I've gotta agree with the general trend for a quick start off the line, but truth to tell, I don't seem to be the one disappearing in the mirror - the CVT keeps up or better quite nicely with the stop-light grand prix. I really wish it would handle a larger power increase, tho, and that retro-fit paddles were available from the dealers in the USA. Yeah, I know, dream on.
As a side note, I went to Solvang with my MINI club, SCMM, and had no problem running with the 'S's or Manual Coopers in the twisties, and only on the open straight road did they pull away. The road surface on the twisties was atrocious, however, and I think that contributed to a lot of "S" drivers having handling problems on the tighter corners - their suspension wasn't soaking up the road well enough to apply the power judisciously. I could watch them losing traction, and shifting up & down to get into the right rev range, while I could leave it in SD at the detent without a problem. I don't normally do this, but it was actually quite like a monster 2 pedal go-cart, and I could concentrate on steering and braking, some of it even left-footed, a first for me on a MINI run. Still working on technique with that, tho.
On occaison, I get to drive my half of the 'S' I share with my son, and it still makes me wish for a CVT for the 'S', but I'm afraid they have other plans. I would be REAL tempted if they ever do an 'S' CVT, tho.
BCNU,
Rob in Dago |