THAT roof spoiler...

4691 Views 30 Replies 23 Participants Last post by bigbaddaboom, Apr 13, 2002

Paul

Discussion Starter · Feb 9, 2002

For me, although in the flesh it wasn't so distracting as I oringally thought, the real design turn-off on the Cooper S has to be that roof spoiler...

Now, BMW/MINI have said on many occasions that this actually serves a purpose, to provide downforce, and looking at the shape of it I can believe that.

BUT, in all of the spy shots of the Cooper S on test that I have seen it DOESN'T have the roof spoiler fitted....

So, do you think it is PURELY for design, purely for safety, or partly for design, and partly to cover their backs in case the MINI 'does an Audi TT' and starts to try and fly on high speed bends?

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

Basil

· #2 · Feb 9, 2002

Purely for design...... difficult to believe the shape of the mini would cause any aerodynamic problems at terminal velocity. From this angle the spoiler looks great. This was the shot that sold me on the car. Boot's (spoiler) and all.

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FiremanMike

· #3 · Feb 9, 2002

I like it. Subtle, not one of those really stupid high wing pieces of .... that people add on.

Mike

pbraun

· #4 · Feb 9, 2002

Rear spoiler

I like it too! It certainly makes the S stand out from the rear, in a pile of traffic or a parking lot. I do think the MINI design team have access to a wind tunnel and that they maybe had a passing thought about future MINI racing, especially as all the evidence to stick with a similar design to the original car, having been extremely successful in the racing arena.

So, I'll bet dollars to donuts the rear spoiler is functional! and fun! and gives the car more soul, too!

LMB

· #5 · Feb 9, 2002

Re: Rear spoiler

pbraun said:
I like it too!

It has got my vote as well

LMB

Dave Wright

· #6 · Feb 9, 2002

The roof spoiler was one factor which put me off the Chili pack, but it seems appropriate on the S. Is this spoiler the reason why the radio aerial is now more upright than before?

BruceK

· #7 · Feb 9, 2002

Red & White Cooper 2 said:
The roof spoiler was one factor which put me off the Chili pack, but it seems appropriate on the S. Is this spoiler the reason why the radio aerial is now more upright than before?

Yes!

This picture that OnlyS4me took shows exactly why the angle is different.

click to supersize

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oopsdy

· #8 · Feb 9, 2002

the spoiler's not as obtrusive in the flesh

i have more of an issue with the hood scoop and it's plastic liner...

smiffy

· #9 · Feb 9, 2002

My sister has the problem with the aerial & spolier on her Peugoet 206, & some owners have said the aerial is damaging the paintwork. I prefer the Chili spolier my self. i wonder how many Cooper S 'wannabe's' will have the S spolier fitted to the MINI

batemano

· #10 · Feb 9, 2002

smiffy said:
My sister has the problem with the aerial & spolier on her Peugoet 206, & some owners have said the aerial is damaging the paintwork. I prefer the Chili spolier my self. i wonder how many Cooper S 'wannabe's' will have the S spolier fitted to the MINI

Let's hope it won't be many, but I've all ready seen a Cooper S look-alike body kit.

smiffy

· #11 · Feb 9, 2002

batemano said:
Let's hope it won't be many, but I've all ready seen a Cooper S look-alike body kit.

You sure it wasnt a Cooper S

I hope the Cooper S wont end up like a Cossie. You know standard cars being fitted with Look-a-like bodykits

MINIAC

· #12 · Feb 9, 2002

should be deletable for those of us who don't like it.

The 125 mph Cooper doesn't need a spoiler, so if it's a safety feature on the 'S' you only need it going faster than this. If you drive at these speeds on US roads you're nuts, and if you get caught you're most likely going directly to jail.

Just like the Audi TT, another car's looks "spoiled".

My MINI me and me

· #13 · Feb 9, 2002

MINIAC said:
should be deletable for those of us who don't like it.

The 125 mph Cooper doesn't need a spoiler, so if it's a safety feature on the 'S' you only need it going faster than this. If you drive at these speeds on US roads you're nuts, and if you get caught you're most likely going directly to jail.

Just like the Audi TT, another car's looks "spoiled".

As Kraftwork said

Wir fahren fahren fahren auf der Autobahn

It's only a short hop over the channel for us.... and then unlimited speed courtesy of the German motorway network! Now I wonder where shall I take my "MINI me" for his first european trip once he has been run in.

rich

· #14 · Feb 9, 2002

Does anyone know for sure... Can you take the spoiler off easily & not leave a trace?

Viscount Charles

· #15 · Feb 10, 2002

Heh - I've just remembered something. I'm going to Germany for a few days in October. I *should* get my S in August. Which means it'll be run in in time for some autobahn testing two months later

My Mini classic's done 110 mph in similar "tests"

On topic - I dislike the spoiler. Didn't like the Chili spoiler either. Not really struck on the S bodykit either. Love the bonnet scoop though. To me, the ideal MINI has the basic shape (and chrome inserts) of the Cooper, with the bonnet, engine and gearbox of the S.

Basil

· #16 · Feb 10, 2002

BruceK said:
Yes! This picture that OnlyS4me took shows exactly why the angle is different.

Good photo.

Theres a lot going on in that area once you open the sunroof and hatch!!!.....

KarmanS

· #17 · Feb 11, 2002

MINIAC said:
should be deletable for those of us who don't like it.

I second that idea as there is an option on the M3 and M5 to remove the rear spoilers, and those two cars can go much faster than the S

Mr T

· #18 · Feb 11, 2002

Removing it voids warranty, may require car to be insured as modified and may invalidate insurance. Blah.

Viscount Charles

· #19 · Feb 11, 2002

Unless it was an option offered by the factory (or even the dealers?). Then we'd be able to say the car is still manufacturer's spec - same insurance, same warranty etc.

Of course, that'd still leave us with the clunky bodykit bumpers

Mr T

· #20 · Feb 11, 2002 (Edited)

Official line from factory and dealers is that it is required for safety and not deleteable.

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

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