[Fin]

I was reading a review of the new Cooper S and the author mentioned that a MINI 'insider' hinted at a future use for the bonnet scoop, rather than just to help distinguish it from other MINI's. The author guessed at a more powerful Cooper S, which would make you think the new JCW S but they didn't specify it.

Have any of you heard of a similar rumour of a more powerful non-JCW S in the pipeline?

[freshcut]

I suspect that the hoodscoop might remain in place with plans to install an intercooler which would definately create more power. In the meantime I do agree with many that the use of a scoop in its current S form seems somewhat unusual since for all intents and purposes it lost it's functionality when compared with the purpose on the SC models.

[Root Ginger]

I have expected that the scoop will be used on the Works MINI. To me it all seems slightly weird that MINI keep reiterating at every possible moment that the scoop is purely functional on the S. It makes me think "why do they keep saying this?". If I was MINI i wouldn't want to draw attention to this fact that the scoop is a fake. It all seems to help put us off the scent.

If you look at the engine bay of the new S the air that could be scooped up all ends up right where the airfilter is located at the back of the engine bay. This makes me think that they may use it for some sort of ram air effect on the Works.

As for having a top mount intercooler. Can't see the point as there is already a front mount one anyway and these always seem to work better than top mount ones from what I've seen.

[popey]

I think its just a cosmetic feature. It looks great, who cares if its needed.

If they got rid of it we would only moan about it, seem they cant win.

People who pay for the S want to stand out from the cooper, and BMW know this.

[fourmations]

I agree on the distinguishing features of the scoop
I would moan if it wasnt there!

rgds

4

[Richard Crofts]

They can't fit a top mount as they would loose the pedestrain head bounce clearance to the top of the engine and therefore loose NCAP stars. Front mount IC are usually far more effective as a rule. I think that it is unlikely they will do anything significant with the scoop even on JCW version (if it comes) purely because again anything significant would loose the distance to top of engine from bonnet therefore failing NCAp test for pedestrians.

Sadly i think it will be totally for show and not functional...but there is a very very big market for some sort of ram pipe to either the IC or intake on the R56 for someone in the tuning market ?!

[Prowse]

I'd guestimate that it'll be used ad a cold (ram) air intake for an induction kit; the pipework would be plastic and should therefore be ok for crash tests.

[popey]

Using the scoop for an induction kit would be practical or cost effective. You have to remember the bonet.

Also the pipe would have to travel round the hot engine to the air filter.

With 2 huge grilles at the front of the car that are ideal for the job it seems pointless to me.

[GTT 280]

Surely just unblocking it in its current form would aid with keeping the underbonnet temps down? JCW or not. Modded or not.

???

Cheers,
CSW.

[s_and_m]

I'd be interested in seeing an air flow diagram of a Cooper S's engine bay, one with a blocked scoop and one with a functional one.

I'm guessing that the air from the 'true' scoop escapes under the car and causes a little bit of additional drag as it does so.

Is the fake scoop more aerodynamic than an open one?

We should be told

S:yebalck:

[popey]

I would imagine BMW know what they are doing, and like I say there is a large surface area or grille at the front.

If you just opened the scoop with out directing the air it would make a very loud noise not to mention a huge strain on the bonnet.

[Olly.]

There is a really interesting post about the use of the scoop for cooling. Posted by loomx

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-e...l?#post2694786

[popey]

Turbo timers are used to stop turbos cooling down to fast.

When I had my Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo is was much faster in the winter due to the cold air been sucked in (this is well regarded fact amongst 20V turbo owners)..... without a scoop.

I wonder how the temp in winter will effect the MINI's performance.

[ttocs]

Cold air is denser, therefore you can burn more fuel and get more power. On my old landrover I had a big intercooler but had to hav the fuel pump tweaked to get the best out of it. Never got as far as a hybrid turbo instead of the std one but the intercooler and fuel mods made about 45bhp difference.

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

Using the scoop for an induction kit would be practical or cost effective. You have to remember the bonet.

Also the pipe would have to travel round the hot engine to the air filter.

With 2 huge grilles at the front of the car that are ideal for the job it seems pointless to me.

Have you seen the underbonnet pics of the R56? The airfilter is at the back of the engine bay behind the engine. Air coming into the scoop directed to the filter could make a significant difference IMO.

Currently it appears to draw it's cold air from the scuttle area behind the engine bay.

[Jaffa Racer]

I like the sound of a pressurised airbox IF thats what the JCW version uses the scoop for.

[appmacguy]

I was lucky enought to go and review the R56 Mini Cooper for a well know motoring magazine at Plant Oxford last week. When one of the other people asked about if there was to be a more powerful Cooper S to a BMW guy who is very close to the project in attandance he just said "I can't possibly comment on that" and then proceeded to change from a cheeky smile to a huge grin after that comment.

They must have something good up their sleeve!

[ttocs]

Can't wait to see what is is!!

[Paul]

We did mention this a while back on return from the Paris Motorshow in September that Marcus Syring mentioned that it could be used in future models/maybe the JCW. It's in the news section of this site.

[Mooyer]

You're all blind, they are bringing back the SUPERCHARGER