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MINI has done it – it’s won its class in the Nürburgring 24 Hours And not just in any car. They’ve done it in a prototype 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW driven by a driver line-up including the Charlie Cooper. Let’s look at how they did it and this performance tells us about the forthcoming MINI JCW.
After coming in second last year with the manual transmission equipped 1to6, MINI has finally won and in a car that has yet to be released. However it’s worth noting that this year’s race wasn’t the typical 24 hours. With heavy fog setting in during the night, organizers had to red-flag the the event hoping it would eventually lift. Unfortunately it never did and they had to call the race after only 10 hours. Mind you 10 hours on the ‘Ring is probably equivalent to a typical 24 hour race.
Despite being only 10 hours in total length, the 317 MINI JCW PRO (note that name) had to deal with rain, insane traffic and eventually sliding flog. Even with less than half the race distance, only seven cars finished in its SP3 class.
The other MINI from Bulldog racing was last year’s 1to6 MINI JCW. Once again the only manual transmission car in the race (out of 130 cars). This year it just missed out on 2nd place and finished in the final podium position in the VT2 Front class.
The highly anticipated MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 and the reliable MINI John Cooper Works #474 both achieved remarkable results in difficult weather conditions, reinforcing MINI’s strong presence in motorsport.
F66 MINI Cooper JCW Modification For The ‘Ring
Inside the F66 JCW race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 was built as a pre-production model at the Oxford Plant and then modified extensively for the race. That means a full roll-cage, KW suspension, race specific braking system and what look like 17-inch OZ HyperGT light alloy wheels. Additionally Bulldog has stripped out the interior for weight savings. But outside of these necessary modifications, this is a stock F66 MINI Cooper JCW. Which makes its 10:06.773 lap time even more impressive.
The same stock mentality goes for the F56 1to6 JCW. And like last year it features a manual transmission – likely the only car at the race with a manual.
Both cars “Made in Nürburg” were fitted with high-performance Pirelli tires, further enhancing their competitive edge on the challenging Nürburgring circuit. In the overall standings, the MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 achieved an impressive overall position of 71, while the MINI John Cooper Works #474 secured an overall position of 78 out of 127 starters, showcasing the brand’s resilience and prowess in one of the world’s most demanding endurance races.
The Drive Line-Up Once Again Featuring Charlie Cooper
The drivers for MINI John Cooper Works PRO (#317), which competes at the SP-3T class features:
The manual F56 MINI Cooper JCW 1to6 Edition – Charlie Cooper (GBR)
– Markus Fischer (AUT)
– Christoph Kragenings (GER)
– Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER)The MINI John Cooper Works, with #474, is the only car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission starting at this year’s edition of the race. Drivers for MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 edition (#474), which competes at the VT-2 class are:
– Michael Bräutigam (GER)
– Andreas Hilgers (GER)
– Sascha Korte (GER)Nurburgring 2024 Hours Gallery
Why The 24 Hours of the Nurburgring is Such a Huge Test
A couple of years ago we checked-off something major from our bucket-list in attending the mythical Nurburgring 24 Hours. The race and the atmosphere blew away our already high expectations but the team struggled. And it’s easy to see why. This is a grueling race on a track that doesn’t seem real. Add in weather that can range from sun to rain to snow and you have an event like none other.
The post The 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW Wins it’s Class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours! appeared first on MotoringFile.
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A couple of years ago we checked-off something major from our bucket-list in attending the mythical Nurburgring 24 Hours. The race and the atmosphere blew away our already high expectations but the team struggled. That was not the case last year as the manual JCW 1to6 came second in class. But this year there’s something even more special in the MINI/Bulldog Racing Garage.
This year Bulldog Racing and MINI are not only debuting the highly anticipated F66 MINI Cooper JCW at the track but they’re racing it with none other than the grandson of John Cooper, Charlie Cooper. Alongside last year’s 2nd place JCW 1to6, Bulldog racing will be hoping to not just make it 24 hours but get on the podium with both production spec MINIs.
Why The Nurburgring 24 Hours Is The Best Race In The World
That’s a heady claim given how many incredible motorsport events there are globally. But the N24 is as much a race as a festival dedicated to cars, culture and the insanity of German race fans. The paddock and the cars were impressive but seeing the crowd and the culture that has built up around this race was unlike anything in the world. Photos and words barely do it justice.
We’ve driven the track before but to see a race of this magnitude and fans this crazy was unlike any other race we’ve ever experienced. The German fans creativity with camp sites was something we had heard about but still were shocked by. The engineering that went into some of the buildouts were wild and the experience was electric – especially into the night. It was all made even better by how welcoming the entire crowd was.
The race will be broadcast on Youtube via the ADAC channel. It’s available with both German and English commentary with specific videos on the channel recapping portions of the race.
The Bulldog Racing Line-Up
Bulldog Racing, MINI’s racing partner for all things Nurburgring has been gearing up for a this year’s 24 Hours of the Nürburgring with two entries. Expanding from last year’s single entry, the team is debuting the forthcoming F66 MINI JCW in camouflaged form alongside last year’s 1to6 manual JCW.
The New F66 MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. MINI’s other race car is the 2023 F56 MINI Cooper JCW (#474) that came in second last year in its class. It will be once again in the VT-2 category.
Charlie Cooper (GBR), grandson of John Cooper – the inventor of the iconic Mini Cooper in 1961 – makes his second trip to the 24-hour race after finishing 2nd with the team.
F66 MINI Cooper JCW Modification For The ‘Ring
The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 was built as a pre-production model at the Oxford Plant and then modified extensively for the race. That means a full roll-cage, KW suspension, race specific braking system and what look like 17-inch OZ HyperGT light alloy wheels. Additionally Bulldog has stripped out the interior for weight savings. But outside of these necessary modifications, this is a stock F66 MINI Cooper JCW.
The same goes for the F56 1to6 JCW. And like last year it features a manual transmission – likely the only car at the race with a manual.
The Drive Line-Up Once Again Featuring Charlie Cooper
The drivers for MINI John Cooper Works PRO (#317), which competes at the SP-3T class features:
The manual F56 MINI Cooper JCW 1to6 Edition – Charlie Cooper (GBR)
– Markus Fischer (AUT)
– Christoph Kragenings (GER)
– Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER)The MINI John Cooper Works, with #474, is the only car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission starting at this year’s edition of the race. Drivers for MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 edition (#474), which competes at the VT-2 class are:
– Michael Bräutigam (GER)
– Andreas Hilgers (GER)
– Sascha Korte (GER)
– Marco Zabel (GER)How to Watch
The 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on June 1st and June 2nd 2024. Like last year we expect the race to be available on the 24 Rennen website and ADAC’s Youtube channel. Also keep an eye out of the qualifying races and test sessions which might also be on the channel.
The 52nd edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring takes place from May 30th to June 2nd including support events and the race itself. The most demanding track in the world, the ‘Ring is nearly 16 miles long and will host 130 vehicles in 23 different classes, and over 450 drivers from three dozen nations.
The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. 
F66 JCW Prototype Race Car 
The post MINI Is Debuting It’s New JCW At The Nurburgring 24 Hours – Here’s How You Can Watch appeared first on MotoringFile.
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Design legend Paul Smith has had a long relationship with MINI starting with iconic Paul Smith classic Mini from the 90s. Recently he electrified a Classic Mini and turned a F56 MINI Cooper SE into the MINI Strip. But now Smith and MINI are partnering on their most ambitious collaboration to date and bringing a new Paul Smith MINI to the masses via a full production run. But what MINI will it be and when are we likely to see it? While we don’t have photos yet (what you see above is a wild guess), we do have a few answers.
The Paul Smith designed MINI Strip Concept. Sources tell MotoringFile to expect the Paul Smith Edition to be based on the petrol powered F66 and not the electric J01. It will also not follow the extreme minimalism of the Strip concept but instead will reportedly leverage Smith’s iconic design sense and MINI’s bold new design language to create something that feels unique and modern.
The original Paul Smith Edition classic Mini While we have no conformation on other models, it’s also possible that the special edition could eventually be offered on the F65 five door and F67 convertible given that they’re all made in Oxford.
While the full picture of the Paul Smith Edition has yet to come into focus, we know that it will feature several exclusive details. Outside it will have a Nottingham Green roof, unique alloy wheels and unique badging. Inside look for unique Vescin/textile seats and an exclusive textile dash and door design.
The Paul Smith Edition MINI will go into production at Oxford on July 1 2026. But you won’t have to wait until then for more info. Check back with MotoringFile in the coming months for updates.
The post Exclusive: A New Paul Smith MINI Cooper is Coming to Production appeared first on MotoringFile.
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MINI’s motorsports partner Bulldog Racing is taking the new F66 MINI Cooper JCW to the most demanding race in the world; the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Along side the new F66 JCW will be last year’s 1to6 manual transmission F56 JCW.
