....or do we not know for sure yet?
Thx!
jodi

 

I don't believe anything's been anounced, but from the spec's I've heard for them, I think it'll be real hard to put it in G unless that's the reason they up'd next years PAX (although I suspect Mr. Wilcox would be the driving force behind that ).

 

I'd be very surprised if they put it in another class. That would mean that Mini's would be spread over 3 stock classes.

I'm guessing it will be in G-stock. But I think the 2005-2006 will still be the better car.

 

No we do not know for sure, but 5 more HP and a little more torque does not make it a significantly faster car. No more so than the jump from 04 to 05.

 

Based upon my conversation with my mole in the SCCA, it'll be GS and HS for the new cars. 22 pounds lighter and a few more HP doesn't make for a new class...or in SAC speak, new replaces old.


Per
(did my time on the SAC)

 

The '07 may have another trick or 2 up it's sleeve over the '05 and '06's, but as with most new cars, development time will be needed. Guess we'll have to wait to see a final US production version.

 

I'm wondering if it will be like the new Miata? More power, but taller ride height and softer springs.

It will be interesting to watch this season.

 

I can tell you that when I saw the cars at the factory a few weeks ago that I found out they finally got what we've all wanted. Adjustable Camber on front, It doesn't look like alot but we should be able to get a degree on each side. This may keep us from being in GS, but only time will tell.

 

in all fairness, they already ARE split accross 3 classes, with the Factory JCW cars getting their *** handed to them in B-stock, which is absolutely stupid if you ask me. Makes no sense to me why the factory JCW cars didn't get a D-Stock classification, to run against SRT-4's, Cobalt SS's, Integra Type-R's, and Mazdaspeed protege's/Mazdaspeed3's (all GS FWDer's that have been factory massaged for more power, upgraded handling, and better braking). Methinks they didn't want mini's winning 3 classes

 

I'm not convinced the new one will be faster on an auto-x course. even with -camber in the front.

 

You're right. I forgot about B-stock. Good point.

 

Welp, I drove one, I liked it. I'm ordering one. GS or DS, it's a kick-*** fun car.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/new...mini-cooper-s/

Per

 

Per, that looks too much like my new car, Stop it.

 

Good to see Per uses a Mac! Sweet!

 

I'd guess it won't be as good. It looks REAL soft in some of the videos, our Mini's don't float on the road like the new ones do. Who knows though, maybe the sport suspension is significantly stiffer. We shall see soon, I'm glad Per is ordering one, now we will find out the potential. I'd bet one in HS would do well, soft or not.

 

The sport suspension felt to me like the normal 06 MCS suspension with some slight shock changes. Bars were the same size.

The base MCS suspension felt like a base 2002-2006 Cooper suspension on 16"s.

If you read the posts here on NAM, the R56 sounds like a Cadillac Cimmaron.

 

Cimmaron, baby Sweetest car of all time.

Speaking of entry level luxury cars, does anyone think the new E90(?) chassis 325/328 can run in DS?

 

I'm liking that Sparkling Silver myself. I've heard that the sport suspension is just bigger swaybars.

 

Ahh, good info Per, so, its possible it may takeover GS then with the slightly better numbers and camber once its fully developed. I guess thats if they do place it in GS, I'd guess they will.

 

Yea, the suspension is a complete package of springs/shocks/bars, not just bars and yes, it'll be right in there with the 05+ cars. I actually didn't know about the camber adjustment, as there wasn't any discussion of that in Spain and the top and bottom of the front struts appeared identical to the old car. It must be at the top, because the bottom is still that cup/bolt design.

 

Per,
I'm seriously considering an '07 S myself. Were you able to figure out what parts can be re-used on the new cars? Specifically, would you be able to reuse the wheels, and possibly the shocks?
Mike Potocki
(As cheap as always!)

 

Wheels= yes
shocks = maybe. rear looks really close, may be some perch changes to the front. front lower perch looked smaller, but nothing really to compare it to.

 

Keep in mind the late '06's (Aug build+) and presumably the '07's have larger diameter lug bolts...SSR Comps don't have big enough lug holes, not sure about the new Type C's. Rota Slipstreams's do have large enough holes though.

 

Wow, thats odd. Why in the heck would they make the lug holes so large that some wheels don't fit? Its not like most SSR Comps were made specifically for the Mini, so, I'd bet many other wheels probably won't fit either. I wonder if you could have your wheels machined out to fit? I assume probably, anyone know? I might get one for 08, but, would need to be able to use some of my 4 sets of SSR Comps. I'm glad at least I can use my Slipstreams.

 

The NZO wheels (SSR knock-offs) do not have large enough holes for the 14mm studs... time to find a good machine shop.