[kevkbuk]

Theres a good interview with Mike Cooper on MotoringFile here:

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile MINI United Recap

In it he compares the power/torque against the GP, sure he will talking up the new tuning kit but surely it can't all be marketing talk?

[mini5lover]

Just an update!
Arrived at Sytner today when it opened ready to drive their new works - not there!!!
One of the staff took it home last night conveniently forgetting it was booked for a test. Well disappointed but they had a new S for us to drive assuring us it was as fast as the works.
So we "borrowed" it for an hour and put it through its paces.
Well impressed with the overall drive definitely faster than I thought and the turbo charger sounds quite good.
However - there was a definite "lag" in every gear, just a split second, whilst the turbo charger came in, a lag you do not get with Swipers supercharger. Swiper is quicker to respond in every gear from standing. Having said that when the turbo kicks in boy it does kick and is then very quick to build up speed. Brakes very good, almost as good as our works brakes we thought.
Handling very good (on 18" wheels) and the drive definitely softer. Maybe because we have works suspension and lowering.
We are booked to drive the works next Sunday (it had better be there) and will update again after that. Like the digital speed right in front of your face showing you what you are doing without glancing sideways! Didnt think the sport button made too much difference. Liked the press starter.

[kevkbuk]

Quote: Originally Posted by mini5lover (original)

Just an update!
However - there was a definite "lag" in every gear, just a split second, whilst the turbo charger came in, a lag you do not get with Swipers supercharger. Swiper is quicker to respond in every gear from standing. Like the digital speed right in front of your face showing you what you are doing without glancing sideways! Didnt think the sport button made too much difference.

Surprised you found a lag on the R56. Unless they have changed something in more recent cars, I have an early R56 and there's really no lag if your in the right gear. Before ordering the car I was after a prev gen MCS Works and I found the R56 more responsive and much nicer to drive.

I have seen the digital speedo on prev gen cars, was it an option?

Again I'm surprised you didn't feel a difference with the sport button, it should have stiffened the steering and made the throttle pedal more responsive. It doesn't add power maybe that's what you meant? I drive most of the week with it off, then put it on for weekends. When I first drive with it it on its so different it takes a few minutes to adjust to the throttle and be able to drive smoothly.

[mini5lover]

My husband drove it first and he noticed it, then I drove it and definitely noticed it. Its just that when you drive swiper and put your foot down it will go immediately in any gear, even 5th (not too quickly in 6th) and when I did the same in the new S there was a small but noticeable second or so before it kicked in. When I got back to the showroom and told Mark he had to agree with me that the supercharger is instant and the turbocharger does have that TINY but noticeable lag. I dont think you would say that if you hadnt owned a works mini with a supercharger. You then probably wouldnt notice it but my husband did straight away and so did I. The power is right on the button every time.
However, the pull once it kicks in is amazing, loved it and cant wait to see if the works has the same feel. Never seen the digital display in the R53 mini, nor was I offered it. I would imagine that once you pass 60mph the new mini would be faster (slightly) to reach top speeds but the pull in swiper in the lower gears is definitely slightly faster. Hope you get what I mean, the difference is minimal but it is there, honest!

[kevkbuk]

Could be I drove a few crap MCS Works lol. I always found them to be kinda slow to respond but performed well at high revs, where as I find the R56 gives the power pretty much all the way through the rev band. Which sounds like the opposite to you, work that one out .

[DerekH]

Turbo Lag on R56 MCS never noticed this on our's and suprised you felt lag i think the engine has got that problem cracked even though there are other issues. Never mind all drivers pick up on different things depending on style of driving.

[mini5lover]

Yes I do agree but I definitely felt the lag every gear change, as I said before you probably wouldnt if you hadnt driven a works with supercharger.
It certainly hasnt put me off but I will probably wait for the factory fit to see
what improvements they are going to make, ie lowered suspension,maybe higher bhp.
Will decide after driving the works next Sunday. Loved the 18" wheels, felt solid and comfortable ride, smooth.

[DerekH]

i have only driven the R53 MCS without the JCW and supercharger is different as power even throughout revs with direct drive, and turbo would feel a lot different with spooling up and relying on waste gas, but having had a lot of turbo desils car,s and IMHO i think waiting for the factory kit is a good idea but i don't think it will improve the little lag there is but there may be free reving improvement, but the key to the new engine is end torque great for corner exit and in gear over taking good luck with your choice though.