MF Exclusive: “Stage II” JCW MINI Revealed

[DJ]

MINI will be releasing not one but two separate JCW kits for the R56 MCS during it’s model cycle. The “Stage I” went on sale last month at MINI dealers around the world. With a power output of 192bhp and (here’s the kicker) as much as 199 lb-ft on tap, it’s turned out to be one of the fastest MINI ever - some would say almost the equal to the JCW GP due to all that torque. However there’s little denying that one of those numbers is noticeably down from the previous dealer/factory installed kit. And MINI being MINI, you knew that had to be eventually rectified.
And that brings us to the factory JCW or the “Stage II” as we dubbed it last year. The “Stage II” will not only match the power output of the previous R53 JCW car but will surely be quicker (due to the increased torque) than even the JCW GP.
You can expect power anywhere form 210 to 220 bhp.
The new found power comes from several components. Key to this will be a larger and fully optimized turbocharger.
Elsewhere the car will receive the intakekit known from the first kit….. and a reprogrammed ECU.
The Stage II will also get the soon to be released 4 piston brake. The brakes are rumored to be available as a dealer accessory as well. Let that sink in for a moment. Previous MINI brakes (even the JCW/R56 MCS brakes) had to make due with one piston. This new kit will have four of them.
While it’s safe to assume the price will be in the same range as the previous factory JCW kit, we don’t have any concrete information on final figures at this time.
One thing the factory JCW kit won’t get will be the excellent JCW Sport Suspension. We’re guessing cost was a factor but it also may have something to do with wanting to make sure the factory JCW car suited all tastes. As amazing as the JCW Suspension is, it does return the ride to near R53 levels.
Another rumored item that the Stage II won’t be getting will be unique JCW wheels. MINI will leave it up to individual customers to purchase (separately of course) JCW wheels from their dealer.
As we’ve previously reported, expect the new JCW kit to debut sometime in the second half of 2008.
Be sure check back in the coming weeks and months for more details on this car and interesting news about the entire JCW range of products

[Bronto]

I thought it was odd that the 'new' JCW package made the Mini slower than it's preceedor, but now it makes sense :)

I want that package at least the exterior mods!