World Premier: The Limited Edition MINI JCW 1 TO 6 Is a Send Off to the Manual Transmission

DimON · May 17, 2023

In what could be a is being billed as MINI’s last manual transmission in Europe and potentially globally, the brand is unveiling the limited edition JCW 1 TO 6. Celebrating MINI’s heritage in motorsport, the 1 TO 6 pays homage to the brand’s racing legacy while delivering that rare thing in the modern automotive world – a manual transmission centered driving experience. And if what we’re hearing is true, this will be the last chance for Europe (and perhaps even the entire world) to get a manual MINI.

The JCW 1 TO 6 edition is limited to 999 units available worldwide and will begin production this September. MINI plans to sell the model in the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada and Mexico. Pricing will be announced closer to production.

Is This Really MINI’s Last Manual?

Head of MINI Stefanie Wurst herself commented recently that the brand is 99% sure that there would be no manuals in MINI’s next generation of cars. This despite the fact that the F66 (the replacement of for the F56) is mechanically identical and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6 speed. While the manual transmission take rate in cars like the JCW isn’t what it was 20 years ago, it’s still well over 40% of all buyers in North America as of the time of writing. So such a move would be a shock to a fairly large buying segment that is clearly ok spending a bit of money on a MINI.

We’ll hold out hope that that 1% chance could become something down the road. But for the time being it would appear the manual transmission’s days are numbered.

The MINI JCW 1 TO 6: Details

At the heart of the 1 TO 6 is a manual 6-speed transmission which allows for a direct and feedback rich driving experience. While this is still the standard 228 hp JCW, it’s complemented by a number of options and unique touches that mark the car out as exclusive.

The vehicle’s front end features the standard JCW radiator grille with large air inlets, designed to optimize temperature control for the engine and brakes. The grille is surrounded by Piano Black accents, seamlessly complementing the Midnight Black body color. The JCW’s signature side scuttles and belt-line trim are finished striking Piano Black design.

“The MINI John Cooper Works models have always been deeply rooted in the world of motorsport. Through the MINI John Cooper Works 1 TO 6 Edition, we celebrate MINI’s iconic racing history and amplify the brand’s distinctive driving experience.”
Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

From the bonnet to the aerodynamic rear spoiler and rear apron, the edition-specific center-running Bonnet Stripe with custom graphic is meant to harken back to the rich motorsport history of MINI. An edition logo in silver, white, and red adorns the vehicle’s exterior with badges on the C-pillar and rear, as well as embedded in the side scuttles. Unique to this edition is the 18-inch Circuit Spoke rims in Jet Black.

Opening the vehicle’s doors a few more exclusive features. The door sills showcase an edition-specific 1 TO 6 logo design. A 3D-embossed decorative surface, in subtle tone-on-tone design, on the passenger side subtly echoes the edition logo. Additionally, there’s black lettering “One of 999” positioned on the left of the steering wheel. Then there’s the all important gear shifter which displays the colors of the edition logo with a red background graphic and red leather stitching.

Elsewhere inside the MINI central instrument incorporates the glowing red bezel and the lower spoke of the nappa leather sports steering wheel and the floor mats bear the MINI John Cooper Works 1 TO 6 Edition emblem.

The world premiere of this limited-edition model will take place at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on May 20, 2023.

Perhaps even more exciting is that Charlie Cooper, grandson of John Cooper, will race a specially modified MINI John Cooper Works 1 TO 6 Edition at the Nurburgring 24 Hours this weekend. Alongside the MINI John Cooper Works of the Bulldog Racing Team, the JCW 1 TO 6 will be aiming to take him class honors and (above all else) stay out of trouble at the world’s toughest race.