Hardly

 

The 'S' in Cooper S never meant anything. When John Cooper first put it on it was just to denote a difference between the standard version and his kickass'd version. Even when he was asked what it stood for he wouldn't give an answer.

 

Yeah, the Corolla S just means sport seats, foglights and a few more options (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2009/toyo...arestyles.html)

But be careful - newer MINI's not only lack a supercharger, but the hood scoop is no longer functional, either, so they seem to be following the 'style of substance' mindset that plagues a lot of cars nowadays. It's like those Mustangs with a fake hood scoop and fake side vents behind the cabin - I mean, if you're going to pretend you have a good engine, at least decide where you're going to pretend it is!

 

Not totally true. The bonnet scoops are no longer fully blocked, which provides two functions, get a little more air over the engine to the intake in the back of the engine compartment. While it also helps to vent out heat produced by the turbo after the car has been shut off.

 

"I mean, if you're going to pretend you have a good engine, at least decide where you're going to pretend it is!"

"Pretend?" There aint nuthin' pretend about the R56 engine. I'm betting that you haven't driven one; at least not the "S" version. Take it for a spin.

Or maybe you're just talking about the Mustang?

 

My '95 Mustang had scalloped doors and vents in the rear quarter panel. That model year they were functional though, and I believe in racing they would put cooling ducts back there.