Automotive world say goodbye too...

[AKDejaVu]

Stop by the web site at http://www.miniusa.com.  Its got quite a bit of information on it.

The Mini has the multi-link rear suspension out of the 3 series BMW.  BMW also re-designed the transaxle/axles and went with equal length axles to prevent torque steer.  It works amazingly well.

Other than that... and totally stiffening the vertical movement, its simply a case of having the tires all the way out at the corners and keeping the car pretty wide and short.

I've not had a situation where its gotten close to getting away from me.  Most of the roads around here are not too forgiving on mistakes... so I can't say I've truly tested it.  They usually put those corners there for a reason.

I have, however, driven some pretty awesome roads (Germantown for those PDX guys) and can say the car is as snug as you can get.  Usually people stop trying to keep up with me after the first corner or two.

The major downfall of the car is low end torque.  You do not want to be caught in 2nd below 3k RPM in this car facing any kind of an uphill grade.  And I term the A/C button the "turbo" button.  Turning off the A/C remarkably affects acceleration... moreso than any other car I've owned.  I'd like to say things were better with the Supercharged version... but they weren't.  The S seemed to only help from 3500-6200... not below.

Its one of the reasons I chose to go with the non-S and hope that some aftermarket stuff helped at the low end.

AKDejaVu

[Ripsnort]

Deja, not familiar with the Mini engine, but with the M54 engine (6 cylinder in my 330), if you get below 3000 rpm, torque really falls off, this is an area where the competition beats up BMW, in the "torque" catagory.  BMW engines historically like higher RPM's.  I currently shift between 3000- and 4500 for the best 'daily driver' performance.  5500-6000 rpm when on a "spirited" drive

Good luck with that new car,  I test drove one recently in Fife, they are a hoot!

[AKDejaVu]

The engine is brand new and the result of a joint venture with BMW and Chrysler.  They are built in Brazil.

I usually don't have a problem keeping the RPM up except in a 20mph corner (street corner).  I hate downshifting into first just to get going again.

I'm used to the RPMs because of my VTec... if anything, I'd be more likely to redline it.

AKDejaVu

[funkedup]

DJV you should transplant the VTEC into that thing.
B16 would be perfect.

[Ripsnort]

Originally posted by funkedup
DJV you should transplant the VTEC into that thing.
B16 would be perfect.

VTEC, isn't that really an acronym for "Double Vano Technology"?  If so, his engine probably already has it...

[midnight Target]

IMHO

[Ripsnort]

Can't argue that point Tahgut!

I tried, I really really really tried....I even had $1000 down on a 2001 Cobra SVT....I test drove it, and almost puked....where do I start, the exterior didn't appeal to me.   The interior, the cheesiest, cheapest piece of crap I'd ever seen and egonomically unsatifying...The cabin noise, I was going to use THIS as a daily commuter?  The head room, if your 6' or taller, scratch any Mustang or Cobra off your list, your head will rest against the inside of the door/ceiling join...and if your ever T-boned while your head is resting there, rest in peace!  The back seat....there is one, but for semi-quadraphegics!  Absolutely no leg room what so ever, my requirment was for 4 ADULTS, not 2 adults and a backpack....the ONLY impressive thing about the SVT Cobra I test drove was its muscle, great car for 1/4 mile, but put it in the twisties and you'll see why Germany considers American made sports cars "American Farm Machinery".....

[funkedup]

Ripsnort, VTEC stands for "Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control".  It is an electrohydraulic mechanism which switches valve actuation between multiple sets of cam lobes and followers.  Up to three different cam profiles can be used for both intake and exhaust.  VTEC allows Honda engines to achieve specific power outputs unequalled by any other mass produced non-supercharged engines.

For example, the Honda B16 engine makes 160 hp from 1.6 l.  By comparison the Mini Cooper's 1.6 l engine only puts out 115 hp.  Equal displacement, similar size and fuel economy, but the VTEC Motor has 40% more power.

BTW it's not "Vano", it's "VANOS".  VANOS is a simpler and less effective system which can only change the valve timing, not lift.

[MrLars]

Originally posted by AKDejaVu
0-60 in who cares... chicks dig it:

Bahh...No vehicle will get the chicks AND get them to strip down to their bathing suit like a big 'ol 'merican truck towing a nice ski boat

[Staga]

Who cares about v-tec etc... SAAB has already made a SVC engine (SAAB Variable Combustion).
1,6 liters, 225bhp and 305nm torque.
It's pretty much as fast as SAAB's 3.0 liter V-6 with asymmetric turbo charger. I found couple pics and after little playing with gif-animator...

[NOD2000]

a 502 big block with 12:1 compression ratio and 1,000hp it beats any rice i have ever raced oh and its in a 91 camaro..............oh yeah sorry i would have a pic of the one i have but i have no scanner

[NOD2000]

heres a pic of mine.........i remeber i posted it in another thread

[BUG_EAF322]

High revs sucks

[JB73]

damn midnight you beat me to it [/U]