Photo: B&B
We think the new MINI hatchbacks are like fan service from BMW. You know, like big melons in lingerie in Al Bundy's show. The Germans didn't have to use a 2-liter engine, but they did and thanks to that decision, most tuners can extract 300 horsepower from a John Cooper Works model.
That might not sound like much, but consider the old Ford Focus RS was called "overpowered" due to its 2.5-liter turbo that also made about 300 hp.
B&B Automobiltechnik is not the first company to tune the car, but we like that they offer two stages of tune for the 2.0 TwinPower Turbo engine. For the record, the standard output is 231 PS and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque.
The so-called entry-level package offered by B&B will set you back €1,298. By doing a slight increase in turbo boost pressure (0.2 bar) and adapting the injection and ignition maps, the Germans were able to get 272 PS and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
Stage 2 is a little more expensive at €1,950, but considering the base price of the JCW, we don't think that will be an issue for most users. By adding a new cold air intake system and further boosting pressure, the 2-liter engine is able to produce 286 PS and 430 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque, which is more than most bigger hot hatchbacks.
Finally, we have a Stage 3 kit that comes with everything mentioned above plus a high-performance intercooler and a special B&B downpipe. Also included in the €3,950 package is the lifting of the Vmax limiter and updated to the way the automatic gearbox shifts (if installed). The 300 PS, 465 Nm pocket rocket is now able to reach 280 km/h (174 mph) while passing the first 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds.
Also available are various configurations for the exhaust system, an oil cooler, and coilover suspension that lowers the MINI by 30mm. B&B will sell a €3,295 high-performance brake system for those who are interested in track use and need the reassurance of 342mm discs with fade-resistant pads.
B&B Automobiltechnik is not the first company to tune the car, but we like that they offer two stages of tune for the 2.0 TwinPower Turbo engine. For the record, the standard output is 231 PS and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque.
The so-called entry-level package offered by B&B will set you back €1,298. By doing a slight increase in turbo boost pressure (0.2 bar) and adapting the injection and ignition maps, the Germans were able to get 272 PS and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
Stage 2 is a little more expensive at €1,950, but considering the base price of the JCW, we don't think that will be an issue for most users. By adding a new cold air intake system and further boosting pressure, the 2-liter engine is able to produce 286 PS and 430 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque, which is more than most bigger hot hatchbacks.
Finally, we have a Stage 3 kit that comes with everything mentioned above plus a high-performance intercooler and a special B&B downpipe. Also included in the €3,950 package is the lifting of the Vmax limiter and updated to the way the automatic gearbox shifts (if installed). The 300 PS, 465 Nm pocket rocket is now able to reach 280 km/h (174 mph) while passing the first 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds.
Also available are various configurations for the exhaust system, an oil cooler, and coilover suspension that lowers the MINI by 30mm. B&B will sell a €3,295 high-performance brake system for those who are interested in track use and need the reassurance of 342mm discs with fade-resistant pads.
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