Top 3 Downgrades on the 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW You Need to Know

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Let’s get this out of the way. We have yet to drive the new MINI Cooper JCW. Like the F66 Cooper S, it may be a surprisingly (if not subtle) improvement over its F56 predecessor overall. However we can’t overlook a few surprising downgrades that MINI appears to have made with this new F66 JCW – specifically three key changes.

Because MINI doesn’t have the F66 JCW in the press fleet as of yet and there has been no official press launch either, we don’t have anything to report in terms of driving engagement and performance. We know some of the improvements (wider track, wider tires and mor torque) will make this the fastest and most capable Cooper JCW yet. Still there are a few notable downgrades, two of which were anticipated and one recently revealed, that certainly give us pause.

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.

F66 JCW Single Piston Front Brakes

F56 JCW Four Piston Front Brakes

F66 JCW Single Piston Front Brakes

F56 JCW Four Piston Front Brakes

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.

Photo courtesy of MINI of Glencoe

What do four piston calipers offer that single piston calipers don’t? At a high-level a four piston design offers better braking performance, longevity at the track and better feel. They deliver increased clamping force for stronger stopping power and shorter distances. Their larger pad surface enhances heat dissipation, minimizing brake fade under heavy use, while also promoting even pad wear for improved longevity. Additionally, they provide better pedal feel and precise braking modulation, ensuring smooth, controlled, and predictable braking in all conditions.

MINI has not clarified whether this change was driven by cost, weight reduction, or other factors. But from our early testing of the new single piston brakes (on the Cooper S with JCW Trim) they offer good response, feel and performance.

3. Increased Weight

The new F66 JCW weighs in at 3,097 lbs, an increase of 146 lbs compared to the F56 JCW with the DCT. While this added weight slightly offsets the performance improvements, it is primarily due to stricter safety and emissions requirements, as well as additional standard equipment. How this will impact day-to-day driving remains to be seen. That said, we’d guess the vast majority of owners won’t notice the extra weight. However, those who track their JCWs will likely feel the added mass when pushing hard through corners.

The new 1+ 1 JCW exhaust layout. Photo courtesy of MINI of Glencoe

What this means for the F66 Cooper JCW

The new F66 Cooper JCW remains a compelling package. While the downgrades mentioned above may concern some enthusiasts, they might not be significant issues for many potential buyers. Additionally, while other changes—such as the switch to a single exhaust pipe—might vex the MINI faithful, we generally appreciate the updates MINI has made. However, there’s no question that the package would be even more compelling if MINI brought back the manual transmission or at least offered four-piston front brakes as an option.

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