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Behold, the forbidden fruit of the F66 MINI Cooper S with the optional JCW Trim. At least for those in the US. For the rest of the world the JCW Trim represents the top of the line F66 Cooper S. But what really makes this car special and should we ever expect it in the US? MINI made an interesting decision last year in offering the Cooper S with something called the JCW Trim. Interesting in that it takes the entire look of the forthcoming JCW (a car we technically haven’t seen revealed yet) and applied it to any MINI Cooper no matter the engine. On one hand it’s a wonderfully egalitarian way to allow anyone to get the look of a JCW without paying the price. On the other it’s a brand damaging option that waters down the full JCW model by offering the look and feel to anyone. MINI USA took the latter position and decided to not offer the JCW Trim at all in the US. It makes sense on the face of it however there’s a big problem. MINI global made the unfortunate decision to only offer shift paddles on cars with the JCW Trim thus US do not get shift paddles. For customers in the US, not only is the manual dead but any way to manually shift a MINI Cooper is now gone. As you can likely tell, the F66 Cooper S with the JCW Trim offers what a lot of enthusiasts are looking for. The more aggressive look of the JCW body kit, a full JCW interior and (gasp) shift paddles. Will the MINI Cooper S JCW Trim Come to the US? Technically it’s already being sold in the US. The F65 five door MINI Cooper and Cooper S are available with the JCW Trim (along with shift paddles) in North America. And based on our conversations with MINI USA representatives, it appears clear that they have gotten the feedback and will likely be offering shift paddles on the F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S at some point in the future. Whether that’s via the JCW Trim or a blanket standard option is unclear. But we’re hoping for the latter as one of the beauties of the MINI Cooper is that even the most base model should feel as fun as possible. The post The MINI Cooper S With JCW Trim – The Faux JCW With Real Shift Paddles appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) 2024 event concluded this weekend in Seattle, Washington, after a nine-day journey starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Despite the more remote nature of this year’s MTTS, the rally attracted nearly 2,000 owners who traveled over 1,600 miles across five states and nine cities in the western U.S. Of the participants, 958 completed the entire route, and 517 were newcomers to MTTS entirely. On average, 650 MINI vehicles were on the road each day, with a total of over 900 vehicles participating, representing every model year and type from the MINI lineup since 2002, along with some classic Minis from before 2000. This year’s rally, themed “Camp MINI,” supported the American Camp Association and Keep America Beautiful, organizations focused on fostering adventure and environmental stewardship. Participants’ registration fees included a donation to these groups, and MINI owners were also encouraged to engage in peer-to-peer fundraising and volunteer activities during the event. The route took drivers through scenic mountain passes, byways, and state and county roads, with stops in Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. The rally also visited notable National Parks, including Mount Rainier and Yellowstone, culminating in a final celebration at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. The previous MTTS held in 2022, over 2,000 MINI owners participated, traveling through nine states and eight cities on the East Coast, from Vermont to South Carolina, with more than 1,000 vehicles participating. While the numbers were down slightly for this year’s rally, the final tally was higher than expected given the remote nature of the route and the smaller cities that it stopped at. Look for announcements about the next MINI Takes The States over early next year. MINI Takes the States 2024 Gallery default The post MINI Takes the States Wraps with Nearly 2000 MINIs Participating appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

On the face of it the 2025 MINI Cooper S doesn’t seem a big departure for the brand. But with the manual gone and shift paddles not even available (in the US), we had a lot of questions. So we grabbed the keys fob, a couple of cameras and headed to the mountains to get some answers. What we found was a mix of new tech, added comfort and a welcome return to form we weren’t expecting. While this video sums ups our thoughts well, don’t miss our companion written review which goes into much greater details in our thoughts and the specifications of the car. Additionally make sure to check out MotoringFile’s exhaustive information on the new model in the F66 Section. Review Notes & Background Our review took place over the course of a day, roughly 500 miles and three states. We took an indirect route from Missoula, Montana and ended up in Spokane Washington. We saw highways, mountain roads and just about everything in between. Our test car was a US Spec 2025 MINI Cooper S with the Classic Style, Iconic and Comfort Plus Packages. The only two options it lacked was the optional dynamic dampening ($500) and handy roof rails ($250). The post Video Review: 2025 MINI Cooper S In the Mountains & Backroads of the Rockies appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We’ve driven the 2025 (F66) MINI Cooper S before. But never have we put so many miles on this car in on many incredible roads. Through mountain roads and over expansive stretches of highways we thoroughly tested the new MINI Cooper S with the goal to answer one simple question. How does it stack up to the MINI Coopers that came before it? The easy answer is, it’s complicated. But that sounds negative. The reality is that the F66 rounded the flawed corners of its predecessor (the F56) while adding comfort, refinement and even a touch more engagement through the steering wheel. But what it’s lost is hard to ignore. The manual is dead. And adding insult to injury, you can’t even control the DCT with shift paddles in US spec cars. So how can this new MINI Cooper possibly be better than the last? Handling & Suspension Refinements It’s what MINI has done to the steering, suspension and even the track width that has subtly but unequivocally improved the F66 over its predecessor. Due to these revisions, we found the new F66 MINI Cooper S to be the most comfortable, refined and even capable MINI Cooper S we’ve ever driven. It starts with the steering. MINI has recalibrated the the EPS system to create more linear feel and feedback. There’s more of a natural feel to the way the resistance builds in corners which allows for more information to come through the wheel. This is no R53 in the way you feel the road underneath, but this is easily the best steering MINI has had since the R56 Then there’s the suspension. Driving a MINI Cooper S over 500 miles of varied surfaces sounds taxing for those who have spent time in previous generations. However in this new car MINI has recalibrated the suspension, altering the way it soaks up imperfections while still delivering the precision that MINIs are known for. We cannot understate just how big of an improvement we felt over broken and uneven pavement. It’s nothing short of revelation compared to previous generations. In a sense MINI has