MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works G_P Tuning Kit

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimskater

TBH, I've only ever bumped the rev limiter on the S maybe a dozen times.

I'm just looking forward to the jcw kit, the lsd & the reworked gearbox.

There's no doubting it'll be a hoot to drive.

[jimskater]

That's what I'm thinking, Mo. Plus I'm getting what ends up being a full on JCW car for about $4,000 less than I would have to pay to do all the bits separately.

(Not that I haven't been to the configurator & specc'd myself up at least 8 different JCW cars & said :ulp: at the cost over the last 3 years. )

[The Red Baron]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimskater

That's what I'm thinking, Mo. Plus I'm getting what ends up being a full on JCW car for about $4,000 less than I would have to pay to do all the bits separately.

I'm in complete agreement and is one of my main reasons for getting the GP. I still think its a bargain to be had and would'nt of been able to afford the cost of this level of added spec on a standard S.

[jimskater]

See, between the three of us, we're all sensible.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimskater

Plus I'm getting what ends up being a full on JCW car for about $4,000 less than I would have to pay to do all the bits separately.

If you can deal with the "unfinished" body kit and lack of rear seat, choosing the GP over a JCW makes sense.

But for me with $27K in my 2002 MCS JCW, it makes no sense to spend $5-7K more than that on either a 2006 JCW or GP

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

If you can deal with the "unfinished" body kit and lack of rear seat, choosing the GP over a JCW makes sense.

But for me with $27K in my 2002 MCS JCW, it makes no sense to spend $5-7K more than that on either a 2006 JCW or GP

Totally agreed, and posted the same think on another site. If you already have JCW, there is little to gain with a GP. Since my S has but one option, selling it and paying the difference for the GP is a heck of an upgrade.

AW has already decided to autocross it.

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

If you can deal with the "unfinished" body kit and lack of rear seat, choosing the GP over a JCW makes sense.

It does. I have specced my ideal JCW S and it'll cost me at least £1,600 more. The body kit is an issue for me however, I had made my mind up to over look it. But after checking out the performance figures now I am not so sure.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB

It does. I have specced my ideal JCW S and it'll cost me at least £1,600 more. The body kit is an issue for me however, I had made my mind up to over look it. But after checking out the performance figures now I am not so sure.

How does your "ideal" JCW S compare to the GP feature wise?

If I didn't have my car and was looking to buy a JCW, I'd go with a custom spec JCW rather than the GP, because the GP is too "high profile" for my taste

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

How does your "ideal" JCW S compare to the GP feature wise?

If I didn't have my car and was looking to buy a JCW, I'd go with a custom spec JCW rather than the GP, because the GP is too "high profile" for my taste

Ok here's my spec...

Cooper S £15,500
Astro Black £275
Chili Pack £1,600
JCW Kit £3,500 (JCW Brakes included)
JCW Suspension £800
MFSW £160
Chrome Caps £50
Heated Jets/Mirrors £40
Recaros £890
18" Wheels £800

Total: £23,615

So it's more or less on par with the GP. Only real difference is that it'd be heavier and have a lower rev range. But I'd have Xenons, Rear seats and it'd be in the colour I want. I really wish I could have seen the GP in the flesh as it's hard to decide without seeing it first.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB

Only real difference is that it'd be heavier and have a lower rev range.

Unless you intend to race the car, this doesn't matter unless you're concerned about "bragging rights"

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB

But I'd have Xenons, Rear seats and it'd be in the colour I want.

I'd prefer a car spec'd the way I want it rather than having to live with things I don't care for on a "cookie cutter" version

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

I'd prefer a car spec'd the way I want it rather than having to live with things I don't care for on a "cookie cutter" version

That's what I'm thinking. I recon I could claw back at least £600 by selling the Bullet Alloys that come with the Chili Pack, so we're only talking an extra grand to get the car I want.

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

Unless you intend to race the car, this doesn't matter unless you're concerned about "bragging rights"

I don't see this car as being aimed at the track. It is no where near hardcore enough. I think aurally is where this car will shine. With having no rear seats and reduced deafening material, it'll sound awesome inside the car.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB

I don't see this car as being aimed at the track. It is no where near hardcore enough.

I'm not sure you got my point ...

In street driving the fact that your custom spec'd JCW S weighs more and won't rev as high as a GP shouldn't mean diddly-squat

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

I'm not sure you got my point ...

In street driving the fact that your custom spec'd JCW S weighs more and won't rev as high as a GP shouldn't mean diddly-squat

Oh ok. No I know.

[sequence]

Sorry guys I know most of you are falling over yourselves with this car but IMO I cannot stomach even looking at it. Those truly hideous wheels, that boring utilititarian monochrome silver paint job with CR mirror caps, that aero kit that looks tacky and glued on (what's with not at least color-coding the wheel well portions? ), that aluminum shower curtain rod in the back, and that AGGGH STI-ish wing?

And it has DSC, but no Xenons? Now that's a true driver's car....

Just like the MC40, I predict a bleak future for this car beyond the collectible market. And if MINI is so hung up on weight reduction, I suggest they dump that aero kit and them 4-spoke Yugo-ish wheels that scream "take me off!! For weight and aesthetics sake!!"

If this car cannot produce minimum 230 hp, what's the purpose? At least the MC40 had a historical event commemoration as it's reason to be. This car doesn't have squat except for some truly questionable design and constructs. Methinks it's just MINI's lame way of saying "this is our last hurrah for the first generation car." If so, someone hand me that air sickness bag, please.....

OK I'll put on my flame suit now because yes I understand that some of you see this car as the greatest thing since sliced bread. And I must admit I do like the darkened gauges. However, I, and many other motorers out there, simply do not. Not at US$31,150--and we can't even configure with one OEM creature comfort like >ahem< xenons. Flame away, Jimbo