Tag Archives: John Cooper Works
B&B Automobiltechnik Boosts the 2016 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works
The Mini Cooper John Cooper Works is already the range-topping version of the Mini’s most iconic look. With 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it doesn’t need more tuning.
But somehow, B&B Automobiltechnik decided to do more based on a report. Aside from giving it power that almost reaches to 300 horsepower, Automobiltechnik’s tuning program also offered a three-stage engine kit that adds different amounts of ponies on the John Cooper Works’ engine.
There are also upgrades on the chassis, suspension, and grip and handling—all of which complement the hatchback’s sporty looks.
Unlike Manhart Racing’s tuning program, B&B’s package for the Mini has minimal, if nothing, upgrades on the exterior and interior. However, what it does have is an affordable program we would all like to see on a hatchback.
The exterior updates on the JCW are just a set of new 18-inch B9 alloy wheels wrapped in 215/35R18 tires. There’s also the high-performance brake system that features 13-inch brake discs.
Inside, the tuner decided to keep everything the same.
We mentioned that there is a three-step engine upgrade for the JCW. The first step, dubbed the Stage 1 kit, can help the JCW take its power to 272 horsepower with no mention of torque improvement.
For the Stage 2 kit, B&B is offering a boost to 286 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This can be done by improving the intake ducts and manifold to go along with the turbo boost increase by 0.25 bar.
Finally, the Stage 3 kit brings an amazing number of upgrades—a high-performance intercooler, upgraded intake ducts and manifold, high-flow exhaust downpipe, and a remap of the fuel, ignition and turbocharger boost curves.
This allows the engine to go up to 300 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. The top speed would be increased from 153 mph to 174 mph.
Prices range, of course. The Stage 1 kit will cost you $1,446; the Stage 2 kit, $2,172; and the Stage 3 kit, $4,400.
Manhart Racing Introduces F300 Program For The 2016 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works
Mini Cooper may be known for all the cutesy models it released in the past few years, but the John Cooper Works it introduced made us believe Mini can actually compete performance wise. Although the JCW was a welcome development from the company, there are still a lot of things that can be tweaked here.
Enter the Manhart Racing, the German tuner that is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, it unveiled the F300 program for the JCW. The kit’s main focus is in improving the car’s performance and handling credentials, as well as upgrading the exterior and interior.
The JCW is an eye candy by itself, but Manhart Racing decided to tune more of the cosmetics. It gives a new color combination to the body—British Racing Green with gold accents and decals. It also has gold racing stripes that run the length of the car and side stripes that then become checkered flags before the rear-wheel arches.
The tuner also installed a set of 19-inch gold alloy wheels with a F300 badging throughout the car.
If you find the tuning of the exterior a little brash, then prepare for this to continue in the car’s interior. It has a generous trimming of premium leather and Alcantara. The steering wheel also has gold contrast stitching to complement the styling of the car’s exterior. For the floor mats, the tuner used velour with Manhart’s logo.
The drivetrain of the Manhart Racing Mini JCW will remain the same, except for the new intercooler and a Remus stainless steel sports exhaust system with an optimized ECU unit.
The toughest competition would be the Renault Clio 220 Trophy EDC by Waldow Performance and the Alfa Romeo 4C Centurion 1Plus by Pogea Racing.
There’s no price tag released yet, so better wait for the tuner to reveal these details.