I love the wing!

All strictly unnecessary – they’ve just chavved up a great looking car. The previous JCW was only really noticeable if you were close enough to see the tiny badge on the grille, or recognised the fatter twin central pipes, and that was its strength – it looked cute until it bit you

i think it looks sick, looks very beefy with the new fascias, especially the rear. im not a fan of the wing though, id prefer the regular style wing that is right off the back like usual. i hope its priced the same or close to it

Hmph–

Carbon-Fiber Wing on top of the trailing-edge roof spoiler?
Carbon Fiber hood vent?
Rear bumper vents?

I like the Works mechanical upgrades, but this trim package get’s an F…
 

needs more than 160hp

Still a cool car, even if 80% are owned by chicks. The Cooper Works version looks pretty hot, I also dig the facias, but that rear wing is entirely too “boy-racer”. I do like the exhaust placement. But for the money this thing should be spitting out well over 250hp… A cooper works kit adds serious money to an already pricey car. Oh, and then ya gotta pay to have it installed. One could pick up a Very nice used M3 BMW for the cost of a loaded Mini Cooper Works… I’ll take the M3 instead.

@Don–
Considering the JCW Mini Cooper S generates 200 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque…

cute…

First, this JCW is full of accessories. The body kit, rear wing, carbon fiber mirror caps and hood scoop are all add ons to the JCW engine package. Without them the car does look like other Cooper S’ on the road.

Second, I don’t think any knows if the rear wing is funcional. My guess is yes. The rear wing on the 2006 JCW GP is functional. As for the looks, that’s your opinion.

Third, rumor is that this car will have around 250 horsepower, but no one knows yet for sure.

Fouth, I don’t think 80% of MINI drivers are “chicks”. I think your are confusing the MINI with the VW Beetle. I don’t have any proof to prove you wrong, but I would be interested in seeing proof to back up your comment. By the way, I see a lot of “chick” driving 3 Series BMW’s.

Nice

My guess, a rear wing at high speed, might be functional on a Mini, but THAT rear wing is not only functional. Ever seen the rear wing at a M3 or M5? No doubt that are serious fast cars that need a rear wing probably more than this Mini. However, all depends of the total package of course, like downforce generated by the diffuser. Any way, the only functional part of this spoiler is probably the little bend in it at the end of the spoiler, that is the point where downforce is generated.

And I don’t agree the spoiler on the JCW GP was functional: the reduction in weight was by far the biggest improvement. The car wasn’t that much faster than the regular Works that it needed suddenly such a large spoiler. If you look at that car, you inmediately see it is about the looks, not only functionality.

To some extend you can’t deny it is about looks with the Mini range. It couldn’t be better illustrated with the new Cooper S; it still has the air vent in the bonnet, but like it was functional at the previous S, it is just fake at the new one. The only reason they stick to it on the new version, is to make it recognizable as a S.

250 horsepower would be non-functional too I guess… The previous Mini was in the regular S (and the Works) version already known for a lack of traction coming out of a curve. Unless this car has 4WD, which I strongly doubt, 200HP would do and the rest of it has to come of it’t low weight and agility.

Most Mini drivers in my area are chicks. So what? There are still plenty of guys who drive them. BTW…Where’s Phil? I’m surprised he’s not claiming sexism here. After all, he already claimed racism. What’s an “ism” between “friends” now & then?

Read that Mini drivers are the most inclined to name their car and they also want dealer service personel to also refer their car by its ‘name’.

‘Nuff said about Minis….

- About the wing: increasing rear downforce without a proportional increase in front downforce yields a lifting force on the front wheels. On a FWD car, this means reduced traction to the wheels doing the acceration, steering, and most of the braking. In other words, it reduces performance.

- Bigger, heavier 19″ wheels require more horsepower to accelerate, and negatively impact handling and braking, and put more stress on the chassis and suspension. In other words, they reduce performance.

- Carbon fiber trim != carbon fiber. CF is the new “plood” for Gen X/Y

- So is the point of this excercise increasing performance or making a ‘look at me’ showcar? 1st Gen JCW Mini’s were about increasing the performance envelope; this thing is shooting for 18 year-olds who are modding Civics and Scions. Where are the real engine, suspension, brake, and chassis upgrades?
What’s English for ‘rice’? Beans & Toast?

I was just stating an observation about females LOVING this car. Sure, guys drive them too. Of course they do. There isn’t a vehicle on the road that ONLY women drive, or ONLY men drive. But if you sit downtown and watch traffic, you will find the VAST majority of Mini’s motoring by are piloted by women. I’m sure you’ll see a similar percentage of men/women in VW Beetle owners too. My buddy’s wife just ordered a black cooper S with black top and chrome mirrors. It’ll be here by Dec. You see, it’s fashion. Automotive jewelery. It’s trendy and shows everyone out there how “hip” you are…

And sure, plenty of women drive BMW’s. Plenty of women drive Humvees in the military. I’m just sayin’ the mini is a chick’s car. You can’t deny it. Doesn’t make it a bad vehicle.

And – mini drivers name thier car and want there dealers to refer to the car by name… you’re right, says it all…

The new Cooper is expected to have a turbocharger option unless I’ve heard wrong. There will be a 250HP Works Mini in a couple of years. Mazda’s Speed3 will kill their sales among younger buyers if they don’t step up.