MINI2

Paul · Jul 27th, 2006, 12:27 AM

The new MINI Cooper S will have a hood scoop that does nothing but make the S look different.

Is this a really silly idea, a joke even?!

Is it right that the scoop should remain an S characteristic?

Is it an opportunity for the aftermarket to exploit, all that room above the engine and the scoop already in place?

What do you think?

MartinSSZ · Jul 27th, 2006, 12:49 AM

Is it possible that a JCW kit could include an intercooler? Is the scoop open to the bay Paul?

MINIAC · Jul 27th, 2006, 12:49 AM

A lot of people dissed the "mail slot" in the R53 when it first came out, saying it was un-Mini like. Even though not a characteristic of the original Mini it was required.

A lot of people will say it's "silly" to have a non-functional hood scoop ... me included

Paul · Jul 27th, 2006, 12:56 AM

Martin, I was sure it was open (with a plastic mesh), but I don't have any photos I've found yet to confirm that 100%, and it's a bit of a blur to be honest.

ScottyB · Jul 27th, 2006, 01:01 AM

I'm not sure now to vote on this one..

I do think its characteristic of the model - I know a lot of people now that pick the Cooper from the S by the presence (or lack of) the scoop.. but I think its a bit naff to have it there if its of no use..

As Martin says, hopefully the JCW will make use of it. Still a bit strange for the stock S though

minigolf · Jul 27th, 2006, 01:17 AM

If it serves a purpose it should stay.

If it does not, it should go.

Some aftermarket tuners will find a use for it. I hope!

Smurfn · Jul 27th, 2006, 01:21 AM

Bit silly if it doesn't do anything. Will be a laughing stock

Paul · Jul 27th, 2006, 01:23 AM

Could put a nice neon or KITT light set up in there?

Root Ginger · Jul 27th, 2006, 01:25 AM

I'm sure it will be used aftermarket or by JCW to feed air to an open filter.

In fact could the insistance that it is there for show just be to stop people speculating that it will be used on Works models?

I vote for it to stay otherwise it would be difficult to distinguish between the Cooper and S.

Smurfn · Jul 27th, 2006, 01:43 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger

I'm sure it will be used aftermarket or by JCW to feed air to an open filter.

In fact could the insistance that it is there for show just be to stop people speculating that it will be used on Works models?

I vote for it to stay otherwise it would be difficult to distinguish between the Cooper and S.

There should be a difference between the Cooper and the MCS

But having something there just in case aftemarket tuners use it must not be the only reason.

I think it was a pretty hard call, and it continues to look like the previous MCS, so not many people will know the difference

AndrewH · Jul 27th, 2006, 04:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf

If it serves a purpose it should stay.

If it does not, it should go.

I agree. I don't have a problem with how it looks (in fact I quite like it) but as Mini seem to have admitted themselves, it's a marketing contrivance

Plus, it makes a mockery of our genuine scoops

Hat · Jul 27th, 2006, 07:56 AM

unless its going to be used in the future i can't see the point of tooling & manufacturing a different bonnet for the S when a lot of the modifications that have taken place have been about reducing manufacuring complexity/time & cost

minicore · Jul 27th, 2006, 08:04 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

A lot of people will say it's "silly" to have a non-functional hood scoop ... me included

I agree.

Paul · Jul 27th, 2006, 08:17 AM

Seems post people are taking the view I expected (and thought myself), it's strange to have a scoop, without the need for one.

minicabrio · Jul 27th, 2006, 08:23 AM

I like it for the fact is distinguishes the S from the Cooper at a glance...

I'm sure we can find a use for it!

Tonyt3 · Jul 27th, 2006, 08:43 AM

As a snob and a show off, I NEED to have a scoop in order to show that I have a proper performance car, not to be confused with the everyday run of the mill standard Cooper...

Thats why I think the Scoop stayed on the car.... because 'class' conscious BMW believed people would need a major differential between their base model and their performance model...

I think its a shame that they couldn't come up with a new idea, or have a reasonable use for the scoop. I expected to see it lead to the air filter at least.

There must have been a lot of head scratching in early design phases. Remember all those photos with the bonnet hidden? wonder if they were trying more radical things....

