Mini John Cooper Works Pricing

We got to see the new John Cooper Works versions of the hardtop Cooper and Clubman in New York City last week, and they looked pretty snazzy in their red, white and black duds. This year marks the first time the performance-oriented trim level will be created at the factory instead of at the dealer level, which should make enthusiasts happy when they go on sale this summer.

The changes are much more than cosmetic. Turbocharged engines from the S trim levels get more power, up 36 hp from 172 to 208 hp. That shaves about a half a second off the cars’ 0-60 mph times. There will also be new high-performance brakes, sports suspension, exhaust system, modified six-speed transmission and unique 17-inch light alloy wheels and tires. 

The price bump isn’t a small one, though: $28,550 and $30,800 will get you into the JCW Cooper hardtop and Clubman, respectively. Prices do not include a $650 destination charge. That’s a $7,330 and $7,350 premium over the S versions of each car. Is it worth it? Tell us in the comments.

Mini Clubman Could Be Scarce in U.S.

Blogging all things Mini, Motoringfile.com reports that BMW is limiting exports of its new Mini Cooper Clubman to the U.S. While demand will probably be healthy, the U.S. dollar is not, and the company won’t make as much selling the car here as it will in other countries. Italy seems to be the benefactor in all this.

What does this mean to those waiting to buy a Mini Clubman? Go to your Mini dealer now and put in an order. Many dealers are getting a scant four models a month for the first few months after the car comes out in February. Even the regular Mini Cooper coupe has one of the shortest turnaround times in the business. It seems the Clubman will be no different.

Clubman to Have Limited Availability in US (Motoringfile.com)

Up Close with the 2008 Mini Clubman

• Like an overbearing parent, BMW has stuck its nose in Mini's business via the navigation system offered in the Clubman. The system features an iDrive-esque control setup featuring a small joystick in the center console that functions like an iDrive controller knob. The integration of the system's screen into the center speedometer is pretty slick, but if you're averse to iDrive, you're not going to like the Clubman's system. The practicality of the Cooper's rear seats has always been questionable, but the extended-length Clubman has rear seats that you could actually use on a double date without fear of putting your friends in a crabby mood. — Mike Hanley

Mini Clubman to Start Under $20,000

The stretched Mini Cooper, dubbed Clubman, goes on sale in February. If you’re already saving your pennies, you’ll need to have set aside $19,950’s worth to buy one. That’s the MSRP for the Mini Clubman with a standard four-cylinder engine. The Clubman S with a turbocharged engine will start at $23,450. Neither price includes a $650 destination charge.

The price is a $1,900 bump from the regular Mini Cooper. Does that sound right to you Mini fans out there?

More on the Mini Clubman

Mini Clubman Release Date, More Photos

Most people wouldn’t consider Mini owners to be practical. The car is such a style statement, after all. But a large number of Mini owners looked at their purchase and blurted out “this car needs more room.” Mini name be darned, the company execs said, we’ve done it before and we can do it again, and they introduced the Clubman version of the Mini Cooper. Now, to help those practical people plan their purchase — say that three times fast— we’ve learned of the tentative on sale date in the U.S. That’s right; drum roll, please…