Hurst, would you mind if I refer you to other websites for better documentation of the differences between a GP and JCW car? Try these first:
http://www.gpmini.net/mtblog/mtarchive.shtmlhttp://motoringfile.com/2006/08/21/mf-review-john-cooper-works-gp/In short, modestly better engine/powertrain, more significant suspension/aero upgrades, less comfort/convenience items at a price that is less than a comparably optioned JCW car. As far as driving feel, I think you already know that MINI's starting with MY2005 the suspension was tuned to be much more compliant, so you will probably not feel as large a difference with your 2006 MCS as I did changing from a 2002 MCS. EVERTHING is more refined. Shifting so far is a bit less notchy. Power delivery is very linear and can be felt from low revs (1500 to 2000) rather than waiting to reach at least 3000 rpm; I haven't exceeded 4k rpm just yet, so can't comment on top end power difference, but that's not what MINI's are all about anyway. Handling is harder to judge just yet with only 40 miles put on the car, and with tires that are still new and slippery. There is a rather large dip in a road near my home, which in my '02 MCS would be quite jarring to take at speed. In the GP, I felt the dip, but the suspension damping and rebound settings are such that neither the car nor my teeth rattled. The real test will be when I take that dip with my wife in the passenger seat. She insisted that I upgrade from my '02 after driving an '05 as a service loaner. I think I'll keep both her and my GP! Cheers.