One thing we need to know, is there any difference between the coope rand the S engines in terms of height in those areas? Does the technical differnece warrant a taller profile from the bonnet>?

Its very odd. I so want the scoop to stay, but with it having no purpose, I so dont like the idea....

So where is the intercooler now?

minicore · Jul 27th, 2006, 08:52 AM

Personally I would've preferred a slightly modified bonnet - a bit of a bulge perhaps? Just something subtle, but enough to make it look "different" to the One/Cooper without being too in your face.

Maybe only MINI-people would "get" that though?

Paul · Jul 27th, 2006, 08:53 AM

These are the only technical engine shots we have at this time. Not sure if they're any use to you.

GameStone · Jul 27th, 2006, 09:12 AM

The way I see it is the turbo is at the front of the engine bay (as well as the exhaust) so the scoop may be use for cooling the turbo, so it may not be fake at all.

Turbo's can get very hot with some spirited driven.

Tonyt3 · Jul 27th, 2006, 09:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by GameStone

The way I see it is the turbo is at the front of the engine bay (as well as the exhaust) so the scoop may be use for cooling the turbo, so it may not be fake at all.

Turbo's can get very hot with some spirited driven.

The Cooper has a turbo but no slot....

View Poll Results: Is the scoop on the new S a wise move?
No, we'll be a laughing stock!	95	59.75%
Yes, it's part of what an S is all about!	64	40.25%
Voters: 159. You may not vote on this poll

Jul 27th, 2006, 12:27 AM	#1
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 40,555 Offline	The "fake scoop" - bad idea - good idea? The new MINI Cooper S will have a hood scoop that does nothing but make the S look different. Is this a really silly idea, a joke even?! Is it right that the scoop should remain an S characteristic? Is it an opportunity for the aftermarket to exploit, all that room above the engine and the scoop already in place? What do you think?

Jul 27th, 2006, 01:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
ScottyB Take me down to Paradise My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: David McGhan's World Local Time: 04:15 AM Posts: 190,920 Offline	I'm not sure now to vote on this one.. I do think its characteristic of the model - I know a lot of people now that pick the Cooper from the S by the presence (or lack of) the scoop.. but I think its a bit naff to have it there if its of no use.. As Martin says, hopefully the JCW will make use of it. Still a bit strange for the stock S though - Global Moderator - MY BLOG - Global Procrastinator - ... Buying the 8C for its dynamic abilities is like buying a porn film for its plot ...

Jul 27th, 2006, 01:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
minigolf Blue is the colour! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 04:15 AM Posts: 14,033 Offline	If it serves a purpose it should stay. If it does not, it should go. Some aftermarket tuners will find a use for it. I hope! Sabine Schmitz: Fear disturbs your concentration.

Jul 27th, 2006, 01:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
Smurfn Smurfing Around Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Newcastle, NSW Local Time: 04:15 AM Posts: 42,625 Offline	Bit silly if it doesn't do anything. Will be a laughing stock http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheezelsmurf/

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Jul 27th, 2006, 12:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
MartinSSZ Yellow and Proud My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Shoreham-by-Sea Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 785 Offline	Is it possible that a JCW kit could include an intercooler? Is the scoop open to the bay Paul?

Jul 27th, 2006, 12:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 11:15 AM Posts: 8,316 Online	A lot of people dissed the "mail slot" in the R53 when it first came out, saying it was un-Mini like. Even though not a characteristic of the original Mini it was required. A lot of people will say it's "silly" to have a non-functional hood scoop ... me included

Jul 27th, 2006, 12:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 40,555 Offline	Martin, I was sure it was open (with a plastic mesh), but I don't have any photos I've found yet to confirm that 100%, and it's a bit of a blur to be honest.

Jul 27th, 2006, 01:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 40,555 Offline	Could put a nice neon or KITT light set up in there?

