Tuesday 1st November 2005

Lightweight Mini launches

Lighter, yes, but not prettier, say most

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A bit aftermarket?

As revealed by PistonHeads last week, there's a new, limited edition Mini on the block. From July 2006, the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will deliver a power output of around 218bhp -- that's 136bhp per litre -- and a weight loss of 40Kg over the standard car. Only 2,000 will be built, some 20 per cent of which will be sold in the UK.

• The MINI Cooper S with JCW GP Kit will be a two-seater in exclusive colours, and extra safety and interior options will come as standard.
• Weight loss has been achieved by engineering tweaks and chassis changes, said BMW. For instance, the longitudinal control arms on the rear axle are now aluminium, while sound-deadening material and the rear seats have been stripped out.
• Modifications to the intercooler as well as engine tuning measures have increased power output by -- wait for it -- 8bhp. Maximum torque is now 180lb-ft, compared to the Cooper S's 162lb-ft, so the JCW-equipped car gets a limited slip differential and dynamic stability control as standard to handle the extra torque.
• The John Cooper Works brakes at the front get red callipers, set behind specially-designed, lighter 18-inch alloy wheels.
• The special edition will only be available in grey-blue metallic combined with a silver roof and red wing mirrors. The air scoop on the bonnet and in the front apron are also silver.
• Interior standard equipment includes Recaro sports seats, single CD, air-conditioning and a multi-function steering wheel.
• A new aerodynamics package - front and rear aprons, a wing-shaped rear spoiler, underbody panelling and lower side sills result, said BMW, in a less drag and more downforce front and rear.

Reaction to the new car on dedicated Mini forums has been - er - negative, with comments centring around the blacked out windows and aftermarket look of the bolted on accessories. See what you think....

• Lightweight Mini pics leak
• More pictures here

[ultimasimon]

Have they missed the point?

Lighter - yes,
bespoke suspension components - yes,
more torque - yes,
no rear seats - yes

But

* Air con WTF?

* 8 BHP ??

If it wears the Cooper badge and it is supposed to be a circuit competetive /track day/hooned version, surely the word compromise was also on the drawing board?

I would think it will still be noticibly quicker but with plenty of aftermarket companies now offering performance bits is there a market for this 'half way house' car?

[ultimasimon]

Plotloss said:

Still think they should do a Cooper R with c300bhp...

and why not.. this car could be a competition killer and put MINI where Mini was 40 years ago.

300 horses is not unatainable given the resources bmw have available to them and for once they could make us proud.

But what do they deliver? 8 hp and Halfordtastic bolt ons

red wing mirrors p l e a s e

[ultimasimon]