attacked head-on the criticisms many had with the F56. The result is a car that seems to defy what we thought was possible; better in corners with more feedback and engagement all while being more comfortable. Upgrades Under the Hood It’s also a touch faster as well. MINI has revised the B48 under the hood to produce 201 hp, up 12 hp from the 189 in its predecessors the F56. Even more impressive is the increase in torque to 221 ft lbs, up 15 ft lbs from the F56. In the real world the most obvious difference is the torque which gives the car a bit more grunt on take off and a bigger break in traction on a 1-2 upshift. On the other hand, the extra power was most noticeable (as was the predictive shifting of the DCT) in the mid-range of the band. This was especially noticeable as we were heading up and into the mountains northwest of Missoula Montana. It was in the mountains where the new F66 MINI Cooper S came alive. Where the previous DCT was good, this new version feels telepathic in its ability to see what’s coming. Time and time again we felt it downshift into corners and upshift (almost) always where we would need it to. There’s no question that the loss of the manual is regrettable and will ultimately hurt the brand in the eyes of many enthusiasts. And the lack of shift paddles (in the US) is borderline unforgivable. But what this new DCT can do goes a long way in making up for some of that. The new interior is a mix if high and low with huge improvements in some areas with a few downgrades Living with the New Interior Our time in F66 also gave us an ample opportunity to dissect the new interior a bit more. The new circular display and MINI OS9 that runs on it was excellent 99% of the time. But there was one hard reboot that happened during our drive and some lap in a couple moments. Interesting the our Countryman JCW had none of these issues and upon inspection was running a newer version of the software. Luckily over the air updates should fix these issues but that’s assuming MINI can hold to their strategy of ongoing updates and big fixes. Another area we were curious about was the quality of the interior. While MINI has spent money on revising the mechanicals of the car, they’ve also dramatically redesigned the interior. A big part of that are the recycled textiles and synthetic leather (MINI calls this Vescin) that have been introduced with the F66. As a material Vescin is excellent and a better surface than the standard leatherette or even optional leather from the F56 generation. That said it’s not quite as soft and supple as the previously available Lounge Leather. But it will surely look new for much longer. MINI OS9 is a revelation but our Cooper S test car has a few software lags The textile material on the dash and doors is an interesting change and one that we quickly got use to. But we’d love to see more colors offers and in general more customization from MINI. As a brand that was built on the idea that every MINI is unique, it’s almost shocking how little choice of colors and material there is in MINI’s new line-up. One area that seems to be a downgrade are the plastic surfaces peppered throughout the cabin. The plastic dash close to the windshield is a clear downgrade from the F56 as is the center console material. While MINI has hid most of this with the textile trim, there’s still plenty of this cheap, black plastic to be found. In the grand scheme of things it’s likely not a deal breaker for most, but it’s an unfortunate step back from what we had experience on the previous F56 MINI Cooper. Early Conclusions The 2025 F66 MINI Cooper S is a refined and nearly perfected version of what came before it. MINI has systematically gone through the car and solved many of the issues that we’ve been critical of on the previous generation. The result is a car that comes with less excuses for ride and even handling. It’s made the Cooper S a more approachable car for more potential buyers and will surely go a long way in But in our my mind there’s no excuse for not widely offering things like shift paddles much less the a manual transmission. And MINI’s interior cost cutting is too evident at times. But despite the hard plastics and the loss of things like the side sun visor, there’s a lot to like inside. And in general this is a more pleasant place to spend time because of the added comfort and dramatically improved technology thanks to the circular OLED screen and MINI OS9. Perhaps most important MINI has made improvements to the handling and feedback through the steering wheel that cut right to the biggest critique of the previous model. This coupled with the higher levels of comfort and technology we mention above create a car that feels not just more capable but more premium. Is that enough to get past the lack of a manual or even (for the moment) paddles? That really depends on what you’re looking for in a MINI Cooper. For us the answer is no. But the moment MINI adds those shift paddles back to the car (ideally as standard on all Cooper S models) that no changes to a resounding yes. MINI Cooper S Photo Gallery The post Review: 2025 MINI Cooper S – New Levels of Refinement & Performance with One Big Omission appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Our first leg of MINI Takes the States was set-up to be the perfect scenario to test the all new 312 HP MINI Countryman JCW. Winding through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana we had a chance to drive over endless highway miles, mountain switchbacks and rally stages masquerading as dirt roads. Here’s what we found. MINI Takes the States is an amazing event for MINI owners. But it’s just as an amazing way to test new MINIs. This year it was made even better by what had to be the most epic route ever in the history of the event. And of our three days at MTTS this year, we had one that really stood out for the length and challenge of the route. Perfect for the new 312 HP Countryman JCW we thought. This isn’t the first time we’ve tested the new top of the range Countryman. But as much as our first test gave were left wanting more time and more miles behind the wheel. So we set out from downtown Salt Lake City with plenty of coffee and the sun yet to crest over the mountains. The route, from Salt Lake City to Bozeman Montana (via Yellowstone) started with long stretches of high-speed highways that quickly evolved into tight tarmac and gravel backroads. It all felt like the perfect proving grounds for a 312 HP all wheel drive crossover. On the smooth Portuguese roads of our first test the new Countryman felt surprisingly comfortable and composed. But on the worn pavement we found in the Rockies, we were genuinely shocked at how it soaked up imperfections. It’s a huge improvement over the previous Countryman which was already the most comfortable MINI ever made. Naturally this is not specific to the JCW but to the entire new Countryman range. On the often broken highway roads of Idaho, the Countryman’s new suspension calibration was a revelation. Add to that a noticeably quieter cabin and you have a small crossover that feels as quiet and relaxing as a BMW X5 from not that long ago. Helping this was the Countryman’s new ADAS system (Advanced driver-assistance systems). While there wasn’t an enormous amount of straight roads even on the highway, the new autonomous driving features helped the miles fly by and ultimately made an 8 hour day feel much less taxing. Heading into the Bridger Mountains