The 52nd edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring takes place from May 30th to June 2nd including support events and the race itself. The most demanding track in the world, the ‘Ring is nearly 16 miles long and will host 130 vehicles in 23 different classes, and over 450 drivers from three dozen nations.
In other words it’s the perfect place to test MINI’s new Cooper JCW. The New F66 MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. MINI’s other race car is the 2023 F56 MINI Cooper JCW (#474) that came in second last year in its class. It will be once again in the VT-2 category.
F66 MINI Cooper JCW Modification for the ‘Ring
The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 was built as a pre-production model at the Oxford Plant and then modified extensively for the race. That means a full roll-cage, KW suspension, race specific braking system and what look like 17-inch OZ HyperGT light alloy wheels. Additionally Bulldog has stripped out the interior for weight savings. But outside of these necessary modifications, this is a stock F66 MINI Cooper JCW.
The same goes for the F56 1to6 JCW. And like last year it features a manual transmission – likely the only car at the race with a manual.
The Drive Line-up Once Again Featuring Charlie Cooper
The drivers for MINI John Cooper Works PRO (#317), which competes at the SP-3T class features:
The manual F56 MINI Cooper JCW 1to6 Edition – Charlie Cooper (GBR)
– Markus Fischer (AUT)
– Christoph Kragenings (GER)
– Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER)The MINI John Cooper Works, with #474, is the only car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission starting at this year’s edition of the race. Drivers for MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 edition (#474), which competes at the VT-2 class are:
– Michael Bräutigam (GER)
– Andreas Hilgers (GER)
– Sascha Korte (GER)
– Marco Zabel (GER)How to Watch the 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring
The 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on June 1st and June 2nd 2024. Like last year we expect the race to be available on the ADAC’s Youtube channel and we will embed the race stream on here on MotoringFile. Also keep an eye out of the qualifying races and test sessions which might also be on the channel.
Bulldog Racing F56 & F66 MINI Cooper JCW Gallery
The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. F66 JCW Prototype Race Car The post MINI & Bulldog Racing Prep Its New F66 JCW appeared first on MotoringFile.
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To celebrate our exclusive reporting on the J01 MINI Cooper coming to North America, we have an all new photo gallery from the car’s recent launch in Europe. The J01 Cooper SE finished in Blazing Blue and the Favoured Trim is MINI’s first all new Cooper in over ten years and the first ever built ground-up as electric.
With WLTP range of 250 miles and a radical new interior, the J01 MINI Cooper is the brand’s first full attempt to create an electric Cooper. But what do you think? Does an electric MINI appeal to you? Does the J01 and its new, more minimal look appeal to you? Let us know in the comments and enjoy our best look yet at MINI’s new electric Cooper. And you want the most comprehensive source in the world on the new electric Cooper, head to MotoringFile’s J01 section.
MINI Cooper SE – Launch Gallery
The post Real-World Gallery: New J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric appeared first on MotoringFile.
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A couple of our most reliable sources have finally confirmed what so many of us have been waiting for; the new generation of electric MINI Cooper is coming to the US. But which MINI Cooper models and when will we finally see them in the US? Let’s dive into what exactly we’ve heard from sources and what it means for North American MINI fans.
Why The New J01 MINI Cooper Electric Isn’t Already Sold In North America
The J01 MINI Cooper is built on the brand’s first ever bespoke EV architecture and represents a major leap in range, performance and technology compared to its F56 MINI Cooper SE predecessor. And as we speak it’s filtering into showrooms throughout most of the world. However the fact that it’s manufactured in China has eliminated the possibly of North America imports in the current tariff-centric atmosphere. But MINI has a solution.
Last year MINI and the UK government announced a plant expansion at the Oxford Plant in 2026 paving the way for production of the electric J01 MINI Cooper and the J05 MINI Aceman. However nothing was announced about US imports and thus far MINI has been very tight-lipped about their plans. In fact there were more than a few that assumed we wouldn’t even see this generation of electric MINIs in the US at all.
The J03 MINI Cooper Electric Convertible is our first confirmed model but we expect J01 confirmation shortly. What Electric MINIs Are Coming to the US
Through our most reliable sources we have our first confirmed model destined for North America; the J03 MINI Cooper Convertible. While only the J03 and not the J01 Cooper hardtop? It’s simply the first we’ve been able to 100% confirm through sources. But we fully expect this is just the tip of the iceberg.
These sources tell us that the J03 will be offered in four models global; the Cooper E, Cooper SE and JCW E. North America will only get the latter two: the SE and JCW E models.
Our sources were also quick to say they expect to confirm the J01 and potentially even the J05 Aceman for North America imports soon. In fact there’s no scenario where MINI would bring a low volume car like the J03 Convertible and not the more mainstream J01 Cooper. Using that logic, the fact that we can confirm the J03 for North America means that J01 is also surely coming. Following what we know about the J03 variants coming, it’s also safe to assume we’ll see the J01 Cooper SE and JCW E and not the lower spec E model.
MINI Cooper SE North American Release Timing
Knowing the new MINI electric models won’t begin series production until early 2026, we’d expect the first North America deliveries to happen likely in the middle of the year. If we had to guess we’d look for the J01 Cooper first followed later in 2026 by the J03 Convertible.
While we do not have any information on the J05 Aceman yet, it would be safe to assume we’d see the Aceman SE and JCW E models in North America around that same time period.
We’ll have much more on the new electric MINIs coming to North America in the months ahead.
The post Exclusive: The J01 MINI Cooper Electric Confirmed for US Sales appeared first on MotoringFile.
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The F66 MINI Cooper JCW has been caught completely undisguised exposing its final design four months ahead of its debut. Photographed by Joelre98 and published on Bimmertoday.de, the late-stage prototype shows off the final design of the new F66 JCW and hints at a number of features we’ve exclusively reported on for over a year.
We’ve been reporting exclusive details on the forthcoming F66 JCW for well over a year and quite a few are confirmed with these photos.
Confirmed: a single, centered exhaust pipe
The first that must be mentioned is the single exhaust pipe. It’s something we’ve expected and have seen in numerous spy photos. But seeing it here confirmed MINI’s dramatic design decision. Why a single exhaust pipe? The F56 JCW may have had two pipes but in reality both were coming out of the same muffler. This simplifies the design and likely saves some weight. All reasons we typically see this layout of MINI race cars.
Confirmed: Design Will be (Almost) Identical to the JCW Style Package)
As predicted, the design of the new JCW will mostly mirror the optional JCW Trim we’ve already seen on the F66 MINI Cooper. There are some small deviations – really small. The red trim on the front corners and the red brake calipers are the key visual markers for a full JCW vs. JCW Style. Looking close you’ll see the unique side sills that are identical to the F56 JCW and that aforementioned single exhaust pipe.
The wheels, trim and even exclusive Legend Grey color are all the same that you get on any MINI with the JCW Style.
Confirmed: Dual Clutch Transmission Only
Looking at the interior photo you can clearly see shift paddles and no manual. As predicted MINI has killed off the manual in the JCW like it has in the rest of the range.
Why would MINI eliminate manuals, even though the F66 is mechanically identical to the F56 and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6-speed? It’s likely about simplifying drivetrain components and cutting costs within manufacturing. And for Europe (where CO2 targets are much more stringent) the manual is slightly dirtier.
Replacing the manual is a revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises faster shift times than before and more responsive manual control via the standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Head to Bimmertoday.de for more photos.
The post F66 MINI Cooper JCW Caught Undisguised! appeared first on MotoringFile.
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The new F66 MINI JCW has been revealed in prototype race car form ahead of its entry at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. But as expected there’s not a lot that MINI has released about the car. Luckily we’ve plenty of exclusive details. Here are the top five facts we’ve learned from our sources that you should know about the new JCW.
1. There’s no power increase
While it’s yet to be officially confirmed, our sources tell us that the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere.
Model F56 Cooper JCW F66 Cooper JCW Power 231 hp 231 hp Torque 235 lb-ft/1450 rpm 258 lb-ft/1,250 rpm Transmission Manual/Auto 7 speed DCT Drivetrain front-wheel front-wheel Length (mm/in) 3863mm/152.1 in 3876mm/152.6 in Height (mm/in) 1414mm/55.66 in 1432mm / 56.38 in Wheelbase (mm/in) 2495mm/98.23 in 2495mm/98.23 Curb weight (kg/lbs) 1295 kg / 2855 lbs TBA But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2.
The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 ft lbs giving the car a bit more grunt. Perhaps just important, it peaks lower in the rev range as. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed-out at 1,450. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 rpm meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine.
F66 JCW Prototype Race Car 
Left: F66 JCW Prototype race car. Right: F66 Cooper S with the optional JCW Style 2. The Design Will be (Almost) Identical to the JCW Style Package)
As predicted, the design of the new JCW will mostly mirror the optional JCW Trim we’ve already seen on the F66 MINI Cooper. Its you can see in the photo above, the front bumper will have real ducts due to the need to cool the JCW B48 engine and functioning brake ducts which are essential for any track time – and critical at the ‘Ring.
