In 2007, MINI released the JCW tuning kit for the new "R56" version of the car. This new version now being turbocharged as opposed to supercharged, the kit itself is very different from that of the previous Mini Cooper S. Consisting of an uprated induction system, exhaust and a remapped ECU unit, this kit increases the power by 17 bhp (13 kW) to 192 bhp (143 kW). The torque is up 10 nm to 250nm (270 nm with overboost). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is now 6.8 seconds, and the R56 can now hit a top speed of 232 km/h.
In mid-2008, MINI brought out a new addition to the JCW family - the MINI John Cooper Works. This is in fact not another power kit, but a whole new version of the R56 MINI, model code MF91 (MM91 in the Clubman version).
- Maximum power of 155kw (211 bhp) at 6000 rpm, and 260 Nm of torque (280 with overboost. This is achieved by means of a new, uprated turbocharger, larger-bore exhaust and a sportier ECU map. 0-100 km/h time is down to 6.5 seconds (6.8 in the case of the Clubman). Fuel consumption and emissions are also up, however, compared to the 192 bhp kit which has no change compared to the standard 175 bhp Cooper S.
- Electronic limited slip differential (EDLC - Electronic Differential Lock Control). This is infinitely variable between 0% and 50%, as opposed to the permanent 30% of the optional LSD fitted to the R56 MINI Cooper S.
- DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as fitted as standard on all BMW models nowadays. The MINI John Cooper Works is the first variant of the new MINI to come with DTC which, to date, is not available even as an option on other variants. The main difference between DTC and the extant DSC is the ability to "remap" the parameters for the traction and stability control systems, to allow a sportier drive while still employing these systems at the last minute, without fully deactivating them.
mini cooper s (BMW)
mini cooper s (BMW)
In some markets, such as Australia and America, just the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S are sold because the MINI One's engine was considered to deliver insufficient power to run an air conditioning unit — air conditioning is essential in Australia and America due to the high temperatures. Almost 50% of all Minis sold in Australia and about 70% of those sold in America are the range topping Cooper S model.
The names Cooper and Cooper S echo the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini which in turn come from the involvement of John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper heritage is further emphasized with the John Cooper Works (JCW) range of tuning options that are available with the MINI. John Cooper also created a one-off racing model of the MINI Cooper S named the MINI Cooper S Works. This car features many extras which help to improve performance, such as a racing exhaust and air filter as well as uprated suspension. The car also has one-of-a-kind 17-inch racing wheels
Mini John Cooper Works (R56)
Based on the John Cooper Works Challenge car, it is a version with higher output engine, and BMW's Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.
Engine is rated 208 bhp (155 kW) and 192 lb-ft, achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from the Cooper S' 0.9 bar to 1.3 bar.
The Mini Cooper body model is called John Cooper Works Hatchback, while the Mini Clubman body model is called John Cooper Works Clubman.
The Classic Mini Cooper and Cooper S: 1961-2000
Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper, a nimble, economical and inexpensive car. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961.
The original Mini 848 cc engine taken from the Morris Mini-Minor was increased to 997 cc, this increased the power from 34 bhp to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW). The car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carbs, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, front disc brakes were rare on cars at this time. 1000 units of this version were commissioned by management team, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing. The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964.
A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the "S", was developed in tandem and released in 1963. The Cooper "S" had a 1071 cc engine and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Mini Cooper S were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two models specifically for circuit racing, rated at 970 cc and a 1275 cc, both of which were also offered to the public. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 had been built when the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1275 cc Cooper S models continued in production until 1971.
A new Mini Cooper named the RSP (Rover Special Products) was briefly relaunched in 1990-91, with slightly lower performance than the 1960s Cooper. It proved so popular that the new Cooper-marked Mini went into full production in late 1991. From 1992, Coopers were fitted with a fuel-injected version of the 1275 cc engine, and in 1997 a multi-point fuel injected engine was introduced, along with a front-mounted radiator and various safety improvements.
In mid-2008, MINI brought out a new addition to the JCW family - the MINI John Cooper Works. This is in fact not another power kit, but a whole new version of the R56 MINI, model code MF91 (MM91 in the Clubman version). 
The names Cooper and Cooper S echo the names used for the sportier version of the 
The original Mini 848 cc engine taken from the Morris Mini-Minor was increased to 997 cc, this increased the power from 34 bhp to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW). The car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carbs, a closer-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, front disc brakes were rare on cars at this time. 1000 units of this version were commissioned by management team, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing. The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964.