just east of Bozeman but where this car came alive was in the mountains. The quicker, more natural steering combined with better damping made the Countryman more confident in corners and more enjoyable at the limit. This was especially the case on tight tarmac and dirt mountain roads. Where the previous generation felt overly synthetic in its steering, this new generation has a more natural build up in resistance and weight. Just as important was the way the suspension kept the car composed over rough surfaces allowing for more grip, more of the time. It all allowed the Countryman JCW to feel less flustered and more confident. If you combine the improved handling and suspension traits with the updated tech and interior design, new Countryman JCW feels like a more honed, sophisticated package that is both more comfortable and capable. Not exactly the route we took but you get the idea. But not all was perfect. The new 7 speed dual clutch transmission felt slow to respond to some manual shifts and (at times) even its actual gear changes felt less snappy. Having been recently put a lot of miles on two different 2024 Clubman JCW with the 8 speed auto, it was an easy and interesting comparison to make. While the new DCT is clearly more refined, it also felt like a step backward in how quick it swapped gears under hard acceleration. Gone are the snap-like shifts and in their place smoother but slower ones. The slow-speed lurching that could be felt with the old 8 speed (in sport mode) has been eradicated, but then so too is some of drama. This coupled with the fact that the new Countryman JCW is down 36 ft lbs of torque and it’s clear that some performance has been traded for everyday livability. While the transmission issues can theoretically be fixed with over the air software updates, the torque deficit has to do with the DCT not being able to cope with more than 295 ft lbs. Another area that software could be improved was the responsiveness MINI OS9. Interestingly every new MINI we drove during MTTS were all a bit different in their various glitches. Of the three new MINI we drove, Countryman JCW was the best with just a few lags in inputs. The worst we experience was in our Countryman S test car which had frustratingly slow reactions in certain scenarios. When talking to MINI representatives about these issues they promised that over the air software updates were coming to address issues like this as well as add functionality like Personal Mode. The most fun we had all day was on the well groomed dirt roads between Bozeman and Paradise Valley Outside of these two issues we found a lot to love on this new Countryman JCW. It’s a more premium product that delivers a better driving experience while providing more comfort and capabilities. The quicker, more natural steering, better suspension calibration made the car better in corners while being more comfortable on the highway. Perhaps most importantly it feels like a true premium product that’s not just fun to drive but easy to live with. Compared to MINIs of the past, that might be the true revelation. The post Video Review: Driving the 2025 MINI Countryman JCW Through Big Sky Country appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The iconic MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) rally, hosted by MINI USA, commenced this weekend, with MINI enthusiasts embarking on a challenging nine-day road trip through the some of the most scenic roads in US. And we’re getting set to join the traveling part Wednesday. The biennial event, now in its ninth iteration, expects to draw approximately 3,000 MINI owners, with 600-800 vehicles participating daily. The rally will traverse through five states and nine cities in the western United States, covering more than 1,600 miles of picturesque landscapes. This year’s theme, “Camp MINI,” underscores the rally’s support for the American Camp Association and Keep America Beautiful. A portion of each participant’s registration fee will be donated to these organizations, which promote adventure and environmental stewardship. The convoy will travel through Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington State, offering breathtaking views of natural wonders such as the Rio Grande, Mount Rainier, and Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, MINI owners will have the opportunity to foster deeper connections with the brand and fellow enthusiasts at a series of Rise and Rally events, preceding each leg of the journey. And naturally there will be pop-up owner led events every night. Reflecting on the 2022 rally, which saw over 2,000 MINI owners travel across nine states and eight cities in the eastern United States, from Vermont to South Carolina, MTTS 2024 is likely going to go be a bit more grand in terms of scenery and miles driven. Our Route and MINI(s) No surprise we’re going to be behind the wheel of the two latest petrol-powered MINIs to reach the US. More specifically we’ll be putting some miles on the U25 MINI Countryman JCW and the F66 MINI Cooper S. But just as important is our route. Due to scheduling conflicts I’ll will be the sole MotoringFile representative and I’m aiming to join the party at Salt Lake City just as things get interesting. Here’s the route I’m planning on taking along with some suggestions on where to go, what to see and even where to stay. JULY 16 – Land in Salt Lake The plan is for me to join the party in Salt Lake City on the official MTTS day off. I’ll collect my car from MINI and get prepped for the trip that begins almost immediately. Yellowstone’s breathtaking Lower Falls and Grand Canyon July 17 | Explore the Tetons, Bridger National Forest & Yellowstone My first day the plan will be to deviate a bit from the formal route and head to the Tetons, Bridger National Forest and eventually Yellowstone. This route, while longer, is an epic one that should not be missed. The exact route will heading to western Wyoming and north via 189. This will take you through Jackson (a great place to stay the night if you want to take advantage of that extra day MINI is giving you) before heading into Yellowstone itself. Pine Creek Lodge, Paradise Valley MT Yellowstone can be very busy this time of year but is still highly worth a visit. Pro-tip; Entering from the south entrance will save you some time and unless you have to see Old Faithful, you’re better off sticking the east side to avoid some of the traffic. It’s also a direct shot to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone which is not to be missed. From there the plan is to head north into Paradise Valley (it’s called that for a reason) and make a pit-stop in Livingston Montana (one of our favorite towns in the world) before heading to Bozeman. If you can take advantage of the day off and head north early, we’d highly recommend spending some time in this area. You can stay (or just taking a dip) at Chico Hot Springs, catch a show at legendary Pine Creek lodge and even grab a drink while watching the sunset at the Sage. There’s incredible hiking as well. For that be sure to check out All Trails have a guide to take you off the beaten path. Want recommendations for places to stay on your days off? Here are our suggestions for the area that have a bit of local flavor: Livingston & Paradise Valley: Chico Hot Springs, Murray Hotel, Sage Lodge, Under Canvass Bozeman: The Lark, The Kimpton Armory The Bridger Mountains July 18 | On Our Way to Missoula, MT Via the Lewis and Clark National