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.
Around back 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.
3. Production Begins This November
Both the petrol F66 and electric J01 JCW models will debut this October simultaneously. However that’s where the similarities will end. The EV version of the JCW will get more power but also weight roughly 500 lbs more.
Model Power Debut Date Start of Production J01 JCW (electric) 260 hp* 10/2024 01/2025 F66 JCW (petrol) 231 hp 10/2024 11/2024 * Unconfirmed There are also rumors we’ll see this very F66 JCW prototype at the Goodwood of Speed later this summer ahead of it’s official debut in October.
The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. 4. It Will Be Offered Only With a Dual Clutch Transmission
MINI has killed the manual in its combustion models and they will include the new combustion JCW.
Why would MINI eliminate manuals despite the fact that the F66 is mechanically identical to the F56 and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6-speed? It’s likely about simplifying drivetrain components and cutting costs within manufacturing. And for Europe (where CO2 targets are much more stringent) the manual is slightly dirtier.
Replacing the manual is a revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises faster shift times than before and more responsive manual control via the standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
In this exclusive photo you can see a central exhaust and single pipe that looks to be in nearly final production form. 5. There’s only a single, centered exhaust pipe
The F56 JCW exhaust These photos also confirm what we’ve reported since last year; the new JCW, is moving from a two pipe single exhaust to a larger single pipe exhaust. In the images above and the exclusive image of the production F66 testing below, you can see a single exhaust pipe (with a stainless steel sleeve), the transversely mounted exhaust and even the aluminum shield underneath it.
Look even closer and you’ll see the production version of the single LED reverse light just above the exhaust tip which (one could imagine) would look somewhat integrated with the cutout of the pipe.
Why a single exhaust pipe? Two key reasons that matters in both racing and on the street; weight savings and better for packaging. It will also likely be very close to the design of the F56 JCW, just with a single, larger pipe vs two smaller ones.
What’s Next?
Look for more photos and videos of the race-prepped JCW as it prepares for the Nurburgring 24 and potentially an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
We should finally see it in full production glory this October alongside its all electric sibling, the J01 Cooper JCW. Until then look for more exclusives news on both models that should help give us a full picture of MINIs ultimate Cooper.
The post 2025 MINI Cooper JCW: The Top 5 Facts You Should Know appeared first on MotoringFile.
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BMW & MINI have been accused of importing cars with a component that is tied to forced labor camps is western China. A US Senate investigation has reportedly validated earlier German reporting that BMW (along with Jaguar and VW) were tied to a Chinese supplier that used forced labor
The part in question is known as a LAN transformer and is found is on at least 8,000 MINIs imported into the US. The component is critical is allowing various systems within a MINI to talk with each other.
The part comes from a company called Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group, also known as JWD. Reportedly the automakers didn’t have a direct connection to JWD but instead part an electronic unit (which included the LAN Transformer) from Lear Corp., a supplier of automotive electrical systems.
According to the Senate report, Volkswagen took steps to correct the issue but BMW and Jaguar have yet to do so.
This has come about due to a two year old law that blocks goods from Xinjiang due to the rampant forced labor camps in the province.
Senator Wyden, who leads the committee didn’t mince words; “automakers are sticking their heads in the sand and then swearing they can’t find any forced labor in their supply chains. Somehow, the Finance Committee’s oversight staff uncovered what multibillion-dollar companies apparently could not: that BMW imported cars, Jaguar Land Rover imported parts, and VW AG manufactured cars that all included components made by a supplier banned for using Uyghur forced labor,” he added. “Automakers’ self-policing is clearly not doing the job.”
The Senate committee said that BMW continued importing MINIs until at least April 2024 after being informed by its supplier Leer that there were potential issues. According to the New York Times, BMW appeared to have ceased its imports only after the Senate committee repeatedly questioned it about JWD.
Source: New York Times
The post MINI Accused Of Importing Chinese Parts Tied to Forced Labor appeared first on MotoringFile.
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The 2025 MINI Cooper JCW is here albeit in race form. Bulldog racing is taking the all new MINI Cooper JCW to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring with Charlie Cooper behind the wheel. But before we get to that, let’s take a close look at the car and what these videos and images reveal about the new JCW.
For more on the all new MINI Cooper JCW, head to our full report and make sure to keep tabs on our JCW section for future updates.
The post First Look Video: the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW appeared first on MotoringFile.
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This is our first look at the (last ever) combustion MINI Cooper JCW. The much rumored and highly anticipated F66 MINI Cooper JCW is finally here – almost. MINI is giving us our first look at the car as a race prepped prototype preparing to take on the most grueling race in the world – the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring.
We had a hunch that MINI might use the Nurburgring 24 Hours as a launch pad for the new JCW. In doing so MINI is once again making it clear how capable this little hot hatch is. They’re also giving us plenty of new details we hadn’t had previously. However one thing they aren’t giving up yet are any specifications on the car itself. Luckily we’ve got exclusive details that fill in those gaps.
The Details of the F66 MINI Cooper JCW Prototype Race Car
This screen capture from a promotion video clearly shows the race specific paddle shifter controlling the new DCT The New F66 MINI John Cooper Works #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. MINI will be entering another car – the 2023 F56 MINI Cooper JCW (#474) that came in second last year in its class. It will be once again in the VT-2 category.
MINI makes a point in the press release say that #474 once again has a manual transmission but no mention what transmission is in the new car (#317). Of course we know that MINI has dropped the manual (likely permanently) and will be launching the JCW as a DCT only model. The video alongside the images released proves this out as well.
What These Images Tell Us About the F66 <OMO Cooper JCW
As predicted, the design of the new JCW will mostly mirror the optional JCW Trim we’ve already seen on the F66 MINI Cooper. Its you can see in the photo above, the front bumper will have real ducts due to the need to cool the JCW B48 engine and functioning brake ducts which are essential for any track time – and critical at the ‘Ring.
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.
Around back 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.
One thing that’s interesting is MINI’s use of the word “Pro” in a few places. We see it in the official press release and on the license plate. Could that be a way for MINI to differentiate the full JCW with the JCW Trim that’s available on all other MINI models? Could MINI use the term “Pro” like BMW uses “Competition” branding creating a higher performance, more focused JCW? Or could this just be a way of naming the race car itself?
The Revised 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Engine
While it’s yet to be officially confirmed, our sources tell us that the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere.
Model F56 Cooper JCW F66 Cooper JCW Power 231 hp 231 hp Torque 235 lb-ft/1450 rpm 258 lb-ft/1,250 rpm Transmission Manual/Auto 7 speed DCT Drivetrain front-wheel front-wheel Length (mm/in) 3863mm/152.1 in 3876mm/152.6 in Height (mm/in) 1414mm/55.66 in 1432mm / 56.38 in Wheelbase (mm/in) 2495mm/98.23 in 2495mm/98.23 Curb weight (kg/lbs) 1295 kg / 2855 lbs TBA But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2.
The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 ft lbs giving the car a bit more grunt. Perhaps just important, it peaks lower in the rev range as. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed-out at 1,450. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 rpm meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine.
2025 MINI Cooper JCW Chassis and Brake Updates
The prototype race car has a bespoke suspension and braking set-up the factory F66 JCW will not see. So don’t think you’re getting that perfect ride height and stance from the factory.
Instead we’ll see a straight evolution from the F56 JCW. This starts with the braking system which will be carried over. That means we’ll see a 4-piston fixed caliper upfront with internally ventilated drilled brake disks up front (335x30mm). In the back (where there’s less weight to worry about) MINI will continue with a single-piston floating caliper and a disk that’s 259x10mm. All four calipers will be finished in the traditional Chili Red.
The chassis and suspension will see subtle improvements with MINI further refining its adaptive suspension design. While we don’t yet have details we’re told this focuses on improving ride quality while not forgoing any performance.
Current F56 Cooper S Exhaust shows the “dual exhaust” is nothing more than two small pipes from a single exhaust. 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW – Single Pipe Exhaust
These photos also confirm what we’ve reported since last year; the new JCW, is moving from a two pipe single exhaust to a larger single pipe exhaust. In the images above and the exclusive image of the production F66 testing below, you can see a single exhaust pipe (with a stainless steel sleeve), the transversely mounted exhaust and even the aluminum shield underneath it.
Look even closer and you’ll see the production version of the single LED reverse light just above the exhaust tip which (one could imagine) would look somewhat integrated with the cutout of the pipe.
In this exclusive photo you can see a central exhaust and single pipe that looks to be in nearly final production form. Why a single exhaust pipe? Two key reasons that matters in both racing and on the street; weight savings and better for packaging.
2025 MINI Cooper JCW Launch and Production Timing
Both the petrol F66 and electric J01 JCW models will debut this October simultaneously. However that’s where the similarities will end. The EV version of the JCW will get more power but also weight roughly 500 lbs more.
