Tag: MINI JCW

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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI JCW v MINI GP

MINI JCW v MINI GP

The hot hatch market has really taken off in recent times, thanks to headline grabbing models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. So, what about traditional hot hatches—small, modestly powered front-wheel drives—can they still put a smile on your dial in this era of 350hp+ hatchbacks?

Under BMW’s stewardship for over 10 years, MINI has carved an enviable niche in the hot hatch segment. The factory-built John Cooper Works model has been around for more than five years as well. Upping the ante for MINI in 2012 was the arrival of the John Cooper Works GP. Just 2000 will be made worldwide and 55 have found their way to Australia.

And it just so happens that AUSmotive has driven the two MINI hot hatches back to back. For the purposes of this review let’s refer to them simply as the JCW and the GP. The former is a regular everyday hot hatch, the latter has been stripped out, beefed up and attempts to tread the fine line between track day weapon and daily driver. It’s also the reigning Motor Magazine ‘Bang for your bucks’ champ.

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Audi

Audi S1 plans all-wheel drive attack on MINI JCW

Audi S1 quattro
Audi S1 quattro

AutoExpress has again led with images that will excite hot hatch enthusiasts. News has been around for a while about the Audi S1, but initial speculation suggested the S1 would be powered by the 2-litre turbo found in the current Mk5 Golf GTI. This latest report says the S1 will be powered by a 200bhp+ 1.4-litre twin charge engine, similar to the one used in the new Polo GTI. Of course, the S badging means the S1 will get that power to the ground using Audi’s familiar quattro technology.

From an Australian perspective, the spunky S1 looks to be the only car to match the MINI John Cooper Works in both driving thrills and desirability. While the feisty Renault Clio 197 might push both cars to the limit on tight mountain roads, it can’t match the cachet of either brand, let alone the build quality.

The aggressively styled S1 looks sensational and I, for one, can’t wait to test the car’s driving capabilities. I will have to wait a while though. The A1, the car on which the S1 will be based, is still over 12 months away from European release, so we’re likely to be looking at late 2011, at best, for the S1 to reach Australian shores.

Along with the supercharged and turbocharged technology of the engine, the S1 is said to showcase more of Audi’s gadgets, such as full LED lighting, a 7-speed S-tronic transmission and magnetic ride suspension, which will be electronically adjustable from inside the cabin. Most surprising, however, is the claim the quattro system will have a rearward bias, sending up to 60 per cent its power to the rear wheels under regular conditions.

Premium products command premium pricing, of course, so don’t expect much change from AU$55,000 by the time time you drive the S1 off the showroom floor. Something I look forward to doing myself when the opprtunity presents itself.

Source: AutoExpress

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MINI

MINI drops LSD on factory JCW models

MINI JCWIn startling news, it is believed that MINI will not offer a limited slip differential option on the factory built JCW models. Australian delivered cars (6 speed manual Cooper S only) can currently be fitted with an optional LSD for AU$280. Instead, the new factory JCW range will feature the electronic aids DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). It remains to be seen how well these aids will cope with the expected 155kW driving through the front wheels. Debate rages as to the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the electronic diff in BMW’s new 225kW rear wheel drive 135i coupé.

Source: MotoringFile.com