[cooper4us]

It is likely the 145HP voids the factory warranty. I am not sure if that mod is supported and intended for the Cooper CVT also.

Unfortunately, we don't get the JCW package for the regular Cooper here, only the MCS.

[MINIsota_Cuke]

That is what I figured.
I still need to email them to find out if it works with the CVT. Afterall, the warrenty is only good for three years and it might be something I would consider doing after that.

[cooper4us]

Your factory warranty is good for 4 years or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Free scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the original date of purchase.

I also know that Diamond Racing www.diamondracinggroup.com has been actively involved in the development of performance mods for the Cooper CVT. You may also want to contact them directly to see what they have coming down the pipeline.

[jasonve]

You mentioned autocross..... I have not driven the CVT (I have a manual cooper) but I figure the CVT on most courses would be a touch slower... I agree the CVT advantage is the ability to adjust gearing infinatly as you go but it will loose out at the start line, and may limit the use of lift throttle induced oversteer. Ask CVT owners on that one...

One thing to consider if you go with the cooper 5 speed or the CVT is the SS+ option (cooper s suspension on a cooper) with the 15" non runflat tire package... thats what I have and arround town it is great, firm but not jarring.. then for auto-x I put on a set of 16" X 6.5" wheels and race tires. I have about 1100 bucks in my race wheel and tire setup. Finnaly I have no doubt that a SS+ Cooper will handle a touch better than a Cooper S given equal tires and drivers... it is just a matter of weight and physics... keep in mind the CVT does weigh more than a Cooper 5 Speed.

You said you are close to work with just stoplights... with that in mind I would take a close look at the S.... or Cooper 5 speed, I only tire of shifting in major stop and go hwy traffic...Still the CVT is wonderfull for an auto box!!!! and no less a drivers car just different.

[n3nyongmini]

had my MC CVT for less than a day and I think it's kinda cool to scoot along at 70mph at about 3k rpm, and 80mph at about 3k rpm, and then 85mph at about 3k rpm.

Then again, I'd probably like the extra oomph in the MCS as well; but I would probably use that less (full throttle accel.) than the convenience of the CVT...

(I must admit that I am also working on my other half to inherit the CVT so that I can have the MCS).

I don't have a preference - other than wanting both.

[nonsequitur]

A lot of good advice here comes down to your personal preferences and driving needs. There are several MINI2 threads which talk about how the cars perform, and driving the CVT specifically.

Ask more specific questions in this thread -- you'll find trusted answers from people who share your excitement.

I'm coming off a great long weekend in our car where it performed flawlessly and thoroughly impressed with its handling. The CVT is a "package" with tremendous flexibility.