Model Power Debut Date Start of Production J01 JCW (electric) 260 hp* 10/2024 01/2025 F66 JCW (petrol) 231 hp 10/2024 11/2024 * Unconfirmed There are also rumors we’ll see this very F66 JCW prototype at the Goodwood of Speed later this summer ahead of it’s official debut in October.
How to Watch the 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring
The 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on June 1st and June 2nd 2024. Like last year we expect the race to be available on the ADAC’s Youtube channel and we will embed the race stream on here on MotoringFile. Also keep an eye out of the qualifying races and test sessions which might also be on the channel.
2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW Gallery
Official Press Release: New MINI John Cooper Works to Debut at 24 Hours of Nürburgring Ahead of its World Premiere.
MINI enthusiasts and motorsport fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of the highly anticipated New MINI John Cooper Works. It is set to make its first appearance at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, one of the toughest endurance races in the world, challenging drivers and teams to conquer the iconic Nürburgring-Nordschleife over a grueling, day-long battle of speed, skill, and reliability.
The new petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works, cloaked in a bespoke camouflage designed by the MINI Design Team, pays homage to the iconic red and white color schemes used for classic Minis in motorsports in the 1960s.
Celebrating its world premiere in fall 2024, the New MINI John Cooper Works marks a significant milestone in MINI’s commitment to innovation and heritage. In a bold move, the new MINI John Cooper Works lineup, developed to push the boundaries of speed and agility, will be available in both petrol and all-electric versions.
In a nod to Mini’s historic victory of the Mini Cooper S at the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo 60 years ago, the racecar features a distinctive “37” logo, commemorating this milestone achievement. This emblem serves as a homage to MINI’s rich motorsport tradition.
The New MINI John Cooper Works #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category.
Dubbed “MINI John Cooper Works PRO”, the MINI Twin-Power Turbo racecar represents the perfect fusion of MINI’s iconic design and reliability and Bulldog Racing’s track-tested expertise.
The second entry will be the beloved black MINI John Cooper Works #474 manual transmission, which showcased its prowess by securing a podium finish at last year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, proving its mettle against fierce competition in the VT-2 category, cementing its status as a formidable contender in endurance racing.
As anticipation builds for its debut, MINI fans and automotive enthusiasts alike can expect an unforgettable showcase of the New MINI John Cooper Works capabilities at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring from June 1st to June 2nd 2024.
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Just because MINI is going electric doesn’t mean they won’t make open top cars. Through out sources, we can now confirm that MINI is planning to build an electric (J03) MINI Cooper Convertible. What will it be based on and where will it be made? Let’s dive into what we know.
The J03 MINI Convertible will be leverage the J01 platform that underpins the new electric MINI Cooper and forms the foundation of the J05 Aceman. According to sources the convertible looks like it will be built primarily at the Oxford plant in the UK. While our sources didn’t say it wouldn’t also be built in China, BMW forecasts the majority of its sales in the UK, Europe and North America. And yes, as you’d expect being built in the UK will mean North American imports as well.
The petrol powered F67 MINI Convertible will debut this summer with production beginning this November. It appears that MINI might debut the car in 2025 with sales beginning in 2026. This timing could coincide with a LCI refresh scheduled for the J01 which could include tweaked styling and even higher range and performance.
If we look at previous convertible introductions, expect MINI to introduce several exterior new colors, interior trims and even a new wheel design.
MINI’s first electric convertible was the limited production 2023 F57 MINI Convertible SE sold only in the UK and Europe. Sources tell us that MINI will likely use a similar top to what we’ve seen on the F57 albeit with more attention focused on aero efficiency. This effort will be focused on reducing drag typically associated with convertible tops.
This also means MINI will, for the second time in their history have two open-tops to choose from. Previously MINI had offered the R57 Convertible alongside the R59 Roadster. While those cars had some clear differences, the only real distinction between these two model on the surface will be EV or combustion power.
What do you think? Would you buy an electric MINI Convertible? Let us know in the comments below.
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The first ever electric MINI Cooper JCW is coming and its lead engineer just gave some hints as to how it will perform. An Australian publication spoke with Patrick Haussler, the J01 MINI Cooper’s head of chassis dynamics at the Cooper SE launch recently and he let slip a few intriguing details.
For one the car is in its final stages of development. No surprise there as we’ve been reporting that it and the petrol powered F66 MINI Cooper JCW will debut this October. Based on our exclusive reporting, production will start in January for the J01 JCW.
Haussler went on to say; “I think everybody is quite happy with how the [regular MINI Cooper Electric] cars turned out and the Johnny [JCW], we have already nearly finished it, so there’s not too much refinement left to do. There’s still some work [beyond the handling dynamics] but I already like it very much. The things that you like with the Cooper SE, you will like it even more with Johnny.”
For one who knew that MINI engineers had nicknamed the J01 JCW “Johnny”? It’s a great nickname that would be fun if it stuck with the public. But beyond that there’s a lot we actually know about this new new JCW no matter what you call it.
The design of the car will be very close to the J01 Cooper equipped with the JCW Trim (which you see above). Key differences will be subtle trim difference, larger red JCW brakes and the potential for a (mildly) functional defuser.
It will have much more power than we’re used to seeing in the Cooper with 260+ rumored. Finally MINI has reportedly tweaked the suspension set-up to better handle the car 3,500 curb weight on the track.
You can read much more in our exclusive preview of the both the electric J01 and petrol F66 MINI Cooper JCW below.
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MINI USA and SiriusXM just announced that all the new MINI models sold in the U.S. will come with SiriusXM with 360L as a standard feature with free access for 12 months. SiriusXM was already available across MINI’s full lineup since 2022, but now the upgraded SiriusXM with 360L will be in every new MINI, including the brand-new MINI Countryman S ALL4, MINI JCW Countryman ALL4, and MINI Cooper S 2-door hitting dealerships as we speak month. The F65 MINI Cooper 5 door and F67 MINI Convertible will get this feature as they roll out in the next few months.
“MINI is the quintessential premium small car, offering the latest technologies and innovations in our new MINI family of vehicles arriving at showrooms now. That is why we’re pleased to offer the best in-car entertainment available with SiriusXM 360L as standard equipment across our entire model line.”
Patrick McKenna, Department Head, Marketing, Product and Strategy at MINI USAThis new setup will be displayed on MINI’s unique 9.4-inch round OLED Samsung screen, running on a next-gen Android-enabled system. SiriusXM with 360L blends satellite and streaming content for a seamless in-car entertainment experience, offering drivers and passengers more content, better discovery options, and a personalized listening experience.
What is SiriusXM 360L and How Is it Different?
360L allows BMW to offer on-demand programing at any time in the car. It also increases the amount of personalized and curated content in-car and out.
New SiriusXM with 360L Platform Highlights include: On Demand: Choose from thousands of hours of On Demand shows, performances and interviews, available for the first time ever in your BMW, so you never have to miss a moment.
For You: Personalized recommendations of channels and On Demand shows, curated just “For You” based on your listening history and SiriusXM favorites.
Live Sports Category: Find NFL, MLB®, NBA, NHL®, college football and basketball games and other sports —in pre-game, in-progress or final states — in one location for quick access to the action. Favorite your team to get its broadcast whenever you tune in.
Genre Category Menus: Browse and find the genre of channels and other content that fits your mood.
Related: Recommendations of channels and shows related to what you’re currently listening to, so there’s always something up next.
Search: Ability to enter the artist name or channel you’re looking for to easily find what you want to listen to.
Profiles & Personalization: Create up to 5 SiriusXM user profiles so every listener has their SiriusXM Favorites. This allows for personalized recommendations, the ability to find related content and create custom Artist Stations based on your favorite bands and artists.
When you buy or lease a SiriusXM-equipped MINI in the U.S., you get a 12-month trial subscription to SiriusXM. This means you can enjoy their full range of content in your MINI, plus access it on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers at home.
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The very first few miles in a car can tell you a lot. That’s exactly what we found as we recently set out in the 2025 F66 MINI Cooper S for the first time. What we found was a car updated in a number of surprising ways beyond the design and tech we’ve all know.
Earlier this week we published a written take on our first drive of the combustion F66 MINI Cooper S. However in terms of initial impressions there’s nothing more raw those first few miles. We decided to do something a bit different: record them. So come along with us as we give you our first impressions on the new MINI Cooper S as we drive it for the first time.
F66 MINI Cooper S – Test Notes
As you’ll see in the video, this was a fairly sparsely specced Cooper S. With an MSRP of $35,500, the Chili Red (II) Cooper S was equipped with the “Classic” style which meant it was missing our some key options that inexplicably come free on the Favoured style (which in itself is a free choice). It was also on the standard 17” grey u-spoke wheels and the narrower 195/50 R 17 tires. All this to say this was a relatively middle of the road Cooper S that will probably form the majority are F66 MINI Coopers come in for the US market. In other words a great car to test.
Our test was over several hours and followed the lakeshore just north of Chicago into southern Wisconsin with some highway driving thrown in for good measure.
