Your first G_P driving impressions - do tell

[Blatman]

Great writeup can't add much to that.

I few comments from my first good connect with the car.

Having finally got the run-in out the way I headed out with some Subaru mates on a brekkie run. Needless to say the Mini was the sexiest car there. These guys were running big power Sti's but talk at the breakfast table was the annoying Mini that stuck around far to long for their liking. I mate of mine in his Noble was even more impressed and complimentary on a particularly twisty hill climb section on the run.

Being the first time to open her up the pull all the way to the red was very very impressive. That secondly whine as you call it is pure music. Punch out of third and fourth gears at 3-4k just keeps suprising me.

Don't like the run flats car can get quite unsettled on rougher surfaces will look to change these I think. Also notice the wing mirrors particularly the left flutter a bit to much at speed for my liking. Top seems to be about 240 (so I am told) but she is very stable if the road surface is good.

Also need the DSC (our cars came with it fitted as std) off to perform hard pull offs otherwise it all goes pear shaped when you hook second.

But over all very happy thanks, can't wait to get her on the track for the next test. Would I buy it again, sure but I might order it without the wax job though!

[MiniNana]

Quote: Originally Posted by UBeenMiniD (original)

I did just that and can honestly say this car has more usable power than anything else I've tried. It is smooth consistent delivery of power throughout the rpm range and throughout the gear set. There's simply no lag in power anywhere. Nothing like the low end lag of the S. It just keeps pulling, and I even caught myself reaching 5,000 rpms a couple of times it came on so fast. The play between 3rd and 4th is just awesome.

That's JCW, Baby! I love mine, but I drove MINI Papa's new GP (#0907) home tonight and MAN! I can definitely tell there's a little more Umph than in my Chickadee.

Quote: Originally Posted by UBeenMiniD (original)

Shoots like a dart. Switching lanes at speed also showed me how well the suspension is tuned. Just like a real go-kart. Fantastic.

Aren't darts fun??? I think my brakes will be the first to go because I just have to keep my foot on the break all the time to hold the little squirt back! He wants to go fast BAD!

Quote: Originally Posted by UBeenMiniD (original)

Choice of road though seemed more of a concern to me. The ride is bone jarring on poor asphalt. You really feel it.

Yeah, my husband was complaining about my MINI with JCW suspension......now, HE's got one, too (GP #0907). I think that's so funny.

Quote: Originally Posted by UBeenMiniD (original)

The wheels have also grown on me. Love 'em. Grip is excellent. I haven't had any real rain to speak of, so I'll reserve final judgment for a later time on these since I've heard the car wants to squirrel in the rain.

It's the blasted run flats! Soon as they wear out, get some good performance tires....you'll really notice the difference in the twisties. Great write-up, by the way!

[LMB]

My GP is finally run in and it has loosened up nicely. The sound as you hit the higher revs is awesome.

I do love this car.

[MINI Papa]

Oh man! I'm still in the break-in period........only have 225 miles on the speedo. It runs like a top, but I cannot wait till I can really rip around in it.

[MINI Papa]

Oh man! I'm still in the break-in period........only have 225 miles on the speedo. It runs like a top, but I cannot wait till I can really rip around in it.

[LMB]

Have a lovely drive today, it was perfect conditions.

The car just keeps getting better and better, engine at the high revs just keeps on pulling. It just pins you back in the seat. The sound is awesome. I just love the handling of the car as well, it just has so much grip, always feels planted.

[GBMINI]

Just back from Newcastle / Gateshead / Corbridge / Ryton / etc area - didn't see your GP anywhere

[leebo]

I picked up GP 1512 Saturday November 18th. I have a leased 2004 M3 Convertible and someone is assuming the lease. Here are my driving impressions so far. I have about 175 miles on the GP, including about 50 miles driving home on California freeways:

1. The GP can be a blast to drive, especially on good asphalt paved roads. I've been taking it out in the evening, driving on some local roads. Power seems more than adequate and torque at all RPMs is ample. Since I am still in the break in period, I am not pushing it over 4,500 RPM, which is hard to do!

