The scenario: a fast, well-sighted intersection. Dry roads, sunny morning. 8:50AM, 11 degree temps. Bridgestone Duelers, FWD. Automatic.

I went through a favorite quick intersection this morning and pushed it a little, and much to my surprise - and after powering through a bit of understeer - the Mini stepped its tail out like my (as of yet still stock) Mazda MX5! I gave it a crank of opposite lock, poured in some power and it rolled on through.

This isn't a complaint: I love entertaining cars. Nevertheless I was mightily surprised the CM had that ability. OK I have seen the Evo magazine video of them drifting the Prodrive WRC CM on a track, but that has nearly 300hp, no weight and a tarmac-biased AWD setup.

Anyone else find similar fun handling traits in the Mini?

 

A coworker who had gone through the intersection ahead of me commented to me this morning about how he watched me go through after him in his rearview.

"I wasn't sure it was you until I saw the car slide. Very cool, very French Connection."

The baby rhino can dance!

 

Have not done it yet, but I want too!!!!! (If the wife ever let's me drive it again)