F56 JCW - Upgrade or replace ?
Discussion
Hi all - currently have a 2016 JCW which I love, but starting to think now about either upgrading it or replacing it.
If I went the replacement route I'd look at either a new JCW Clubman - but I also have my name down for the new JCW GP.
My current car is already fully spec'd which I have owned from new. It's a manual car, with factory adjustable suspension and bluetooth JCW exhaust which I understand is no longer available due to the Brussels partypoopers . . . . .
Also have a Mishimoto cold air filter, and RaceChip GTS. Never had the car dyno'd but would imagine I'm getting somewhere around 280+ bhp.
If I went the upgrade route, I'd probably look at a more permanent ECU map, change the turbo, sport or de-cat, new wheels / tyres etc.
But then then reading the Autocar comparison of the new JCW against the Golf R it really does seem like a cracking car.
Anyone else in a similar position or what would you do ?
If I went the replacement route I'd look at either a new JCW Clubman - but I also have my name down for the new JCW GP.
My current car is already fully spec'd which I have owned from new. It's a manual car, with factory adjustable suspension and bluetooth JCW exhaust which I understand is no longer available due to the Brussels partypoopers . . . . .
Also have a Mishimoto cold air filter, and RaceChip GTS. Never had the car dyno'd but would imagine I'm getting somewhere around 280+ bhp.
If I went the upgrade route, I'd probably look at a more permanent ECU map, change the turbo, sport or de-cat, new wheels / tyres etc.
But then then reading the Autocar comparison of the new JCW against the Golf R it really does seem like a cracking car.
Anyone else in a similar position or what would you do ?
john_1983 said:
How important is a manual gearbox to you?
Never tried an auto / flappy paddle car to be honest. Only ever bought / owned manual's.Had rental cars with auto or semi auto boxes but have always chosen manual.
Never say never I guess but would prefer 3 pedals to 2 whilst I can still use my left leg
As always with the GP, you'll be able to make yours a very similar mechanical spec to it using a mix of OEM & aftermarket parts. The bodywork is a bit different but is very much personal taste anyway.
The gearbox is the big one for me though - if you're wedded to the idea of a manual box (like I am) then the GP3 will always be a slight disappointment
The gearbox is the big one for me though - if you're wedded to the idea of a manual box (like I am) then the GP3 will always be a slight disappointment
Baileyk said:
If you’ve got your name down for the new gp, surely that’s a no brainier?
No I don't think so. Yes it's a limited edition but am expecting something more than a JCW and more than 300pk. And I think I will miss the manual box.john_1983 said:
As always with the GP, you'll be able to make yours a very similar mechanical spec to it using a mix of OEM & aftermarket parts. The bodywork is a bit different but is very much personal taste anyway.
The gearbox is the big one for me though - if you're wedded to the idea of a manual box (like I am) then the GP3 will always be a slight disappointment
Exactly this ! The gearbox is the big one for me though - if you're wedded to the idea of a manual box (like I am) then the GP3 will always be a slight disappointment
I don't need the "max power" spoilers and the car already makes nice turbo / wastegate noises with the cold air filter and yes think I will miss the manual.
But never say never I guess until you try it. So lets see what happens with the GP3.
I've upgraded my R58 to ~270bhp (I know not quite the same starting point) but the thought of losing the interaction and sense of connection that a manual gives, makes me sad. In the right car maybe a pair of flappy paddles / full auto is the right choice, but in a hot hatch, I think that is just wrong.
I've had an auto before (Discovery V8) and that was the correct gearbox for that type of car. I've also had a couple of flappy paddle roadsters, which were fun in their own right but I've always had a manual.
There was an interesting piece in Evo recently about auto boxes and manufactures stating that this is what customers want. That might be true outside of the 'enthusiast' market, but not within. Unfortunately the are more non-enthusiasts out there than enthusiasts..
The GPi$$3 will be rapid, but anyone will be able to jump into it, leave it in auto, stand on the accelerator and make it go very fast. I think that will become boring after a time. Inevitably you will be able to tune it to go even faster, but you still won't improve the interaction between man and machine. You could spend a bit on your current manual car to make it more fun and save a shed load over the cost of the new GPi$$3.
Enjoy your manual boxes all while you still can.
I've had an auto before (Discovery V8) and that was the correct gearbox for that type of car. I've also had a couple of flappy paddle roadsters, which were fun in their own right but I've always had a manual.
There was an interesting piece in Evo recently about auto boxes and manufactures stating that this is what customers want. That might be true outside of the 'enthusiast' market, but not within. Unfortunately the are more non-enthusiasts out there than enthusiasts..
The GPi$$3 will be rapid, but anyone will be able to jump into it, leave it in auto, stand on the accelerator and make it go very fast. I think that will become boring after a time. Inevitably you will be able to tune it to go even faster, but you still won't improve the interaction between man and machine. You could spend a bit on your current manual car to make it more fun and save a shed load over the cost of the new GPi$$3.
Enjoy your manual boxes all while you still can.
I don't think they will stick that 300bhp engine in the 3 door JCW, the Clubman is different as it has four wheel drive and the additional weight and size that justify needing more power.
Maybe the JCW 3 door will get something like 240 or 250bhp at some point, but if you look at previous gen MINIs they only really jack the power significantly for completely new generations or models rather than facelifts.
Maybe the JCW 3 door will get something like 240 or 250bhp at some point, but if you look at previous gen MINIs they only really jack the power significantly for completely new generations or models rather than facelifts.
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