Autocar mag interview shocker!!! - MINI Cooper Forum

Tonyt3 · #1 (**permalink**) Nov 10th, 2006, 10:13 PM

Top BMW man says that the R56 Cooper S engine will not be easy to tune like the last version, due to twin scoll turbo and valvetronic systems. Expects tuners will have to do major work to boost power. Expects JCW to have 200+bhp when launched. JCW will not be retro fit kit......

Scrogg · #2 (**permalink**) Nov 10th, 2006, 10:19 PM

He can't have been that high up, otherwise he would have known that the 'Valvetronic' name is not being used in MINI, as it is patented for use only in BMW, and that this technology does not actually feature in the R56 Cooper S engine as the forced induction of the turbo-charger renders it unnecessary!

PmP · #3 (**permalink**) Nov 10th, 2006, 10:33 PM

Could have told you a dual scroll turbo engine would be more difficult to tune. Its common sense. Tho adjusting boost and remapping on new engine should give some power. Were as on current engine just a remap is pointless!

BRG-Mini-One · #4 (**permalink**) Nov 10th, 2006, 10:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

He can't have been that high up, otherwise he would have known that the 'Valvetronic' name is not being used in MINI, as it is patented for use only in BMW, and that this technology does not actually feature in the R56 Cooper S engine as the forced induction of the turbo-charger renders it unnecessary!

This guy might not know what he is talking about, but he sounds like he does so i'm with him! hehe

ASTON · #5 (**permalink**) Nov 11th, 2006, 02:45 AM

i really think the R56 is going to be a flop

its not a real mini, is it?

Deutsch · #6 (**permalink**) Nov 11th, 2006, 03:35 AM

Just stick to BMW tuners then, since they have experience w/ valvetronic. I know Dinan will have some good nice upgrades, factory backed too.

popey · #7 (**permalink**) Nov 11th, 2006, 04:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3 (original)

Top BMW man says that the R56 Cooper S engine will not be easy to tune like the last version, due to twin scoll turbo and valvetronic systems. Expects tuners will have to do major work to boost power. Expects JCW to have 200+bhp when launched. JCW will not be retro fit kit......

I bet a pound that they will end up doing a retro fit JCW kit. Its BMW and its £££££££££££

(I hope they do as I want the power)

P.S. I have been known to be wrong

Beastmaster · #8 (**permalink**) Nov 11th, 2006, 04:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ASTON (original)

i really think the R56 is going to be a flop

its not a real mini, is it?

Wont stop you buying one though will it!

Think it will be a real shame if it isn't available as a retro fit though!

Paul · #9 (**permalink**) Nov 11th, 2006, 06:53 AM

Did he have anything new to say that we haven't already expected?

It's been assumed/published on here no retrofit for a long time, and being harder to tune a twin-scroll charger makes some sense.

The only thing you also have to consider is it's not surprising to hear a BMW person say that aftermarket places may struggle, even the technicians who speak the media like us are aware of the financial and commercial side of the process, they're not daft.

ASTON · #10 (**permalink**) Nov 11th, 2006, 08:50 AM

can you not fit a different bigger turbo?

AlexF2003 · #11 (**permalink**) Nov 12th, 2006, 06:14 PM

It hasnt got Valvetonic... a version of VANOS yes... but not variable valve lift.

The turbo will present little problem, just change it to a bigger one

Things like the injectors will be a bigger headache.

Alex

Scrogg · #12 (**permalink**) Nov 12th, 2006, 06:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AlexF2003 (original)

It hasnt got Valvetonic... a version of VANOS yes... but not variable valve lift.

There BMW go again, lying to everyone.

I'll never understand why they go to so much effort to give people the wrong information?

I wonder what, "MINI's fully variable valve control is based on the BMW Group Valvetronic system" really means then?

(Source: The 2nd Generation MINI Dealer Training Participant Guide - November 2006)

SteveM3 · #13 (**permalink**) Nov 12th, 2006, 10:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

There BMW go again, lying to everyone.

I'll never understand why they go to so much effort to give people the wrong information?

I wonder what, "MINI's fully variable valve control is based on the BMW Group Valvetronic system" really means then?

(Source: The 2nd Generation MINI Dealer Training Participant Guide - November 2006)

Well what I have read says the normally aspirated engine in the Cooper has Valvetronic but
not the turbo Cooper S engine. You could always add a supercharger to increase power AND
sound good

.

Scrogg · #14 (**permalink**) Nov 12th, 2006, 10:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveM3 (original)

Well what I have read says the normally aspirated engine in the Cooper has Valvetronic but not the turbo Cooper S engine.

That's right, but MINI are not allowed to call it Valvetronic, as it is patented for use in BMW only.

UKC4 · #15 (**permalink**) Nov 12th, 2006, 10:53 PM

If BMW has patented it then suley it can use it in the MINI, as MINI is BMW owned and is classed as a BMW MINI?!?! correct me if i'm wrong, and if it is the case MIni cant use this term the surley V-Tronic could be used as a name for the valvetronic technology. (problem solved)