The "fake scoop" - bad idea - good idea?

[Paul]

The new MINI Cooper S will have a hood scoop that does nothing but make the S look different.

Is this a really silly idea, a joke even?!

Is it right that the scoop should remain an S characteristic?

Is it an opportunity for the aftermarket to exploit, all that room above the engine and the scoop already in place?

What do you think?

[MartinSSZ]

Is it possible that a JCW kit could include an intercooler? Is the scoop open to the bay Paul?

[MINIAC]

A lot of people dissed the "mail slot" in the R53 when it first came out, saying it was un-Mini like. Even though not a characteristic of the original Mini it was required.

A lot of people will say it's "silly" to have a non-functional hood scoop ... me included

[Paul]

Martin, I was sure it was open (with a plastic mesh), but I don't have any photos I've found yet to confirm that 100%, and it's a bit of a blur to be honest.

[ScottyB]

I'm not sure now to vote on this one..

I do think its characteristic of the model - I know a lot of people now that pick the Cooper from the S by the presence (or lack of) the scoop.. but I think its a bit naff to have it there if its of no use..

As Martin says, hopefully the JCW will make use of it. Still a bit strange for the stock S though

[minigolf]

If it serves a purpose it should stay.

If it does not, it should go.

Some aftermarket tuners will find a use for it. I hope!

[Smurfn]

Bit silly if it doesn't do anything. Will be a laughing stock

[Paul]

Could put a nice neon or KITT light set up in there?

[Root Ginger]

I'm sure it will be used aftermarket or by JCW to feed air to an open filter.

In fact could the insistance that it is there for show just be to stop people speculating that it will be used on Works models?

I vote for it to stay otherwise it would be difficult to distinguish between the Cooper and S.

[Smurfn]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger

I'm sure it will be used aftermarket or by JCW to feed air to an open filter.

In fact could the insistance that it is there for show just be to stop people speculating that it will be used on Works models?

I vote for it to stay otherwise it would be difficult to distinguish between the Cooper and S.

There should be a difference between the Cooper and the MCS But having something there just in case aftemarket tuners use it must not be the only reason.

I think it was a pretty hard call, and it continues to look like the previous MCS, so not many people will know the difference

[AndrewH]

Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf

If it serves a purpose it should stay.

If it does not, it should go.

I agree. I don't have a problem with how it looks (in fact I quite like it) but as Mini seem to have admitted themselves, it's a marketing contrivance Plus, it makes a mockery of our genuine scoops

[Hat]

unless its going to be used in the future i can't see the point of tooling & manufacturing a different bonnet for the S when a lot of the modifications that have taken place have been about reducing manufacuring complexity/time & cost

[minicore]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

A lot of people will say it's "silly" to have a non-functional hood scoop ... me included

I agree.

[Paul]

Seems post people are taking the view I expected (and thought myself), it's strange to have a scoop, without the need for one.

[minicabrio]

I like it for the fact is distinguishes the S from the Cooper at a glance...

I'm sure we can find a use for it!