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Stefan Richmann is taking over for Stefanie Wurst as the head of the MINI brand globally. Given all that’s happening at MINI with the complete turn-over in its range, the change seems a bit shocking at first. Is there more here than just a press release or is this business as usual?
BMW cycles through senior leadership often as a strategy to make its leaders well rounded and familiar with various parts of the BMW Group. We would bet that this is one of those typical BMW transitions. Some will point to Stefanie Wurst’s tenure lasting less than two years which seems a bit short than most. But we’d expect that has to do with internal timing rather than any other motives. You can even read her announcement on LinkedIn for yourself.
Stephan Wurst oversaw a massive product transition for MINI over the last 12 months as well as introduced direct sales to China and Europe. And that’s just scratching the surface as you’ll see in the official release below.
MINI’s new leader Stefan Richmann has a vast amount of experience throughout BMW. With a focus on strategy and finance, he’s spent time in the US as the BMWNA CFO and most recently was head of BMW Group’s Corporate Strategy in total. We look forward to seeing what he has in store for MINI.
In the meantime join us in saying thanks for all the hard work Stefanie Wurst has accomplished during her tenure at MINI.
HyperFocal: 0 Official Press Release: Change in leadership at MINI brand
The BMW Group has announced a change in personnel at the helm of the MINI brand. Effective 1 August 2024, Stefan Richmann will take over management of MINI from Stefanie Wurst, who has held this position since 1 February 2022.
In recent years, Stefanie Wurst has strategically successfully focused the British premium brand MINI on new markets and target groups, and in particular on electric mobility and digitalization. She has also developed the international MINI sales organisation into a sustainable and customer-focused sales model and has played a decisive role in the phased introduction of MINI direct sales in China and Europe.
Wurst built on the MINI brand’s strong heritage, while at the same time realigning it for the future. With the rollout of the New MINI Family, the brand is currently at a high point in its 65-year history. Three models with strong characters, the MINI Cooper*, MINI Aceman* and MINI Countryman*, embody the digitalisation of products and services, electrification of the brand and MINI’s signature go-kart feeling.
Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales: “We would like to thank Stefanie Wurst for her great personal commitment and her valuable contribution to MINI’s future direction. With Stefan Richmann, a senior executive of the BMW Group with many years of experience in Germany and abroad, will take over the management of the MINI brand from August.”
Richmann began his career at the BMW Group in 1997. Since then, he has held numerous managerial positions within the company. In 2000, he moved to Corporate Strategic Planning and, in 2004, was appointed head of Sales Controlling. From 2008, Richmann was responsible for the finances of BMW Spain as CFO. He returned to Munich at the end of 2010, where he fulfilled several further management roles in the Finance and Controlling division and Product Management at BMW Group headquarters. From 2017, Richmann served as CFO in the US. In April 2022, he took over as head of the Corporate Strategy division.
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The new combustion MINI Cooper S is finally here. With a more minimalist look and loads and new technology, the F66 feels like a fresh take on the MINI we all know. But not all is perfect. The manual is gone, weight is up (slightly) and shift paddles aren’t even offered in the US. Can MINI make this new F66 Cooper feel as engaging and interactive as the F56? The answer surprised us.
Because MINI as a company has publicly proclaimed it will be a fully electric brand in the years ahead, it’s intentionally downplayed the combustion powered F66’s launch. There have been no press events, no scenic drives in Spain and no press cars have yet been delivered to journalists. So we had to take matters into our own hands. Luckily our friends at MINI of Glencoe were happy to oblige and lent us a 2025 MINI Cooper S for the day, no questions asked.
Our $35,500 Chili Red (II) Cooper S was equipped with the “Classic” style which meant it was missing our some key options that inexplicably come free on the Favoured style (which in itself is a free choice). It was also on the standard 17” grey u-spoke wheels and the narrower 195/50 R 17 tires. All this to say this was a relatively middle of the road Cooper S that will probably form the majority are F66 MINI Coopers come in for the US market. In other words a great car to test.
The F66 with the Favoured Style with the (free) upgrade to 18″ wheels Design and Quality – Hands-on Impressions
You’ve heard our thoughts on the exterior and interior design, circular display and the confusing “styles” bundling strategy. All we’ll add is that this particular F66 was the first we’d seen finished in Chili Red II and the first with the standard wheels. In our opinion these smaller and narrower 17″ wheels are not the best look for the car as the height of the belt line on the F66 (like the F56) makes 18” wheels fit its proportions better.
Inside the all black interior that comes with the Classic Style has enough small details and adds of texture and color that it’s not at all boring as you might think. That said there are some decidedly cheaper materials mixed in with a few more previous feeling elements. The dash near the windshield for instance is as cheap of plastic as we’ve ever seen in MINIs. Yet the steering wheel feels more premium than ever. It would seem MINI has done a purposeful job of taking cost out of areas that aren’t usually interacted with to create a few more premium touch points.
Since our test car had the Classic Style and not the Favoured, we were missing the more aggressively bolstered JCW Sport seats which are roughly equivalent to the F56’s sport seats. In their place where what MINI confusing calls “sport seats” finished in Vescin and cloth. They look great and the Vescin material is a huge step-up from the leatherette we’ve all come to know. But if you’re looking for lateral support you’ll want to opt for the Favoured style (the one with Champaign colored trim) as it’s the only way to get the sportier JCW seats.
The 2025 MINI Cooper S Driving Experience
There’s no manual and you can’t even get shift paddles on the Cooper S in the US market. The big question on our minds was; can MINI make this new F66 feel as engaging and interactive as the F56? The answer is surprising.
The revised suspension offers both a more compliant ride and slightly more neutral handling characteristics. On paper we knew MINI had made a series of small changes in this area. But until getting behind the wheel we didn’t know what it all meant. In our early experience it would seem MINI has done a great job of making subtle tweaks in wheel/tire sizing, track width and suspension settings to create an experience that feels decidedly more mature without feeling less fun. In fact there are moments it even feels more response than the F56. The subtly tweaked steering ratio (from 14.2 to 14.1) and the wider track give the new Cooper S a touch quicker turn-in. And the lack of runflats make the car feel lighter on its feet.
There’s still no real tactile feedback through the wheel but that might change with a different wheel/tire combo and a slightly more aggressive suspension that’s coming on the JCW model later this year.
MINI’s revised dual clutch transmission feels smoother than ever with quicker shifts – especially in GoKart mode. But there’s another mode that made the shifting algorithm even more aggressive. By pulling down the shifting toggle past “D” you go into “L” (low) mode. The result is a shifting experience that feels equivalent to the old “S” mode that you engaged by moving the automatic lever to the left.
In this mode our F66 Cooper S came alive. It held gears and predictively downshifted approaching corners. Once it even downshifted from 4th to 2nd in rapid fire succession as I was braking for a 90 degree right hander. It was as if it was reading my mind. Yes it’s a shame that the manual is gone and shift paddles are unavailable in US spec Coopers, but this is a hugely improved DCT.
Torque steer is still present but it’s mitigated by the way the revised DCT handles torque. The end result is a car that feels slightly more composed when pushing hard yet faster to transition out of corners.
2025 F66 MINI Cooper S – Early Conclusions
We have to stress the phrase early conclusions. But there are some clear themes. Let’s start with the disappointing part. If you’re going to take away the manual transmission, the Cooper S needs to offer some form of manual controls for its transmission. The car begs for interactivity and without it you can’t help but feel more like a passenger than a driver in certain moments. And worse, a passenger that tends to slide around in corners thanks to those new, flatter sport seats. You can fix this by opting for the free Favoured Style and the free JCW seats but you’ll have to be ok with Vibrant Silver (aka light gold) exterior trim.
While parts of the F66 interior feel cheaper than the previous model, there are plenty of high quality materials in more visible areas. MINI has also made some clear cost cutting decisions on material quality. Every generation of Cooper since its 2001 reintroduction has had slightly higher quality interior materials than the previous. That doesn’t seem entirely true with the F66. The important caveat here is that much of those lower quality materials are mostly out of sight and perhaps even smart trade-offs considering MINI has decidedly upped the quality in a few key areas while offering dramatically improved technology.
Yet there’s a lot of good to focus on with the F66. Losing the manual and shift paddles aside, the driving experience has actually improved with more refined suspension, more crisp turn-in and a improved dual clutch transmission. Add to this an increase of 15 hp and you have a car that feels quicker while delivering a better driving experience.
We can’t help but also mention the design which we have warmed to it greatly over the past few months. While some have some major issues in the way MINI has rolled out its Styles, the fundamental design changes they’ve made are successful in our eyes and will prove to be a great basis as MINI adds more trim options and even the JCW model.
The 2025 F66 MINI Cooper S is refreshingly updated in so many ways but not quite perfected. And what makes it a bit frustrating is that it’s held back by decisions MINI has made. Eliminating the manual and even the option of shift paddles (in the US) feels entirely out of place for a car like this. And ordering the car will likely be frustrating for a few due to the Styles strategy that MINI has created. But if you can get past a few issues, the F66 is an excellent update to an already great car.