2. Tire/road noise is pronounced (mostly from the rear I believe). I think this will make a long drive on the typical grooved, expansion jointed freeway surfaces in California tiring. I am considering installation of Dyna Mat in the rear to reduce it.

3. A little more exhaust note would be nice (the M3 has a nice exhaust rumble to it, that is not overpowering). The gurgling exhaust sound on deceleration is quite enjoyable.

4. The ride is harsher than I would like when driving over freeway expansion joints, unveven surfaces, etc. - may consider replacing the run flat tires with non run flats, possibly going to 16" wheels/tires.

5. I'm still adjusting to the seats - they are very firm.

6. Shifting is very precise, clutch effort is a little less than I am used to, but is substantial enough so it doesn't feel too "cheap".

7. It is very easy to scrape the front end (plastic scraper under the front dam) going through dips or over speed bumps. Constant vigilance is required.

I think I'll be very happy with it, but will miss some of the refinement, power and luxury that the M3 offers.

Lee

[ASTON]

central loocking has packed in today . only the drivers door will open,the passenger door and boot are dead locked

never mind only 2 weeks,then i can get rid of this pile of **** .

[LMB]

Trading in?

[adamos o3,cooper s]

well drove g.p., 2000k on the clock,
i have 03 mcs, so all comparison to this.
more road noise from the larger tires, and the tram lining seemed more noticeable.
power very smooth, even pulling away "normally" the car felt very ready to take off with minimal effort.
once the car was warmed up, found my self changing into third gear and appling power, long twisty road, which i am very used too. car stuck very firmly to the road,and was not bothered by the undulations in the road, which cause my mcs to feel a bit " light".whole experience showed the car to be effortless in power delivery/handling,and had a "bespoke" feel,
in time this will be the car to covet, the ultimate mini.

[dcc]

Quote: Originally Posted by leebo (original)

2. Tire/road noise is pronounced (mostly from the rear I believe). I think this will make a long drive on the typical grooved, expansion jointed freeway surfaces in California tiring. I am considering installation of Dyna Mat in the rear to reduce it.

4. The ride is harsher than I would like when driving over freeway expansion joints, unveven surfaces, etc. - may consider replacing the run flat tires with non run flats, possibly going to 16" wheels/tires.

You can take care of #2&4 by switching out to non run flats

[leebo]

Quote: Originally Posted by leebo (original)
2. Tire/road noise is pronounced (mostly from the rear I believe). I think this will make a long drive on the typical grooved, expansion jointed freeway surfaces in California tiring. I am considering installation of Dyna Mat in the rear to reduce it.

4. The ride is harsher than I would like when driving over freeway expansion joints, unveven surfaces, etc. - may consider replacing the run flat tires with non run flats, possibly going to 16" wheels/tires.

Quote: Originally Posted by dcc (original)

You can take care of #2&4 by switching out to non run flats

I think that will be my first modification. I have about 450 miles on the GP now and don't thnk I'll be able to tolerate the ride and noise.

I'd like to use the GP wheels and am considering some Toyo Proxes-4 tires as replacements. Another GP owner, Joel Sheiner, said he had good luck switching from runflats to Toyos on another MINI. Toyo has a 500 mile satisfaction/return policy, so I'd have some time to evaluate.

Lee

[The Red Baron]

Quote: Originally Posted by leebo (original)

2. Tire/road noise is pronounced (mostly from the rear I believe). I think this will make a long drive on the typical grooved, expansion jointed freeway surfaces in California tiring. I am considering installation of Dyna Mat in the rear to reduce it.

I've never found the rear road noise to be too much of a problem and recently completed a 3000 mile trip round Europe.
Put a couple of suitcases in the rear and road noise (on run-flats!) is much the same as any other mini.

[GBMINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by chrisandjax (original)

Put a couple of suitcases in the rear and road noise (on run-flats!) is much the same as any other mini.

Yes - during MTTS the noise was much reduced due to luggage. I carry a blanket in the back now and it helps a little ... carrying luggage everywhere is a bit extreme