Forest We’ll be at the Giddy up to Hardscrabble Ranch – a retreat destination in the Bridger Mountains to kick off a day. Pro-tip – there will be ZERO cell reception in the Bridger Valley so be prepared. From there we’ll hop on I-90 and head west out of the Bridger Mountains and into the expansive ranch land west of Bozeman. We’ll eventually make our way to Enjoy the serene, open spaces as we make our way to Helena, the capital of Montana and a former gold rush jewel.We’ll then head to Highway 12 winding through the Lewis and Clark National Forest. And there finally back onto I90 and Missoula. July 19 | Missoula, MT – Spokane, WA We’ll be opting for the scenic route once more as we take 93 N through Lolo National Forest and Flathead Reservation. The plan is to head into the forest of pines, and through McLeod Peak and Ch-Paa-qn Peak and eventually into the beautiful lakes, mountains and rivers of western Montana and Idaho. Eventually we’ll hit state Highway 95 and Washington State. And with that, we’ll be heading back east surely with second thoughts about not going the entire way. If you want to meet up along there way, the best way is to Direct Message us via Instagram and let us know! The post MINI Takes the States Kicks off & MotoringFile is Joining the Party appeared first on MotoringFile. 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This past weekend we saw the debuted of not one but two new similar looking MINI JCW models. However under the skin these two MINIs are radically different; one is electric and all new, the other is petrol and a revised version of its predecessor. They also have very different performance outputs, weight figures and even shapes. Which begs the question, which will be faster? Based on this exclusive data, we have some early ideas. The visual similarities between these two cars are striking. But the longer you look at the two side by side, you begin to realize just how far MINI has evolved the Cooper’s shape with the new J01. As we’ve said in our previous hands-on video, the first thing you notice on the J01 is how much further forward the windshield is and it’s more aero friendly angle. Then there’s the higher belt line that makes the J01 feel larger despite it being slightly smaller in some dimensions. But this particular comparison isn’t ideal as the F66 pictured here is the car that won its class in this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours and thus is lowered with aggressive negative camber and wider tires. But looks and dimensions aside, it’s the new performance data that we’ve received from our sources that you’re here for. Electric J01 JCW vs the Petrol F66 JCW: The Stats Naturally these two similar looking JCWs couldn’t be more different mechanically. And that’s where things get really interesting. Let’s start with the power. The F66 JCW has a disappointingly identical power output to the F56 JCW. But according to our sources there is a sizable increase in torque with the new combustion JCW putting out 280 ft lbs at only 1,500 rpm. That’s 45 ft lbs (16%) increase over the previous generation and only 15 ft lbs behind the new Countryman JCW. This along with the wider track and quicker DCT transmission will give the new JCW a noticeable performance advantage despite having the same power figure. The electric J01 JCW will more power with an output of 252 hp. However the J01 surprisingly has less torque than the combustion version with only 255 lb-ft. But one key difference with an electric car is all of that torque will be available from the moment you touch the accelerator pedal. F56 Cooper JCW (’15-’24)J01 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower231 hp252 hp231 hp Torque235 lb-ft / 1450 rpm255 lb-ft280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpmTop Speed153 manual / 151 mph DCT124 mph152 mphTransmission6 Speed Manual / 7 Speed DCTSingle Speed7 Speed DCTTrack1485 mm / 58 in1538 mm / 61 in1499 mm / 59 inLength (mm/in)3863 mm / 152.5 in3858 mm / 151.6 in3879 mm / 152.7 inHeight (mm/in)1414 mm / 55.66 in1460 mm / 54.4 in1431 mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2495 mm / 98.23 in2526 mm / 99.4 in2495 mm / 98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1338 kg / 2,951 lbs1730 kg / 3814 lbs1405 kg / 3,097 lbsTires (Standard)215/45 R17 91 Y XL*225/40 R18 92 Y XL215/45 R17 91 Y XL*Wheels (Standard)7Jx17 LM*7,5Jx18 LM7Jx17 LM**18″ wheels and tires were optional on the F56 and will be on the F66 Top speed is another surprise on both cars. The F66 JCW is roughly the same as the F56 JCW was with a top speed of 152 mph. The on the other hands J01 tops out at only 124 mph. Why so low? We expect it has something to do with MINI wanted to maintain range first and foremost. MINI has been limiting its electric cars to 170 km/h (105.6 mph) due to the car’s already limited range (remember speed kills range). However they’ve made the decision to lift that limit here to a degree. But the biggest difference isn’t the power or even the top speed. It’s the weight. With its battery pack the J01 JCW is a heavyweight at 3,814 lbs (with the driver). That’s an astonishing 717 lbs heavier than the F66. Granted that weight most near the ground due to the nature of tue battery design, it’s still a lot of weight. Needless to say, driving these two cars back to back will be fascinating. Which Would Win On An Autocross? Having autocross the F56 and even the previous electric Cooper Se extensively we have an idea. Given the immediacy of the torque and the sophistication of the traction control, we’d expect the to just nip the F66 in a tight and technical autocross track. However that would change the second the straights get long and you get in a real course. Which Would Win on a Road Course? On a decent sized track, the F66 JCW would likely have the advantage due to its torque advantage and the simple fact it has 717 lbs less to lug around. In fact we’d expect it to slowly pull away once you get past 50-60 mph on a straight. Which Would We Rather Own? Naturally without having driven either it’s impossible to know. However the J01 JCW is intriguing too us as the ultimate fast urban transport If you can cope with the range, the point and shoot nature of the immediate torque delivery would be surely addicting. And without the F66 offering a manual, the petrol car is slightly less appealing. But still we have a hard time with the fact that this is a 3,814 lbs MINI Cooper. Can the J01 JCW overcome that massive deficient? The truth is we really need to drive them to give you a real answer. 2025 Electric MINI Cooper JCW – Launch Timing and North American Availability Both the electric and petrol JCW models will debut October 24th right here on MotoringFile. Production of the combustion F66 will start in November while the electric J01 will kick-off in January. ModelDebut DateStart of ProductionJ01 JCW (electric)10/202401/2025F66 JCW (petrol)10/202411/2024 The J01 MINI Cooper JCW like all new small electric MINIs are made in China in collaboration with Great Wall Motors. However that will change in 2026 as MINI is aggressively expanding the J01 and J05 Aceman production to the UK and its Oxford Plant. . This move will open the door for North American export with no tariffs applied likely around 2026. As always check back with MotoringFile often for more exclusive news on MINI’s new JCW products including two more models we’ll see sooner than you might expect. 