABS Brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, EDL Electronic Differential Lock, as well as DSC Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Assist. For the first time, DTC Dynamic Traction Control is added to the list.
DTC allows controlled slip on the drive wheels. For example, on a slippery surface, the driver can pick up speed in a controlled manner with the front wheels spinning slightly. When reaching the upper limit, DSC will intervene as usual. But the driver can deactivate the DSC/DTC systems if he wishes by the touch of a button.
In the DSC-off mode, the standard Electronic Differential Lock can be activated and controls cornering at higher speeds. If one wheel loses grip, drive is transferred to the wheel with better grip promoting the car’s traction and pulling force.
Chassis
The Sports Suspension has been specifically tuned for the Works models. However, even greater chassis rigidity can be achieved by ordering through dealerships the John Cooper Works suspension that lowers the entire car by 10mm.
Extra-large disc brakes adorned with uprated red callipers are fitted to Works cars. In addition, inner-vented discs are positioned behind the front wheels. The front discs are 17” in diameter while the rear set measure 16”. The brake discs are approximately 22mm larger than on the standard Cooper S.
Interior
The options included as standard on the John Cooper Works include a leather sports steering wheel, air-conditioning, interior trim in glossy Piano Black and an Anthracite roof lining.
An upgraded sound system is also included in the JCW package and features 10 speakers and an eight-channel amplifier for increased aural pleasure. For the first time, the MINI speedo has been increased to 160mph on the dial to accommodate the higher maximum speed of the JCW.
The six-speed manual gearbox has been strengthened to handle the powerful new engine.
The standard Sports button, located in front of the gear stick, activates a bespoke engine control map which produces even more dynamic performance and sharper steering response.
Exterior
The Works MINIs come with exclusive 17” light-alloy wheels in JCW Cross-Spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, and weigh less than 10 kilos each.
The Works models can be identified by the newly-designed John Cooper Works logo on the boot and grille and wheels, as well as on the door trim.

Deutsch

With JCW suspension this car will have no problem making work for M3's to keep up on the track. It'll be that good.

Give me a JCW Clubman with I pod adpater + JCW SS + Sunroof and I'm good to go.

Deutsch

The Clubman looks far far better in person than the crumby photo's.

Centurion

^^
I agree. I've seen it a couple of times now and it doesn't look bad at all. IRL the impression isn't nearly as long as it is in pictures. Still find the interior too be a bit too goofy for my taste though.

siko

Video presentation @ WCF:

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