2025 MINI Cooper JCW Specs: Upgrades, Downgrades & Comparisons to Previous JCW Models

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The MINI Cooper JCW represents the brand’s heart and soul. With a racing pedigree that includes victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and roots tracing back to championship rally cars of the 1960s, it carries an impressive legacy. But how does the new 2025 MINI Cooper JCW measure up to its predecessors? We take an exclusive look at its upgrades—and three notable downgrades.

The 2025 MINI Cooper JCW made its technical debut in 2024 as a race-prepped prototype that, remarkably, won its class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. However, it wasn’t until October 2024 that the final production version was unveiled to the public. By then, most of the car’s details had already been revealed, including what was new and what stayed the same.

F66 JCW with official accessories (Courtesy of photographer Sebastian Haberkorn)

What’s New and Improved

While the 2025 JCW retains the familiar B48 engine (specifically the B48A20O2) with an unchanged 231 hp output, there’s a significant enhancement: torque. The F66 JCW delivers 280 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm—a 45 lb-ft (16%) increase over the F56 JCW and only 15 lb-ft shy of the new Countryman JCW.

This surge in torque translates directly to performance. At the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where MINI campaigned both the outgoing F56 JCW and the new F66 JCW, the difference was clear. The 2024 F56 JCW recorded a fastest lap of 10:44.118 around the full circuit (including the GP track). Respectable, until the F66 JCW clocked an impressive 10:06.773. The secret? Not just the added torque but also the quicker-shifting dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which made all the difference in lap times.

Model	F56 Cooper JCW	F66 Cooper JCW
Power	231 hp	231 hp
Torque	235 lb-ft / 1450 rpm	280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpm
Transmission	Manual/Auto	7 speed DCT
Track	1485 mm / 58 in	1499 mm / 59 in
Length (mm/in)	3863 mm / 152.5 in	3879 mm / 152.7 in
Height (mm/in)	1414 mm / 55.66 in	1431 mm / 56.38 in
Wheelbase (mm/in)	2495 mm / 98.23 in	2495 mm / 98.23
Curb weight (kg/lbs)	1338 kg / 2,951 lbs	1405 kg / 3,097 lbs

Key differences highlighted

Another upgrade is its subtle change in width. The F66 JCW, like all F66 models, has a slightly wider track, which aids turn-in, cornering speed and overall stability. It also allows for wider tires to be offered increasing grip at the limit.

Downgrades: What’s New, What’s Missing

The 2025 MINI Cooper JCW has three notable downgrades, two of which were anticipated and one recently revealed.

1. Manual Transmission Discontinued

MINI has officially discontinued the manual transmission, even for the F66 JCW. As previously reported, there is internal debate within MINI about bringing it back in select markets where CO2 regulations are less restrictive and demand remains strong (e.g., take rates exceeding 50% for some JCW models).

The manual’s demise stems from EU emissions regulations. While the F56’s Getrag six-speed could have been carried over, the variability of human operation in CO2 testing made it a liability compared to automatics programmed to optimize emissions. MINI continues to evaluate the possibility of reintroducing it, but no decisions have been made.

2. Brake Downgrade

The F66 JCW moves from four-piston calipers to a smaller single-piston design at both the front and rear. While the vented 335 x 35 mm front discs and 280 x 10 mm rear discs remain unchanged, the loss of the more robust calipers is puzzling. MINI has not clarified whether this change was driven by cost, weight reduction, or other factors.

3. Increased Weight

The new F66 JCW weighs in at 3,097 lbs, up 146 lbs compared to the F56 JCW with the DCT. This added weight slightly offsets the performance improvements but is largely due to stricter safety and emissions requirements along with more standard equipment.

A Double Exhaust Layout with a Single Exhaust Look

The 2025 JCW appears to adopt a single large exhaust outlet, surprising enthusiasts accustomed to the dual-center design. However, closer inspection reveals a second pipe hidden behind the rear valance, similar to the Cooper S setup.

This layout reflects MINI’s minimalist design philosophy and engineering necessities. The F66 JCW retains the dual-outlet concept of the F56 but repositions one pipe for Euro 7 compliance. A secondary outlet with a flap helps minimize emissions without impacting performance.

Design Updates: Familiar Yet Refined

Visually, the new JCW closely resembles the JCW Style package (available on all Cooper models), which has sparked some controversy. However, key differences set it apart:

• A single visible exhaust pipe, inspired by MINI’s race cars, simplifies the design.

• Red trim on the front corners and red brake calipers distinguish it from JCW Style models.

• Functional cooling vents in the front bumper accommodate the updated B48 engine.

Color options include 11 body shades with contrasting roofs and mirrors available in Chili Red or Jet Black. Rebel Green, once exclusive to JCW models, is no longer offered.

Inside, the JCW features sport seats with Vescin synthetic leather and red stitching, a JCW steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a Harman Kardon sound system as standard. The dashboard incorporates a red-and-black knitted design nodding to MINI’s racing history. All controls are centered around a high-resolution OLED display and MINI’s new toggle bar.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW Pricing & Release Dates

Market	F66 MINI Cooper JCW	F66 MINI Convertible JCW
USA	$38,200	$43,700
UK	£32,600	£36,460
Germany	€40,650	€44,650
France	€39?850	€44?850
Italy	€39.905,09	€43.905,09

Production of the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW has begun, and the first deliveries are underway. US pricing starts at $38,200 for the hardtop and $43,700 for the convertible. Early US shipments are currently being held at ports but are expected to be released soon.

The petrol F66 MINI Cooper JCW

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