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Today MINI is taking the wraps off of what they call MINI Mixed Reality. A merging the virtual and real worlds, MINI Mixed Reality immerses drivers in a virtual world that works in tandem with the real world. And if it works, it might just point to the future of the brand and driving itself.
We know the BMW Group has been experimenting in the mixed reality space for awhile. A couple years ago we went hands on at BimmerFile with the BMW Dee concept and even envisioned about what it could mean for MINI. While it didn’t use a VR headset, what we saw through the multiple 4K windshield projectors was the most immersive mixed reality experience we had seen yet. This MINI concept seemingly takes that to another level with the use of a modern VR headset.
MINI Mixed Reality combines the experience of driving with the immersive capabilities of virtual reality technology. This is how it works; as you sit inside a MINI with the headset on, your surroundings transform. Through a VR headset, you see the world outside the windows as a vibrant, virtual MINI Virtual Reality World, while still being able to navigate through the actual environment via camera streams. It’s a seamless integration of the physical and digital realms, offering a new dimension to the driving experience.
According to MINI, the Mixed Reality experience is not just about driving. It’s a test bed that allows drivers to see the world through the lens of the MINI brand.
Behind the magic of MINI Mixed Reality lies a sophisticated system: a high-end PC running a self-designed MINI VR World, streaming seamlessly to the headset. Making this possible is headset tracking, acceleration, sound, and vehicle interface devices that work in harmony creating a new kind of driving experience.
MINI Mixed Reality isn’t just a novelty. If you read between the lines it’s clear that MINI and BMW believe some element of mixed reality is the future of driving. The first vehicle we’ll likely see is the BMW Neue Klasse generation of vehicles that will introduce the new version of iDrive. You can see a preview where we went hands-on with the tech.
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MINI will be launching not one but two new MINI Cooper JCW models this October. But these two models couldn’t be more different as one will be an old school combustion model and the other fully electric. We’ve got full details on specs and production timing along with a preview of their final design.
2025 MINI Cooper JCW: Performance
While these two new JCWs might look nearly identical, they’ll have noticeably different power outputs.
This appears to be primarily driven by the MINI Cooper JCW being an iterative update to the F56 JCW we’ve know now for almost ten years now. That means we’ll see just light updates to the drivetrain and chassis. However that doesn’t mean they won’t be meaningful.
In what some might see as a disappointment, the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere.
Model Power Torque J01 JCW (electric) 260 hp* TBD F66 JCW (petrol) 231 hp 258 ft lbs * Unconfirmed But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2. The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 ft lbs giving the car a bit more grunt.
Perhaps just important, it peaks lower in the rev range. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed-out at 1,450. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 rpm meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine.
Why are we not seeing a bigger improvement when the combustion Cooper and Cooper S are getting noticeable power upgrades? Or the U25 Countryman which gets even bigger power hikes (especially in the US market)? We don’t have great answers. It could be related to emissions and the reality that, updating this version of the B48 isn’t high on BMW’s priority list. It also leaves room for MINI to eventually tweak software and hardware for a light refresh in a few years. And we know the DCT transmission can handle more torque so there appears to be no component related reason holding MINI back.
The J01 is a bit more foggy for us but our sources have been consistent is saying we’ll see at least 260 hp and even more torque. The limiting factor will traction given that both the electric Cooper JCW and the Aceman JCW will remain front wheel drive only.
There is one function the J01 will offer that the F66 might not have. J01 doesn’t have a multi-speed transmission there will still be one paddle behind the steering wheel. Like on the Countryman SE, MINI will introduce a “boost” function that give you more power for a 10 second period. This will be operational via a paddle behind the steering where on the left side.
Finally our sources tell us that 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%.
F66 JCW Trim 
J01 JCW Trim 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Design
We can immediately get a good idea of how both new JCW models will look by simply looking at the JCW Trim offered in Europe. Also known as Sport Trim in the UK, this takes the JCW bodykit and applies it to any MINI in those markets. According to sources there will be almost no differences between the way these cars with the JCW Trim look and the full JCW coming later this year.
F66 JCW Trim 
The F56 JCW Looking at these renders we can clearly see the J01’s JCW Trim design aesthetic was followed closely in the F66 design. The front bumper in the F66 however has real ducts due to the need to cool the JCW B48 engine and we’re told the brake ducts also remain.
In fact the F66 JCW front bumper is quite close to what we’ve seen previously on the F56 as you can see below. Elsewhere you can clearly see MINI has moved to gloss black side skirts on the JCW along with gloss black fender flares. This follows the trends towards gloss black we’ve seen elsewhere. Time to get your polishing cloths out.
Looking at the car above you also see a distinctly more aggressive look thanks to the new aerokit. The front splitter literally is split with an interesting center separation that is certainly distinct. The side has some subtle horizontal lines that appear functionless which of course is a bit head scratching given how MINI has gone to great lengths to connect design elements to functional needs. However things get much better on the side with a subtle side skirt.
The J01 MINI Cooper SE with JCW Trim Around back things get even more interesting with an aggressive looking diffuser and almost GP-like rear wing. The 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke 2-tone design with ten spokes each will be offered on the new Cooper JCW but will have a larger system complete with red brake calipers. There will be unique Chili Red design elements on the front and rear which will mark the full JCW models out over MINIs with the JCW Trim.
Finally colors. MINI has eliminated the much loved JCW exclusive Rebel Green and replaced it with a less exclusive Legend Grey. Why less exclusive? Because MINI is also offering it on the JCW Trim which adds all of these visual elements to any non-JCW car. Also gone is the optional white roof. Instead MINI will offer only the JCW roof in Chili Red, Black or body color.
Inside we expect a single choice of color and trim nearly identical to the JCW Trim you see above. The JCW Sport seats and shift paddles (F66 only) will be standard.
The new F66 MINI Cooper JCW is a mix of the new and familiar 2025 MINI Cooper JCW: Wheel Updates
The F56 JCW is a great car with an engineering decision that has created an awkward styling issue. The because of the size of the front brakes and the wheel offset, all JCW wheels bow outward creating an unusual convex shape that looks very different than typical concave performance wheels. As you can see in these photos as MINI has clearly changed the geometry of the wheels which seems to have eliminated that issue entirely. MINI will offer the 17” JCW Sprint Spoke as standard (which we see above) and the 18” John Cooper Works Lap Spoke 2-tone as an option (seen on the F67 convertible below).
it’s unclear if the J01 will feature the same wheel geometry but it will have identical wheel styles and sizes.
The current F56 Cooper S Exhaust design shows that the “dual exhaust” is nothing more than two small pipes from a single exhaust. 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW – Single Pipe Exhaust
For the combustion JCW, MINI is moving from a two pipe single exhaust to a larger single pipe exhaust. In the exclusive image below you can see a single exhaust pipe (with a stainless steel sleeve), the transversely mounted exhaust and even the aluminum shield underneath it. Look even closer and you’ll see the production version of the single LED reverse light just above the exhaust tip which (one could imagine) would look somewhat integrated with the cutout of the pipe.
Why a single exhaust pipe? Let’s start with the exhaust itself. One thing that most don’t know is that the MINI Cooper S and JCW have had a single muffler system since the R56. The fact that two outlets came out the back has primarily been for aesthetics.
In this exclusive zoomed in photo you can see a central exhaust and single pipe that looks to be in nearly final production form. In fact there have been more than a few MINI race cars over the years that have gone with the exhaust single pipe design. Why? When asked they consistently have told us it’s both more power efficient and lighter. So in other words exactly what you want in both race cars and modern performance cars.
The F67 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible with the 18” John Cooper Works Lap Spoke wheels 2025 F57 MINI Cooper Convertible JCW
As before MINI will be offering the JCW model in the iconic three door F66 hatch and the F67 convertible. Once again MINI will not be offering its highest performance model in the five door configuration. Why? Product planners apparently made that call many years ago in the F56 generation and due to tight development budgets due to having to offer both electric and ICE models, they’re sticking to it.
The F66 gear selector moves from the console to the dash in the form of a discrete toggle switch. 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW: Automatics All Around
MINI has killed the manual in its combustion models and they will include the new combustion JCW.
Why would MINI eliminate manuals despite the fact that the F66 is mechanically identical to the F56 and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6 speed? It’s likely about simplifying drivetrains components and cutting costs within manufacturing. And for Europe (where CO2 targets are much more stringent) the manual is slightly dirtier.
Replacing the manual is a revised 7 speed dual clutch transmission that promises faster shift times than before and a more responsive manual control via the standard steeling wheel mounted paddles.
The J01 will feature the same single speed transmission as we’ve seen on the Cooper SE.
2025 MINI Cooper JCW Chassis and Brake Updates
This is where the F66 MINI Cooper JCW is a straight evolution from the F56 version. This starts with the braking system which will be carried over. That means we’ll see a 4-piston fixed caliper upfront with internally ventilated, drilled brake disk up front (335x30mm). In the back (where there’s less weight to worry about) MINI will continue with a single piston floating caliper and a disk that’s 259x10mm. All four calipers will be finished in the traditional Chili Red.
