2008 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Package Review

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2008 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Package Review

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By Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan,

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

I doubt that I have to explain to many of you what the initials JC in JCW stands for, especially if I were to add in, the word MINI.

John Cooper (1923 -2000) was renowned throughout the world of motor sport, and to the little British car which still bears his name, he was the ultimate master of performance.

MINI Cooper in a race at Oulton Park, 1965.

But to truly appreciate the man and what he achieved, one has to understand the story behind the man.

John's father Charles Cooper ran a small mechanical workshop in Surbiton, Surrey. After service in the Royal Air force during World War 2, he joined his father there making single seat race cars for privateers.

Together they formed a company in 1948 specifically to design and build race cars, and were so successful, that by the early 50's names like Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Bruce McLaren were to be seen behind the wheels of Cooper products.

Much of their success in racing came from the fine handling of their cars. Although most race cars at the time were powered from the front, the first Cooper built cars were propelled by motorcycle engines. Hence, they positioned the engines in the rear.

Perhaps unbeknownst to them at the time, they were the forerunners of what we now know as open wheel rear-engined Formula One cars. In fact, Cooper later remarked, "We certainly had no feeling that we were creating some scientific breakthrough...We put the engine at the rear...because it was the practical thing to do".

Much of Cooper's success came from what I like to think of as, "Thinking outside the box", and it is that which brings us to the story of the MINI Cooper.

John Cooper's association with the MINI came through his friendship with Alex Issigonis, the designer of the original MINI. Coming from a race and rally background, John quickly saw the potential that the MINI could have in competition use.

The first MINI Cooper was launched in 1961, with the acclaimed Cooper S coming two years later. The latter quickly earned acclaim with Monty Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967.

John Cooper (r.) and Jack Brabham celebrating another Grand Prix Victory in 1961

MINIs were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. Their reasoning had something to do with the variable headlamp dimming circuits used.

Citroen was eventually awarded first place, although they also used so-called illegal lights! In fact, so incensed was the Citroen driver, that at first, he was reluctant to accept the trophy, and later vowed that he would never race for Citroen again.

All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling.

Had the MINI not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed in the top three on the Monte Carlo Rally for six consecutive years.

John Cooper continued to be tied to MINI and together with his son Mike, he served in an advisory role to BMW and Rover's New MINI design team. In fact, John Cooper Garages, which unfortunately closed in 2006, is often referred to as being "the home of the JCW", which nicely zips us ahead to the present day!

Yes, when people today think of a MINI, they almost automatically think of the name Cooper, especially here in North America, because for the moment at least, you can only purchase a MINI with his name on it, the Cooper, the Cooper Classic, or the outstanding Cooper S. (Rumor has it that BMW has plans in place to bring out several new variations on the MINI. Possibly, a MINI Van and Pickup like the originals could be in the offering soon).

All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling, and are worthy of his nameplate, but what if you want more?

Well, that's where the John Cooper Works package comes into play!

Now first of all, I should explain that the MINI Cooper S with the JCW package should not be confused with the actual John Cooper Works MINI which is due out later this year.

The JCW package is a dealer installed item, and does not offer all the performance modifications of the genuine JC Works MINI.

However, for the additional $ 2,342 you do get a stainless steel low backpressure sport exhaust system, a modified air box, and an enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which adds noticeable improvements in performance. Of course, you also get those cool little JCW badges which will impress your friends no end.

The JCW package is a dealer installed item and costs $ 2,342.

Now, before I go on, I should point out the fact that my tester came quite well equipped before the JCW package was added. It already had the Premium Package ($ 1,600), the Sport Package ($ 1,200, Almost a must if you're going to add the JCW kit to it), and the Chrome Line Package ($ 390) which I must say, certainly adds to the look of the vehicle.

The Lounge Leather interior prices out at $1,900, but I dare anyone out there to view it and not order their vehicle with it, because it's stunning!

My tester also carried the optional Limited Slip Diff ($650, Again, wise to have with the JCW package), and Comfort Access, Piano Black Trim, and the Lounge Leather interior. The last one prices out at $1,900, but I dare anyone out there to view it and not order their vehicle with it, because it's stunning!

Of course, when you add this all up, you may get a bit of a shock because you'll find that you're only just under $40k ($ 39,292 to be exact). And don't expect to find too many deals on one, because as I hear it, MINI's are selling like hot cakes at the moment.

Now that begs the question, why? After all, the MINI is a pretty small vehicle to warrant those kinds of bucks.

Well, I've thought about that, and I think that I can sum that up in one simple sentence... "No other vehicle on earth drives like a MINI".

Yes, a Shelby Mustang, or a Charger SRT8 might turn heads, but if they could turn corners as good as a MINI, they could be a lot better. Ask anyone who has ever driven a MINI...They go around corners as if on rails!

Naturally, there are one or two cars out there in this price range which offer similar performance and road holding. I'm perhaps thinking of the VW GTI, and possibly the MAZDASPEED3, both of which are great cars. In fact, on the track, I'd put the Mazda pretty close to the MINI in handling.

However, the BMW has a huge advantage over them in the MINI. Not only can it produce the cutesy look, whilst at the same time being known as a tarmac ripping pocket rocket, but its basic design is hard to top.

If you are going to buy the best small performance car on the planet, pay the extra money and get the whole kit and caboodle.

BMW specifically designed it to look like the old original MINI, and to cash in on the heritage factor.

Think about that for a moment. You go out today and buy the VW or the Mazda, then crash bang wallop, next year the new model comes out. Now you're driving around in what everyone's calling "the old version".

Not with a MINI! BMW specifically designed it to look like the old original MINI, and to cash in on the heritage factor. Therefore, it's a little difficult for them to go off track and design a completely new looking one. In fact, very few people can tell the difference between an 06 MINI and the new current shape.

In my mind, this makes it the perfect little vehicle to own long term, which nicely brings me back to, why spend the extra money for the JCW package?
My answer is, why not. If you are going to buy the best small performance car on the planet, pay the extra money and get the whole kit and caboodle. After all, you're never going to want to sell it!!!

You think that I'm joking, but I'm not. To prove that point, I'm going to tell you a true story...I've just had a conversation with a friend of mine. He owns a new Porsche Cayman, and his wife has a Boxster. He also owns a Land Rover and a few vintage race cars. He purchased a Cooper S when they first came out. He drove it, his wife did, and now his daughter has it. However, she is going away to Europe to study, so he tells me, and he's decided to sell off his Cayman and go back into the MINI for the summer.

Doesn't that just say it all!!!!

Photos: BMW, Kevin Corrigan

Source: Auto123.com

Article Date: Apr 24, 2008
Car Accociations: NEW_MINI
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