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Making the decision to tune my Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW) isn’t something I’ve taken lightly.
In fact, I never really saw the appeal of tuning cars, especially one like this. The internet is filled with examples of people tuning their cars, and I’ve noticed two types of enthusiasts.
On one hand, you’ve got people with already powerful cars, striving to squeeze even more out of them. On the other, there are those with smaller engines, pushing them beyond their limits. The common thread? Both groups are busy chasing numbers—everyone seems to want more horsepower. But does more horsepower really make for a better car?
The Mini Clubman JCW I own is already a quick car, especially for the road. It packs 306 brake horsepower (BHP) as standard and is equipped with All4, Mini’s four-wheel drive system. It’s not the fastest car out there, but it’s definitely above average. So, should I tune it?
How It All Started
After making a few modifications to the Mini, I found myself discussing the next steps with Darren at Mulgari. We talked about what people typically do with their cars, how far they push the boundaries, and most importantly, how we could improve my car without overdoing it i.e. OEM Plus.
While I appreciate speed, I also love the idea of making something the best it can be—without necessarily making it the fastest. It’s about refinement, balance, and making sure the car feels right on the road. Darren’s philosophy aligns with this perfectly. He wasn’t pushing me to chase numbers or squeeze out as much horsepower as possible. Instead, he emphasised refinement. So, may be that’s the approach I should take?
Tuning for Refinement, Not Just Power
Darren said something that really stuck with me: “It shouldn’t be about chasing the numbers; it’s about refinement.” He went on to explain that the goal is to refine both the way power and torque are delivered, and to ensure the engine runs as cleanly as possible.
He illustrated this with an analogy: imagine the power delivery on a standard graph as a curve, much like a shark fin. This represents a very linear delivery—smooth and steady. This kind of delivery keeps the car in its peak output for longer, as opposed to a sharp spike that may produce a higher peak power figure, but only for a short burst. The linear delivery means you get a consistent, usable power range, rather than all of it at once in a sudden surge. This approach, Darren explained, is what sets Mulgari apart.
The Decision to Tune
That philosophy resonated with me. I’ve felt the same experience with the Clubman—smooth, consistent power delivery that keeps the car engaging without making it feel like it’s on edge. So, with Darren’s guidance and a shared vision of tuning the car for refinement rather than raw power, it’s got me thinking about tuning the car.
For me, it’s not about turning the car into a track monster; it’s about making it the best it can be on the road, where I drive it the most. It’s about making sure the power delivery feels right, balanced, and smooth—something that complements the Mini’s existing performance without overpowering it.
So, shhould I tune my Mini Clubman JCW? It’s simple: I want the car to be the best version of itself, and sometimes that means not chasing numbers, but chasing refinement… so let’s see what it can.
Have you got your car tuned or are you considering it? What’s been the driving force behind your decision?