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Prototype Gallery The post Electric MINI JCW vs Petrol MINI JCW: Exclusive Power & Performance Comparison appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We got our first official look at the two new MINI Cooper JCWs at Goodwood today and along with it our best photos yet of both the electric J01 and petrol F66 models. But perhaps more importantly, we have plenty of exclusive details on both cars. So grab your favorite beverage and buckle-up. We have a lot to share. The Design of the New MINI Cooper JCW The J01 and the F66 may look very similar but they couldn’t be more different. If you look at these photos long enough you’ll notice both the inherent similarities and differences between the two. But first, we’re going to focus on what we know applies to both cars. As we’ve reported, the JCW Trim design we’ve seen on the standard J01 and F66 will form the basis of the full JCW model in overall look. So much so that they will be very hard to distinguish for the average consumer save for a few details. Whether you think that’s a mistake by MINI (we certainly do) or like the egalitarian approach, it does help us get a clear picture of the final design. As you can see above there are almost no visible differences between the cars. But there are if you look closer. First the 18″ wheels on J01 prototype appear to be exclusively designed for the JCW model. For the F66 it’s a complicated story as this is the same car that won its class at the Nurburgring 24 Hours thus it wears racing OZ wheels. So what will eventually come to production is still unknown. Like on the JCW Trim, MINI has applied gloss black side skirts on the JCW. However on the full JCW there’s a unique side skirt design that looks nearly identical to what we’ve had on the F56 JCW. You’ll also notice that the word “Cooper” is nowhere to be found oh the gloss black rear trim. In fact it’s nowhere to be found on the call at all outside of the “John Cooper Works” badging. Otherwise that’s it. There are no exclusive colors or other styling elements. Even the “exclusive” Legend Grey exterior color is freely optional on the JCW Trim (as you can see above). But for all the similarities between how these cars look, there are a number of key differences beyond just the powertrains. The F66 Petrol MINI Cooper JCW The F66 MINI Cooper JCW is an evolution of the F56 that preceded it with some important differences. But first a word about the F66 JCW you see here. It’s actually the race car that finished first in class at the Nurburgring 24 Hours and thus has some important modifications over what we’ll see this October when the F66 JCW finally debuts. To withstand 24 Hours on the ‘Ring, Bulldog Racing installed a full coil-over suspension, AP racing braking system, roll cage, fuel cell and finished it off with some lightweight OZ wheels and racing slicks. So while this is the new JCW underneath, it’s got some key differences over the forthcoming production car. What is the same is the drivetrain and the horsepower figure of 231 hp. However there’s one big difference under the hood. We can confirm the F66 JCW’s B48A20O2 four cylinder has an output of 280 ft lbs of torque. That’s a massive 45 ft lbs (16%) increase torque over the previous generation and only 15 ft lbs behind the new Countryman JCW. This along with the wider track and quicker DCT transmission will give the new JCW a noticeable performance advantage despite having the same power figure. Exclusive 2025 F66 MINI JCW Specifications ModelF56 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower231 hp231 hp Torque235 lb-ft / 1450 rpm280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpmTransmissionManual/Auto7 speed DCTTrack1485 mm / 58 in1499 mm / 59 inLength (mm/in)3863 mm / 152.5 in3879 mm / 152.7 inHeight (mm/in)1414 mm / 55.66 in1431 mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2495 mm / 98.23 in2495 mm / 98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1338 kg / 2,951 lbs1405 kg / 3,097 lbsKey differences highlighted But things aren’t all improvements. Unfortunately along with this performance improvement the new F66 JCW has an increase in weight at 3,097 lbs. Unfortunately it’s hard to pin down a like for like weight at this time but based on what we know, we believe that’s the weight figure including fluids, fuel and 90% and a driver. If so that would compare with the 2,951 lbs we’ve seen listed with the previous generation F56 JCW auto. In other words it appears the new F66 MINI Cooper JCW is 146 lbs heavier than the previous generation. Outside it’s hard to say where the production F66 JCW ends and the race car begins. But our sources tell us that the massive rear defuser is specific to the prototype race car and will not see production on the F66 JCW – at least not yet. One could imagine something like that eventually making its way to a GP model. The J01 Electric MINI Cooper JCW The electric MINI JCW will easily surpass the petrol power F66 MINI Cooper JCW. Sources tell us to expect a power output of around 260 hp vs 231 hp from the F66. Similarly the torque will be quite a bit greater giving the J01 JCW a much more responsive feel. 0-60 times will likely be in the mid to high 5 second range. Top speed will be interesting as MINI has been limiting its electric cars to 170 km/h (105.6 mph) due to the car’s already limited range. We don’t have info here but we’d guess MINI will allow for a higher top-speed but nothing close to the 155 mph that we see in the petrol powered U25 MINI Countryman JCW. Speaking of range, our sources tell us that the battery size will remain the same as the SE models. Because of the increased performance, we’d expect range to decrease a bit – perhaps as much as 5-10%. That could take the 250 mile WLTP range down to between 225-237 miles. The J01 doesn’t have a multi-speed transmission but there will still be one paddle behind the steering wheel. Like in the Countryman SE, our sources tell us that MINI will introduce a “boost” function that gives you more power for a 10-second period. This will be operational via a paddle behind the steering wheel on the left side. MINI will follow its typical formula with mild revisions to suspension settings from the standard J01 SE rather than a wholesale suspension redesign that we’d see in a BMW M car. Think of this new JCW (and all standard JCW models for that matter) as following the BMW M Performance strategy of upgrading suspension and braking components rather than anything radically different. One thing that is new and a big visual differentiator between the F66 JCW and even the J01 Cooper SE with the JCW Style are those aero optimized 18″ wheels. It’s unclear what brakes those wheels are hiding underneath but sources tell us to expect a larger four piston set-up. 2025 F66 JCW & J01 JCW Specifications This is the first time that MINI has put not just these two JCWs together, but these two MINI models literally next to each other. And before we talk about the JCW specifics, we have to take a moment to talk about just how strikingly different aspects of these cars are. As we’ve said in our previous hands-on video, the first thing you notice on the J01 is how much further the windshield is rakes. Then there’s the higher belt line that makes the J01 feel larger despite it being slightly smaller in some dimensions. The comparison of the JCW models is equally as interesting. Sources tell us to expect at least 260 hp for the J01 while the F66 JCW will still only have a 231 hp