The chassis and suspension will see subtle improvements with MINI further refining its adaptive suspension design. While we don’t yet have details we’re told this focuses on improving ride quality while not forgoing any performance.
The J01 will follow this strategy with four piston front brakes, and a revised suspension. The goal will be to bring the classic JCW into the world of EVs. We’ll find out how far they goal soon.
F66 JCW Trim 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Launch Timing and End of Production
Both new JCW models will debut this October however we’ll get a sneak peak of the F66 JCW soon. Rumors are swirling that Bulldog Racing will be racing a pre-production version at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in early June.
Model Power Debut Date Start of Production J01 JCW (electric) 260 hp* 10/2024 01/2025 F66 JCW (petrol) 231 hp 10/2024 11/2024 * Unconfirmed 
The post Combustion F66 & Electric J01 MINI Cooper JCW Debuting in October & We’ve Got Exclusive Details appeared first on MotoringFile.
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After what seemed to be an impossibly long wait, the European press has finally gotten behind the wheel of the J01 electric MINI Cooper SE and we have our first verdicts. SO what’s it like? Words like engaging, fun and agile are peppered throughout the videos and written reviews
The J01 is the first MINI built on the brand’s new electric platform that will also underpin the Aceman. That gives you more efficiency in both range and interior space. MINI offers two models of the J01, the E and the SE. As you can imagine the SE is the more powerful and offers more range.
2025 J01 MINI Cooper E 2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE 2023 F56 MINI Cooper SE Horsepower 184 hp 218 hp 181 hp Range (WLTP) 200 miles 250 miles 125 miles Battery Size 40kWh 54kWh 32.6 kWh All numbers provided by MINI except * which are confirmed only through unofficial sources. For a deep (and we mean deep) dive into the new MINI Cooper, head to our the J01 section on MotoringFile where you’ll find data and insights on the car you will not find anywhere else in the world.
But you came here to watch some videos and read some reviews so let’s get to it.
J01 MINI Cooper SE Video Reviews
Now onto the written reviews. We’ve created a quick summary of each but you’ll want to click through to read them all.
Top Gear
The Top Gear review of the MINI Cooper Electric discusses the car’s approach to combining traditional MINI design with modern electric technology, offering a unique and enjoyable driving experience. The review appreciates the car’s iconic aesthetic, featuring classic MINI styling with a contemporary twist, and praises the interior’s quality and user-friendly design, including the central infotainment system and minimalist dashboard layout.
The driving experience is highlighted for its fun factor, with the electric powertrain providing instant torque and brisk acceleration, making it enjoyable for city driving and shorter trips. The MINI Cooper Electric’s agile handling and small size contribute to its maneuverability, fitting well in urban settings.
However, the review notes that the car’s electric range could be a limitation for some. The review also comments on the car’s premium pricing – no surprise there.
Overall, the MINI Cooper Electric is characterized as a lively, stylish, and compact electric vehicle that stays true to the MINI brand’s fun and engaging driving spirit, with a focus on urban environments. While its range and price may limit its appeal for some, it remains a compelling choice for those who enjoy the MINI aesthetic and are looking for a distinctive electric vehicle.
Autocar
The Autocar review of the MINI Cooper Electric discusses the updated design and driving dynamics of this new electric vehicle (EV), showcasing MINI’s blend of classic style with modern electric technology. The review notes that the car retains its iconic charm while benefiting from improved performance and handling due to its electric powertrain.
Key points include the vehicle’s refined design, with a nod to traditional MINI aesthetics, and an interior that combines vintage touches with contemporary features like a central infotainment screen. The reviewer finds the driving experience enjoyable, thanks to the instant torque and responsive handling, typical of electric cars. However, the range might be limited for longer trips, but it is adequate for city driving and daily commuting.
Overall, the review portrays the MINI Cooper Electric as a fun-to-drive, stylish EV that appeals to those seeking a compact, urban-friendly electric car with a recognizable heritage design. While it may not be suitable for extensive road trips, it’s seen as a solid choice for those looking for an electric vehicle with personality and a sense of nostalgia.
Driving Electric
The DrivingElectric review of the new MINI Cooper Electric presents it as a worthy successor to the F56 petrol MINI Cooper, emphasizing its modern electric features while retaining the iconic MINI design and charm. The review highlights the car’s updated styling, noting that it balances traditional MINI elements with a fresh and contemporary look.
Inside, the review points out the high-quality materials and a simplistic yet functional layout, featuring a large circular infotainment screen. The driving experience is praised for its lively handling, characteristic of the MINI brand, with the electric powertrain delivering instant torque for a quick and responsive ride.
However, the review mentions that the car’s electric range might be a concern for some, making it best suited for city driving and shorter trips rather than long journeys. It notes that the MINI Cooper Electric offers a fun and engaging drive, appealing to those who appreciate the classic MINI feel but are interested in transitioning to electric vehicles.
Overall, the review portrays the MINI Cooper Electric as a stylish and enjoyable EV, ideal for urban environments and those seeking a vehicle that merges retro design with contemporary electric technology.
Auto Express
The Auto Express review of the new electric MINI Cooper describes it as a fun and sophisticated electric vehicle that captures the iconic brand’s classic spirit while incorporating modern technology. The article praises the car’s design, noting its blend of retro elements and updated styling, as well as its engaging driving experience, which is enhanced by its responsive handling and quick acceleration.
The interior is described as stylish and high-quality, featuring a large circular infotainment screen and a minimalist design. The EV’s range is seen as suitable for city driving, though it may be limited for longer trips. Overall, the review highlights the MINI Cooper EV as an appealing choice for those seeking a chic, enjoyable, and eco-friendly car, with a focus on urban usability and charm.
The post First Reviews Are In: J01 Electric MINI Cooper SE Gets Praise For Handling and Design appeared first on MotoringFile.
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Since its rebirth, the MINI brand has stood for individuality. With countless ways to design and order a car to a buyers tastes, MINI has been built on appealing to the creative class or just people who want something a bit difference. Unfortunately with the rollout of the new MINI Countryman in the US, that’s gotten a lot harder.
MotoringFile’s been clearly impressed with the all new MINI Countryman thus far. It’s more refined, faster, and packs way more tech. However if you’re in there’s a problem – especially if you’re in the US – where I sell MINIs for a living. If you don’t option it correctly you stand the chance of ending up a very basic looking MINI. But even worse, some buyers might find it simply impossible to get what they want.
What this doesn’t say: You can only get optionally larger wheels with the Favored Style + Iconic Package. With the new generation of models, MINI is introducing “Styles” which package various styling elements together to create a unique look. Because of this, MINI asks that you first choose a Style when ordering a car; Classic with black trim or Favoured with gold-like Vibrant Silver. They are no cost options but you have to choose one. And this is where things go wrong. In many ways I actually prefer the black exterior trim of Classic over the gold-like trim of the Favoured Style. But the second you choose Classic, it limits you from getting some key options which are otherwise free on the Favoured Style
Those red icons are telling you that you chose poorly when picking the Classic Style. For one you are unable to get the JCW Sport seats (free on the Favoured Style) which offer the type of bolstering and support most MINI enthusiast are looking for. Second you have only once choice of wheels – the 18″ Asteroid w/All-season Tires. Given the high belt-line of the new Countryman and the overall design, the 18″ Asteroid wheels end up looking like a very basic spec option that screams “I was trying to save money”. On Favoured you have the free option of the gorgeous 19″ Kaleido Spoke or you can pay (only) $600 for dramatic 20″ Windmill Spoke (with either all season or performance tires).
But if your want black exterior trim (which seams like the more sorry of the two in my opinion), there’s no way to upgrade the seats or the wheels on the Countryman. It’s all very unfortunate because we’d bet the majority will look at the two styles and opt for the darker, sportier m piano black trim versus a light gold (MINI calls this Vibrant Silver). They might then choose the Iconic package and even the Max Comfort package because they want all the options. But what they’ve unknowingly done by choosing the black exterior trim is limit themselves to what will look and feel like a rather basic MINI.
Let’s be honest, those 18″ Astroid Wheels finished in silver look at best inconsequential on the new Countryman. At worst they look embarrassing. That’s exactly how our recent Countryman S test car looked and yet it still retailed for $43,695.
But this isn’t just about wheels or seats (as much as they are important). It’s about the ability to option the MINI you want to buy. Putting together the options that suit your needs and reflect your style has been a MINI hallmark for decades now.
Favoured Style 
Classic Style Why This is a Big Change (and a Big Deal)
This all comes down to MINI limiting the ability to add options as the brand has traditionally. Because almost everything is not only being funneled through two packages but also now Styles, creating a unique MINI has become much more difficult. But far worse, ordering a MINI that you want has also become harder.