Jul 27th, 2006, 01:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
Root Ginger Amiga 500 to PS3 20 Years Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Slough, Berkshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 4,673 Offline	I'm sure it will be used aftermarket or by JCW to feed air to an open filter. In fact could the insistance that it is there for show just be to stop people speculating that it will be used on Works models? I vote for it to stay otherwise it would be difficult to distinguish between the Cooper and S. It was acceptable in the 80's

Jul 27th, 2006, 01:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
Smurfn Smurfing Around Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Newcastle, NSW Local Time: 04:15 AM Posts: 42,625 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger I'm sure it will be used aftermarket or by JCW to feed air to an open filter. In fact could the insistance that it is there for show just be to stop people speculating that it will be used on Works models? I vote for it to stay otherwise it would be difficult to distinguish between the Cooper and S. There should be a difference between the Cooper and the MCS But having something there just in case aftemarket tuners use it must not be the only reason. I think it was a pretty hard call, and it continues to look like the previous MCS, so not many people will know the difference http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheezelsmurf/

Jul 27th, 2006, 04:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
AndrewH Were there Oompa loompas? Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canberra Local Time: 04:15 AM Posts: 4,208 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf If it serves a purpose it should stay. If it does not, it should go. I agree. I don't have a problem with how it looks (in fact I quite like it) but as Mini seem to have admitted themselves, it's a marketing contrivance Plus, it makes a mockery of our genuine scoops Jan 06 MCS Checkmate

Jul 27th, 2006, 07:56 AM	#12 (permalink)
Hat cook pass babtridge My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2002 Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 15,800 Offline	unless its going to be used in the future i can't see the point of tooling & manufacturing a different bonnet for the S when a lot of the modifications that have taken place have been about reducing manufacuring complexity/time & cost

Jul 27th, 2006, 08:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
minicore Eat my dust. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lancashire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 2,186 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC A lot of people will say it's "silly" to have a non-functional hood scoop ... me included I agree. Now driving a 2006 Brabus Roadster Coupe PW/B Cooper S Works has gone to its new home!

Jul 27th, 2006, 08:17 AM	#14 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 40,555 Offline	Seems post people are taking the view I expected (and thought myself), it's strange to have a scoop, without the need for one.

Jul 27th, 2006, 08:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
minicabrio Back in a MINI Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 15,022 Offline	I like it for the fact is distinguishes the S from the Cooper at a glance... I'm sure we can find a use for it!

Jul 27th, 2006, 08:43 AM	#16 (permalink)
Tonyt3 Track addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hants Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 6,257 Offline	As a snob and a show off, I NEED to have a scoop in order to show that I have a proper performance car, not to be confused with the everyday run of the mill standard Cooper... Thats why I think the Scoop stayed on the car.... because 'class' conscious BMW believed people would need a major differential between their base model and their performance model... I think its a shame that they couldn't come up with a new idea, or have a reasonable use for the scoop. I expected to see it lead to the air filter at least. There must have been a lot of head scratching in early design phases. Remember all those photos with the bonnet hidden? wonder if they were trying more radical things.... One thing we need to know, is there any difference between the coope rand the S engines in terms of height in those areas? Does the technical differnece warrant a taller profile from the bonnet>? Its very odd. I so want the scoop to stay, but with it having no purpose, I so dont like the idea.... So where is the intercooler now?

Jul 27th, 2006, 08:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
minicore Eat my dust. My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lancashire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 2,186 Offline	Personally I would've preferred a slightly modified bonnet - a bit of a bulge perhaps? Just something subtle, but enough to make it look "different" to the One/Cooper without being too in your face. Maybe only MINI-people would "get" that though? Now driving a 2006 Brabus Roadster Coupe PW/B Cooper S Works has gone to its new home!

Jul 27th, 2006, 08:53 AM	#18 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 40,555 Offline	These are the only technical engine shots we have at this time. Not sure if they're any use to you.

Jul 27th, 2006, 09:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
GameStone GS Red Cooper S Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Erith, Kent Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 46 Offline	The way I see it is the turbo is at the front of the engine bay (as well as the exhaust) so the scoop may be use for cooling the turbo, so it may not be fake at all. Turbo's can get very hot with some spirited driven. GameStone's - MINI http://www.gamestone.co.uk/mini/

Jul 27th, 2006, 09:16 AM	#20 (permalink)
Tonyt3 Track addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hants Local Time: 07:15 PM Posts: 6,257 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by GameStone The way I see it is the turbo is at the front of the engine bay (as well as the exhaust) so the scoop may be use for cooling the turbo, so it may not be fake at all. Turbo's can get very hot with some spirited driven. The Cooper has a turbo but no slot....

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