output from its four cylinder. However torque for both cars should be early the same. Sources have confirmed to us that the F66 JCW will have 280 ft lbs making this B48 quite a bit more punchy than what we had before. Similarly sources have told us to expect a similar number from the J01. However unlike the F66 where we have strong evidence of that 280 figure, we can’t quite confirm these numbers it’s still unclear what we’ll see in final production form. ModelJ01 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower260 hp + (estimated)231 hp Torque280 lb-ft + (estimated)280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpmTransmissionSingle Speed7 speed DCTTrack1538 mm / 61 in1499 mm / 59 inLength (mm/in)3858 mm / 151.6 in3879 mm / 152.7 inHeight (mm/in)1460 mm / 54.4 in1431 mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2526 mm / 99.4 in2495 mm / 98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1675 kg / 3700 lbs (estimated)1405 kg / 3,097 lbs 2025 Electric MINI Cooper JCW – Launch Timing and North American Availability Both the electric and petrol JCW models will debut October 24th right here on MotoringFile. Production of the combustion F66 will start in November while the electric J01 will kick-off in January. ModelPowerDebut DateStart of ProductionJ01 JCW (electric)260 hp*10/202401/2025F66 JCW (petrol)231 hp10/202411/2024* Unconfirmed The J01 MINI Cooper JCW like all new small electric MINIs are made in China in collaboration with Great Wall Motors. Why? Designing and engineering cars for global markets is a huge investment for a small brand like MINI and doing that for both an electric and internal combustion is nearly impossible. So MINI partnered with Spotlight Motors – a joint venture between MINI and Great Wall Motors from China to gain scale and production expertise. Unfortunately months after the ink was dry a global trade war escalated with tariffs on Chinese cars in the US. Since then things have only gotten worse for MINI with similar tariffs being announced in Europe and the UK made in Europe. Given these moves, MINI has aggressively changed its plans and announced its intention to produce its new electric models in Oxford. After a major expansion, the plan will begin producing the J01, J03 and J05 from 2026 onward. This move will open the door for North American export with no tariffs applied likely around 2026. As always check back with MotoringFile often for more exclusive news on MINI’s new JCW products including two more models we’ll see sooner than you might expect. 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Prototype Gallery The post MINI Debuts Two MINI Cooper JCWs & We’ve got Exclusive Details appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI’s new family of models represents massive change for the brand. But one thing that hasn’t been talked much about are the new safety features that have been introduced on the models. And it’s not just the all new models like the J01, J05 or U25 but also the refreshed F66 MINI Cooper. It’s one thing to introduce new safety features on all new models and platforms. But the F66 MINI Cooper is a heavily refreshed F56 and MINI has gone to the trouble of fitting the same features on that car as well. What are they and how do they work? Let’s take a deep dive. Blind Spot Detection. This is a system that uses small cameras on the side mirrors to see the driver’s blind-spot and alert them via a small yellow light. Lane Departure Warning. This feature permanently monitors the zones to each side of the vehicle, detects vehicles in the ‘blind spot’ from 20 km/h and faster for desired lane change, warning via the steering wheel (vibration) and flashing symbol in the exterior mirror. Front Collision Warning With Brake Intervention. Using the new sensor array in the front and the sensors on the top-center of the windshield, your MINI will warning (via an audio warning and a flashing light) of an impending collision. If it senses the collision is imminent, it will intervene with 100% of the car’s braking force. Rear Cross Traffic Warning/Rear Collision Prevention. This uses the same concept as the front collision warning system but for the back of the car. Exit Warning. Thanks to the same sensors that detect for vehicles in your blind-spot, this system will warning a driver if they’re opening their door as traffic is approaching. The new sensor array that support some of the updated safety features. MotoringFile’s Take Naturally all of these features are also on each of MINI’s all-new models; the electric J01 Cooper, J05 Aceman and electric/combustion U25 Countryman. But the fact that MINI has retrofitted these features onto the F56 derived F66 shows you the level of effort they took to modernize that car. And it’s not just the F66 but also its derivatives; the F65 five door and the forthcoming F67 MINI Convertible. While MINI’s isn’t necessarily leading the industry here, they are staying current and in some cases leading their segment. Add to this the active safety inherently built into any MINI and it’s clear that this new generation of models are by far the safest MINIs yet. The post The Petrol MINI Cooper Gets a Major Upgrade in Safety Features appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Shift paddles are finally coming to the new MINI Cooper in the US, albeit with a caveat. If you read our report a few months ago you’ll know that MINI didn’t just kill manuals but also eliminated the shift paddles on all cars unless they are JCWs or are equipped with the JCW style. With the US not offering the JCW Style on the F66 or U25, things looked dim for anyone wanting some interaction with their transmission without buying a JCW. Now that’s changing. It seemingly started with MINI USA not wanting to dilute MINI’s performance brand and offer the JCW Style in the US. Why? MINI USA made the decision not to offer the JCW Trim in the US because they believed that it would take away the specialness of the full JCW and perhaps even negatively affect the JCW brand. And we agree. It’s something we’ve seen BMW offer with its M Sport kits for years and has led to general confusion from buyers around what the M brand even stands for. But that decision has apparently cost MINI USA the chance to offer shift paddles on any non-JCW model. It would seem that MINI global isn’t giving any exception in making paddles exclusive to JCW Trims and thus no non-JCW MINI sold in the US will have shift paddles moving forward. MINI USA’s Changing Strategy Either MINI USA heard your voices or they realized the issue themselves. Either way it looks like things will be changing. That starts with the F65 five door Cooper which will be available with the JCW Style from launch. While that doesn’t solve the problem that many have with the JCW Style taking away for the full JCW models, it does allow for potential buyers get shift paddles. And that’s a good thing. Without the manual transmission on the order books, MINI has lost a major connectivity point with the car. While shift paddles don’t replace it, they do allow for some connection to the car and ability to control shift points. It’s important to note that all full petrol JCW products like the forthcoming F66 MINI Cooper JCW and the currently available U25 Countryman JCW have paddles as standard. However there will be no full JCW version of the F65 five door Cooper which gives MINI USA another good excuse to bring the JCW Style to the US. F66 MINI Cooper JCW prototype with