[car fanatics]

Source
Photo credit: MINI
January 27, 2012
By: CF staff

Once the JCW Countryman arrives, Mini will offer John Cooper Works packages for all of its models, but Segler wants to further differentiate JCW products in the future. This means that cars wouldn’t so much be equipped with the John Cooper Works package, but rather positioned as standalone models.

Mini already considers the standard JCW powerplant—a turbocharged 1.6-liter four making at least 208 hp—a “unique” engine, and not a standard Cooper S mill with more boost. But we interpret Segler’s remarks to mean that the John Cooper Works engine will come in for additional work in the future; that could mean it will get some unique internals, or that the displacement will be increased. Segler’s sentiments also suggest that more hard-core, limited-edition models like the upcoming new-gen Mini GP could be produced.

[AudiR8]

Does Mini really have the means to do this? And moreover, will anyone care?

[Speed Devil]

It'd somewhat justify the high price, so long as they give it more power and add shit simple tuning couldn't add

[Gixser995]

I don't see anything wrong with it.
It's becoming a performance sub-brand like AMG or M or SVT.

[REVolution]

It was bound to happen. Just about every company has one nowadays.

[Speed Devil]

Strip out the rear seats for starters (non clubman/countyman models) and replace the rubber rear mounts to reduce the tq steer, then I'd consider it for its price

[Tonavi]

As JCW makes a souped up version of every Mini I think this is a decemt move.

[Speed Devil]

Problem is, people figure for the same price, they could tune the S models andmatch or exceed the JCW's stock power at a lower price, and since it offers the same engine and trans (unlike WRX vs STI in trans department), how do you convince them they wanna spend more for the same?

[REVolution]

You can pretty much do that with most models anyway. I don't think they'll have a problem.

[MOPAR74]

Speed Devil;175035 Wrote:Problem is, people figure for the same price, they could tune the S models andmatch or exceed the JCW's stock power at a lower price, and since it offers the same engine and trans (unlike WRX vs STI in trans department), how do you convince them they wanna spend more for the same?

Warranty

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thats how

[Brown_Pride]

AudiR8;175001 Wrote:Does Mini really have the means to do this? And moreover, will anyone care?

Interesting read on how well MINI is doing lately:
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/01/min...chart.html

I believe that BMW Group is also planning to expand MINI's lineup into the double-digits within the next few years.

MINI also has a thorough fan base of enthusiasts. I am no economist, but with MINI's recent record sales, high profitability, future outlook of sales, customer base, and the support of BMW Group (they've got plenty of moolah), I think spinning off JCW as a high-performance sub-brand of MINI may be a good idea.