Article Comments: 2007 Mini Cooper S Prototype First Drive - READ ONLY

3 messages, Last post on Sep 15, 2006 at 8:00 PM

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Article comments for First Drive: 2007 Mini Cooper S Prototype - There's no point in delaying the inevitable. What you really want to know is this: Yes, the new 2007 Mini drives like a real Mini — full of verve when pushed hard over challenging sections of blacktop. (more)

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#1 of 3 Article Comments: 2007 Mini Cooper S Prototype First Drive by KarenS HOST Sep 11, 2006 (4:58 am)
Check out our first drive and post your comments here. First Drive: 2007 Mini Cooper S Prototype
#2 of 3 Automatic transmission by bankerdanny Sep 15, 2006 (11:22 am)
I'm happy to hear that Mini is going to a conventional automatic. I recently rented a Mini with the CVT and was very disappointed with the performance not only was the reaction time slow, but traffic the car hesitated like a teenager driving his first manual transmission. I love a good manual and I have owned many, but I live in an urban area with heavy traffic and a wife who can't drive stick, so an auto is a requirement. I look forward to testing the 2007 auto when I start looking for a new car next Spring.
#3 of 3 Needs more bark? by saabgirl Sep 15, 2006 (8:00 pm)
I constantly yearned for some of the old supercharger whine to liven proceedings. If anything, the new car sounds too sterile...too refined. Well, if that's the worst thing you can say ... The audio on tapes of the '07 MINIS sounds kinda tame, and it could be that the aftermarket will need to provide audio enhancement for some motorists. If you build a new engine that develops max hp at 6000 rpm (right?) and mate it to a 6-speed Gertrag you need it to sound sportier than a Honda Civic. It would be nice to tune it so it sounds healthy winding up, but doesn't annoy while cruising. I'm wondering if the naturally aspirated standard edition will have sufficient moxie. I've head MINI owners complain that the standard MINI makes them nervous trying to merge from the entry ramp, but my perception is that they're also adverse to high revs which are needed to get adequate performance out of this car. It would be helpful to know if the driven vehicle had the sport suspension and run flat tires. I've read that a turbo diesel is in the works for 2007, but don't know a date or even if it will be available in the NA market. Other than the distinctive grille and fake hood scoop on the S model, I think it's hard to tell the diff between R53 and R56, but true MINI enthusiasts think I'm overdue for an eye checkup. Looks to me like the upgrades are all under the skin, which makes sense, because the MINI is one car with a very pronounced signature profile.