clearly visible shift paddles What does this mean for the rest of the range? While MINI USA hasn’t said anything official about shift paddles spreading to the F66 3 door Cooper or the non JCW Countryman, they hinted strongly that we’ll see more availability of the option in the the future. What do you think? Has MINI USA done the right thing by offering the JCW Style on the F65 the US and thus giving buyers the option for shift paddles? Or should they have saved that look at the ability to shift yourself for full JCW products? The post Shift Paddles Finally Coming to the New MINI Cooper in The US appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Not unlike MINI USA sales we reported last week, MINI’s global sales are also down substantially for the year. And like the US market, the MINI’s stores are seeing lower sales primarily due to the massive model change-over which is affecting availability of its most popular models. But help is on the way. The F66 MINI Cooper S and the F56 MINI Cooper SE The MINI brand delivered 114,054 vehicles in the first half-year which is down 18.7% compared to the first half of 2023. The second quarter saw an even bigger dip as inventory of MINI”s previous generation models ran out and its new generation filtered slowly into MINI stores. For Q2 of 2024 MINI saw its sales slide 27.6% for a total of 51,979 units sold. The second quarter saw the first of the new MINI family reach buyers hands but the selection was limited due to production slowly coming up to speed. MINI expects sales to gradually increase as production does and new models like the highly anticipated MINI Aceman come on-line. The post Global MINI Sales Down 18.7% for the Year appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Starting this week, all new cars sold in the EU must have speed limit warnings reminding drivers of speed limits or on some cars even slowing them down. Known as Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), the system has actually been in MINIs for two years. But how does it work and is it coming to the US? We have some good news and bad news. First let’s back up and look at why the law exists. In short the EU’s ISA regulation is a push to increase pedestrian safety and to reduce CO2 emissions. ISA is mandatory for all new vehicle types from 6/07/2022 and for all new vehicles from 7/07/2024. How ISA Works in MINIs The EU’s legal requirements have actually been met in all MINI’s from 2022 onward by the driver assistance system “Speed Limit Info”. As you might know, MINI’s have had the ability to display speed limits for several years now thanks to a system that uses cameras that recognize traffic signs and GPS. What ISA means in a MINI is that this system can now prompt the driver warning them if the maximum speed is exceeded by an acoustic and visual notifications. The good news is that, unlike some manufacturers, MINI isn’t actively slowing the car down without the driver’s input. And it’s easy to turn off. In the EU and UK that system can easily be turned off by pressing and holding the “LIM” button on the steering wheel. Sounds simple right? There’s only one issue – driver’s will have to turn it off every time they start the car. ISA is Coming to North America – Eventually Outside of the EU and UK the system is present but typically not active. In other words markets like North America have all the tech to enable but it’s turned off by default. But that will change now that California has passed SB 961 which will require 50% of all cars sold to have a “passive” system like the one MINI has in the EU by 2029 and 100% by 2032. The (Potential) Alarming Future for ISA In the EU there’s a growing chorus of safety advocates that call for the system to actually slow the car down and actively control the speed in adherence to posted signs. While that’s not yet compulsory, all the technology is there for car makers to activate such a system. Could that actually happen? It depends on who you talk to but there’s a clear growing desire to make European cities more pedestrian friendly due to their often tight confines. It’s important to note that there is no movement in California or elsewhere in the US to take that step. In fact the California bill specifically calls for the system to be passive allowing the driver to always be in control. The post EU Regulations Are Mandating Speed limit Warnings in MINIs & They’re Coming to the US appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI Takes the States is the ultimate MINI road trip and this year looks to be one of the best. Traversing through the scenic western United States, we couldn’t turn down a chance to be a part of it all. And as always we’re doing something special in both what we’re driving and where we’re going. Why do we think MTTS 2024 might be one of the best ever? For one the route is incredible. Maybe it’s the fact that your author lives in Chicago where things are relatively flat, but the idea of driving through the rockies for a week straight sounds like a proper journey. The opportunity to chart your own course through some of the most beautiful scenery in North America was impossible for us to miss. Even better MINI USA is giving attendees a few days off and one in particular that allows for some amazing exploration through Yellowstone country. MotoringFile’s MTTS MINI & Route No surprise we’re going to be behind the wheel of the two latest petrol-powered MINIs to reach the US. More specifically we’ll be putting some miles on the U25 MINI Countryman JCW and the F66 MINI Cooper S. But just as important is our route. We’re still formalizing plans on who from MF is attending but I can confirm, at the very least I’ll be there for about half the trip. While it’s still a bit early, here the route plans. JULY 16 – Land in Salt Lake The plan is for me to join the party in Salt Lake City on the official MTTS day off. I’ll collect my car from MINI and get prepped for the trip that begins almost immediately. Yellowstone’s breathtaking Lower Falls and Grand Canyon July 17 | Explore the Tetons, Bridger national Forest & Yellowstone My first day the plan will be to deviate a bit from the formal route and head to the Tetons, Bridger National Forest and eventually Yellowstone. This route, while longer, is an epic one that should not be missed. The exact route will heading to western Wyoming and north via 189. This will take you through Jackson (a great place to stay the night if you want to take advantage of that extra day MINI is giving you) before heading into Yellowstone itself. Pine Creek Lodge, Paradise Valley MT Yellowstone can be very busy this time of year but is still highly worth a visit. Pro-tip; Entering from the south entrance will save you some time and unless you have to see Old Faithful, you’re better off sticking the east side to avoid some of the traffic. It’s also a direct shot to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone which is not to be missed. From there the plan is to head north into Paradise Valley (it’s called that for a reason) and make a pit-stop in Livingston Montana (one of our favorite towns in the world) before heading to Bozeman. If you can take advantage of the day off and head north early, we’d highly recommend spending some time in this area. You can stay (or just taking a dip) at Chico Hot Springs, catch a show at legendary Pine Creek lodge and even grab a drink while watching the sunset at the Sage. There’s incredible hiking as well. For that be