Surely this was done eye an eye towards simplifying production and ordering processes. But we think MINI has made a mistake in packaging options and trim in such confusing and limiting manner. The reality is that it’s not MINI USA that’s at fault but the way that MINI Global has rolled out its Styles program.
Don’t get us wrong. We like the overall concept of MINI Styles. The ability to noticeably change the character of a car with a single package is cool. But clearly something is lost in execution if would be owners cannot get the options they want despite being willing to pay for them.
The post Opinion: The New MINI Countryman S Looks Great Until you Try to Order One appeared first on MotoringFile.
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When we last drove the all new MINI Countryman is was on the coastal and mountains roads of Portugal. We found both the combustion power Countryman JCW and electric Countryman SE to be hugely improved over their predecessors offering more performance, engagement and of course space than before. But how does the more mainstream combustion powered Countryman S compare?
We know the Countryman is larger and heavier than ever. But in JCW form we found that MINI had done an exceptional job of masking that weight with improved suspension, quicker steering and a more fluid transmission. Our European spec JCW was slightly down on power with only 300 vs 306 in the F60 but the real deficiency was torque – down 36 ft lbs. Still we found it to be more engaging and fluid in its responses. Where the F60 JCW was numb but responsive, the U25 JCW delivered quicker responses with more feedback and eagerness. Could the non-JCW version do the same? We headed to the nicest roads we could find north of Chicago to find out.
The new MINI Countryman S is up in power – way up. 241 hp in the US and a massive 295 ft lbs of torque. The latter equals the new JCW in fact. And the second you call on it, it delivers. There’s no question this is a faster car than before. But it’s unlocking and engaging that performance that we found to be a bit of a struggle.
The good news is that MINI has broadened the Countryman’s capabilities. GoKart mode (what used to be called Sport) is now a bit more aggressive with better throttle response and a more aggressive transmission programming that never feels harsh like the previous model. It may not quite snap shifts off like the previous Aisin auto, but it’s much more refined. Want even more aggressive transmission programming? Pull the transmission down into “L” and it will mimic what used to be the “S” setting on the old Countryman.
Faster Doesn’t Equal More Fun
However that’s where your input ends. Because there are no shift paddles on any Countryman except the $46,900 JCW model, you’re limited in terms of what you can control and just how much input you can have. Then there were the seats. Our almost fully loaded Countryman S came with the standard sport seats which are very flat and devoid of the side bolstering you’d expect. While the JCW Sport seats we’ve experienced in the Countryman JCW and Countryman SE get high marks, these base seats are flat and much less supportive. The second you the begin carving corners they are a problem.
What’s really interesting is that MINI does not call out the difference on the configurator at all. The two different seat options are simply differentiated by color and not design. Even more frustrating is that the only way to get the JCW Sport seats in a Countryman S is by choosing the Favoured Style which adds the champaign colored Vibrant Silver trim. A trim color that you wouldn’t ordinarily associate with something performance oriented like the JCW seat.
Combine this with a larger, heavier car and the resulting experience feels a bit less engaging and interactive. Ultimately we came away with the impression that we were more passenger than driver.
Other updates are a bit more successful. The suspension has been recalibrated and gives the Countryman S more fluid responses. It’s still won’t rotate in corners and it’s not going to be mistaken for a Cooper in terms of responsiveness. But in a world of small crossovers, it’s near the top in terms of driving engagement.
Our test car was equipped with the Iconic package which added almost all options including the Max Comfort package. This gave the car Level 2 Autonomous Driving which worked perfectly in our highway tests. The Augmented Reality Navigation, Massaging Seats and other options were all mark the new Countryman out as a more modern and premium product than its predecessor. At $43,695 you’d hope so. But keep in mind the new based Countryman in the US is the “S” model with all wheel drive and starts at a reasonable $38,900.
The MINI Countryman S: Early Conclusions
We suspect MINI will be incredibly successful with this new Countryman in the US market. It’s larger, more comfortable with more tech. The circular display and MINI os9 is exceptional if not still a touch slow (updates are coming). And let’s be clear, most Countryman buyers will love this car. But the enthusiast that looks at a MINI as an engaging, performance oriented experience may find some aspects of this new car disappointing.
There is a solve that naturally involves more money. The Countryman JCW solves every one of these issues mentioned. But at an $8,000 premium. Which is a shame. For years we’ve often found the simpler, cheaper MINIs to be almost as fun as the more expensive JCW models. It was always a very egalitarian attribute and one that felt directly connected to the that the brand’s 1959 origins.
With the new Countryman it would seem MINI has made decisions to push the Countryman S more towards what an average buyer would want while focusing the JCW on all those looking for performance. It may be what the broader market wants but we’re pretty sure it’s not entirely what MINI enthusiasts were asking for.
The post First Drive: 2025 MINI Countryman S – More Power & Size, But Less Fun? appeared first on MotoringFile.
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MINI has shown off electric two-wheel concepts before and even sells an e-bike in Europe today. And then there’s even the Cooper E-Bike from Cooper bikes, run by our friend Charlie Cooper. But what if MINI produced a full electric motorbike or scooter? There seems to be a growing set of rumors that point to just that.
Now the head of MINI is speaking about the idea. Recently head of MINI Stefanie Wurst posted on LinkedIn about how much she enjoyed riding on BMW’s new CE 02; “A while back I posted about how much I enjoyed test driving the new all-electric MINI Countryman. For an afternoon recently I swapped four wheels for two and jumped on the fully electric new BMW Motorrad CE 02 for a thrilling test ride. BIG LOVE to BMW Motorrad for trusting me with their newest bike, and to Sonja Hengstler and Oliver Heilmer for riding alongside me. You can tell by the smile on my face how much I loved it!“
BMW CE 02, International Media Launch BMW CE 02, Lissabon, Portugal Autoexpress caught up with Stefanie Wurst at the Beijing Motorshow about her experience on the scooter and she had more to say; “I think this is interesting because it’s urban mobility – BMW is producing so much when it comes to mobility. If we were to do something I would look into the family first and I think this is something I find interesting. If I have interest in our markets, this is something I would consider.”
Interesting the head of MINI Design, Oliver Heilmer already has his team working on the concept; “I actually gave the team the task, ‘Let’s do some bikes just in order to understand whether it works’. We tried little motorbikes as far as we can. It’s not our expertise and they’re doing something where they say, ‘does this work?’ And they say, ‘I don’t know. It looks good.’ So you can create something that looks like a MINI.”
BMW CE 02, International Media Launch BMW CE 02, Lissabon, Portugal MINI has the perfect template to follow in the futuristic and recently released electric BMW CE 02. The all-electric CE 02 has 15bhp, and is roughly equivalent to a 125cc petrol-powered motorbike.
We went hands-on recently with the CE 02 and found its simplistic yet futuristic design to be unique and incredibly interesting. It accelerates to 31 mph (50 kph) in 3 seconds and has a stop speed of 60 mph. Range is roughly 60 miles and the batteries can be recharged from 20-80% in under two hours. The downside of this gorgeous retro futuristic motorbike is its price $7,599 in the US.
If MINI used the CE-02 as a template we’d expect a lower price and (naturally) a MINI look to it. But would you be interested in a MINI motorbike? Let us know in the comments below.
BMW CE 02 & BMW CE 04 
BMW CE 02 
BMW CE 02 
BMW CE 02 BMW CE 02 & BMW CE 04 BMW CE 02 BMW CE 02 
BMW CE 02 The post Could MINI Be Making an Electric Motorbike? appeared first on MotoringFile.
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Big show tonight and jump right into it, talking about the entire front page of MotoringFile, plus Gabe and Todd share their experiences with the latest MINI! Not only that, but a live show is in the works, so stay tuned for that! And, if you are at MOTD this weekend, make sure to stop by and check out the Detroit Tuned tent and get yourself something nice! Or at least say hi to Chad!
The post White Roof Radio 695: Welcome to May appeared first on MotoringFile.
Video: MINI Clubman JCW 2500 Mile Review – The Perfect MINI Daily?
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That was my hypothesis when I decided to order one of the last Clubman JCWs last fall. Since then I’ve lightly modded it, lowering the car and tweaking the chassis for even more go-kart feel. But after 2,500 miles, does it live up to the that original hypothesis?
Your mileage will vary. One person’s ideal daily driver could be another’s worst nightmare. Case in point my absolutely perfect daily would be a manual despite living in a very urban area. That surely sounds like a disaster for some of you. But for me, the idea of a daily driver in MINI form has to find the perfect balance between, quick reflexes, engagement and speed all while being relatively comfortable. Oh and it has to be able to hold kids, dogs and plenty of stuff.
The stock version of the Clubman JCW is a great car. But I wanted something with a more crisp turn-in, better body control and the ability to more easily rotate in corners. So I dropped it slightly, added underbody bracing for more rigidity and increased the size of the rear sway bar.
doesn’t come stock
The post Video: MINI Clubman JCW 2500 Mile Review – The Perfect MINI Daily? appeared first on MotoringFile.
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