Missing Model?

[dalboyne]

With all the current excitement about the JCW S, am I alone in thinking there's a gap in the MINI range power-wise? I've just read about a Peugeot 308 that uses the 1.6L motor outputing 150 HP, and it occurs to me that there's a big gap between the 120 HP of the Cooper and the 175 HP of the Cooper S.

Is there anyone else out there in MINI2-land who might like a bit more power than the standard Cooper, but finds the S a little OTT when it comes to insurance, economy, CO2 emissions etc?
In which case, why doesn't MINI introduce (say) a 145-150 HP model? And what would it be called? The Cooper T, or maybe the GT?

Other opinions welcome!

Ian

[Paul]

Like the old Cooper Works kit? Didn't sell very well did it?

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

Like the old Cooper Works kit? Didn't sell very well did it?

No idea, Paul, but perhaps it's a market timing thing? I would personally like a bit more grunt than a standard Cooper, but the S is just a bit beyond my needs (if not my desires!). The Peugeot 308 I mentioned appears to have the same turbo motor as the S, but clearly detuned to reduce power and improve (I presume) environmental credentials like fuel economy and CO2 - getting to be a big factor in the car taxation stakes.

Then again, I suppose if MINI brought out a detuned S, then the after-market ECU re-mappers would have a field day.....!

Ian

[Shaun]

Does the Cooper D not fill that void?

Just thinking out loud here not looked at any stats or anything. It does it differently but it seems to sit between the Cooper and S also its price range puts it there too.

[KillerByte]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

Like the old Cooper Works kit? Didn't sell very well did it?

The power increase on the old Cooper Works kit wasn't great. The Challange Works kit was still only 135bhp wasn't it?

The official JCW Soundkit is more for the noise and low down grunt than overall power. I still want it though.

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shaun (original)

Does the Cooper D not fill that void?

Just thinking out loud here not looked at any stats or anything. It does it differently but it seems to sit between the Cooper and S also its price range puts it there too.

It's a good point - the mid-range performance is certainly much better than the standard Cooper (despite only 110 bhp) thanks to the torque, I expect. But a diesel isn't to everyone's tastes, and since my next car will be another Cabrio - I'm not yet sure the audio or olfactory experience of the Cooper D is a good match with open top motoring!

Ian

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by KillerByte (original)

The power increase on the old Cooper Works kit wasn't great. The Challange Works kit was still only 135bhp wasn't it?

The official JCW Soundkit is more for the noise and low down grunt than overall power. I still want it though.

So...there is a need for a 150 hp Cooper?

Ian

[KillerByte]

Quote: Originally Posted by dalboyne (original)

So...there is a need for a 150 hp Cooper?

Ian

I wouldn't say no.

[Shaun]

I think a 150bhp Cooper would damage the S's image you can see the reports in magazines well why waste the money on an S this Cooper has it all etc or The S has only a miserly 25 more horses than the top of the range Cooper.
it would be fun though

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by Shaun (original)

I think a 150bhp Cooper would damage the S's image you can see the reports in magazines well why waste the money on an S this Cooper has it all etc or The S has only a miserly 25 more horses than the top of the range Cooper.
it would be fun though

So, maybe make it a bit different - a less "in yer face" body kit, and maybe throw in aircon as standard! If it was an up-market "luxury" spec, it might bring a whole lot of new customers - who will otherwise be rushing off to buy Fiat 500 Abarths! (or Audi A1s or VW Sciroccos...ect) Who knows?

[Shaun]

A Mini CooperSport perhaps maybe a limited run sure I have heard that before.

Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500 Register

[scottp7]

I totally agree with this thread. I am currently having a debate whether to have a Cooper S or a Cooper D, but would like more economy and cheaper to run than a S, and more power than a Cooper D.

I think they should create a Mini Cooper SD. 150bhp Turbo Diesel !!

[Bonj]

I'd say it would be a good idea. Maybe 145bhp. I think with the old Cooper Works Kit, the mental obstacle of paying extra for the power as an add on is a bit harder to overcome than to pay a bit extra for a car with more grunt.

I would prefer a luxury powerful cruiser look to the sporty hot hatch look (give me lounge leather over recaros and piano black over carbon fibre any day).
Something like the Park Lane but with a bit more ooomph and grrrr but still plenty of mmmmmmm and aaaaaaaaahhhhh.

If you get what I mean.........