sure to check out All Trails have a guide to take you off the beaten path. Want recommendations for places to stay on your days off? Here are our suggestions for the area that have a bit of local flavor: Livingston & Paradise Valley: Chico Hot Springs, Murray Hotel, Sage Lodge, Under Canvass Bozeman: The Lark, The Kimpton Armory The Bridger Mountains July 18 | On Our Way to Missoula, MT Via the Lewis and Clark National Forest We’ll be at the Giddy up to Hardscrabble Ranch – a retreat destination in the Bridger Mountains to kick off a day. Pro-tip – there will be ZERO cell reception in the Bridger Valley so be prepared. From there we’ll hop on I-90 and head west out of the Bridger Mountains and into the expansive ranch land west of Bozeman. We’ll eventually make our way to Enjoy the serene, open spaces as we make our way to Helena, the capital of Montana and a former gold rush jewel.We’ll then head to Highway 12 winding through the Lewis and Clark National Forest. And there finally back onto I90 and Missoula. July 19 | Missoula, MT – Spokane, WA We’ll be opting for the scenic route once more as we take 93 N through Lolo National Forest and Flathead Reservation. The plan is to head into the forest of pines, and through McLeod Peak and Ch-Paa-qn Peak and eventually into the beautiful lakes, mountains and rivers of western Montana and Idaho. Eventually we’ll hit state Highway 95 and Washington State. And with that, we’ll be heading back east surely with second thoughts about not going the entire way. If you want to meet up along there way, the best way is to Direct Message us via Instagram and let us know! Registration fees will vary between $40 for a single day to $200 for “going all the way”. Leg 1 tickets, from Albuqurque to Salt Lake City, are available for $100. Leg 2 tickets, from Bozeman to Seattle, are available for $125. All registration fees also include an official event goody bag. You can register at www.minitakesthestates.com The post MotoringFile is Heading to MTTS 2024 – Here’s Our Route & What We’re Driving appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For over a year now we’ve told you the F66 (petrol) MINI JCW will not see an increase in power. While we can once again confirm that data-point, it turns out that was just half the picture. Thanks to our trusted sources, we have the final specifications of the new petrol powered F66 MINI JCW and we’ve uncovered a major upgrade not previously known. It all started with the Nurburgring 24 Hours lap times. The 2024 F56 JCW had a fastest lap of 10:44.118 around the full circuit (which includes the GP track). Not a bad time until we saw the F66 JCW’s astonishing pace of 10:06.773. How could that be given the cars had the same horsepower rating? Surely the DCT in the new JCW helped but there’s no way it could account for that much of a gap. It turns out there’s a more important difference between the two cars – torque. We can now confirm the new petrol F66 MINI JCW’s B48A20O2 four cylinder has an output of 280 ft lbs of torque. That’s only 15 ft lbs behind the new Countryman JCW and a massive 45 ft lbs (16%) increase torque over the previous generation. This along with the wider track and quicker transmission appear to give the new JCW a noticeable performance advantage despite having the same power figure. 2025 F66 MINI JCW Full Specification ModelF56 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower231 hp231 hp Torque235 lb-ft / 1450 rpm280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpmTransmissionManual/Auto7 speed DCTTrack1485 mm / 58 in1499 mm / 59 inLength (mm/in)3863 mm / 152.5 in3879 mm / 152.7 inHeight (mm/in)1414 mm / 55.66 in1431 mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2495 mm / 98.23 in2495 mm / 98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1338 kg / 2,951 lbs1405 kg / 3,097 lbsKey differences highlighted But things aren’t all improvements. Unfortunately along with this performance improvement the new F66 JCW has an increase in weight at 3,097 lbs. Unfortunately it’s hard to pin down a like for like weight at this time but based on what we know, we believe that’s the weight figure including fluids, fuel and 90% and a driver. If so that would compare with the 2,951 lbs we’ve seen listed with the previous generation F56 JCW auto. In other words it appears the new F66 MINI Cooper JCW is 146 lbs heavier than the previous generation. Dual Clutch Transmission Only The production F66 JCW that won its class at the Nurburgring 24 was dual clutch and as you can see in the spy photo of the prototype above, there are clearly shift paddles and no manual. While this will undoubtedly improve shift times it also takes away a crucial connection to the car and the joy so many of us get from a manual transmission. The transmission in the F66 JCW race car is the same revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that we’ll see in the production JCW which is a slightly revised a version of the transmission in the F66 Cooper S. We’re told to expect faster shift times than the F66 Cooper S and previous generation JCW and more responsive manual control via the standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The Petrol F66 MINI Cooper JCW The Electric J01 MINI Cooper JCW When Will The F66 JCW Debut? This weekend MINI will again show the F66 JCW that won its class at the Nurburgring 24 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Alongside will be the first electric JCW – the J01 MINI Cooper jCW E. We’ll finally see the new petrol F66 JCW in full production glory in late October alongside its all-electric sibling, the J01 Cooper JCW. Until then look for more exclusive news on both models that should help give us a full picture of MINI’s ultimate Cooper. The post Exclusive: Petrol F66 MINI JCW Performance Details & Specifications Revealed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is set to unveil a thoroughly revamped lineup at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed along with two new JCWs. The appearance is headlined by the dynamic debut of the first electric MINI JCW E Prototype tackling the legendary hill climb and the public display of its petrol sibling, the F66 MINI Cooper jCW. Scheduled for a world premiere later this year, the MINI John Cooper Works E signifies a big step in MINI’s electrification journey, blending its racing heritage with modern tech. Festival-goers can explore a range of new models on display, including the MINI Countryman, MINI Aceman, and the MINI Cooper available in both three-door and the newly announced five-door versions. The MINI Cooper Electric will also be prominently featured in Electric Avenue. But most interesting to enthusiasts will be the future John Cooper Works both of which will be showcased in the First Glance paddock throughout the festival. Visitors to Goodwood will also have the opportunity to engage with the MINI Mixed Reality experience, where the boundaries between virtual and real worlds blur. This immersive 10-minute journey through the MINI universe allows drivers to get behind the wheel of a MINI Cooper Electric or a MINI Aceman, all through the power of virtual reality. This unique experience is located at Car Park M. The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is set to take place from July 11th to July 14th. Head to our JCW section for exclusive details on both cars. The post MINI to Debut Both New MINI Cooper JCWs at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article