My '06 MCS and I are autobahn buddies. But before my MCS arrived, I was close to buying a (German spec'd) GP. Was wondering if NAM has any GP owners who are autobahn drivers -- I'd love to hear how it handles on the autobahn, so that I can compare it to my experiences. I'm wondering what I missed out on.

(And we can talk about Nürburgring later)

 

The autobahn??? I'm jealous!

 

Autobahn? It is a nice smooth highway without twists and turns. I have used it many times. In December I drove my S to San Diego from San Francisco and back. I drove at 105 mph for 2 hours in each direction on I-5. The car rode fabulously. You'll experience the same on the autobahn, however, you won't be under threat of penalty like me. By the way, while relatively fast, it is not very exciting.

 

Well, I'm more interested in actual autobahn experiences -- something more akin to the 130 to 150 mph range. I've got no problems running with the pack, when the pack is doing 12o or 130, but the M6's / 911's / Alpina Roadster V8's tend to pick up and go a lot faster than that when they get the chance.

Additionally, I'm trying to gingerly avoid the pitfalls of: 1) folks talking about things that are illegal when they do it, 2) debating the merits of the roads in the US vs. the designs of the autobahn, and 3) the discussion of just how much is enough when it comes to speed.

it might be a pipedream -- but if there are autobahn-drivin' GP owners, I'd welcome their thoughts.

 

I am a GP owner that has driven the Autobahn many times just not in the GP but dont think thats what you are looking for.


p.s. Just as a note, even a Ford Ka driver on the autobahn would be better then 90% of US drivers ( I know Im gonna get $#!+ about that comment )

 

The last time I was on the Autobahn I suffered 2 indignities in a rented Merc CLK Cabrio: getting passed by a motorcycle while flat out, and discovering when stopped by the police in Austria that the unlimited speed stops at the "border." Still fun though.

 

abuzavi,
I've no GP experience, but spent the last 11 years in Bad Kreuznach so I too am "familiar" with the Autobahn. I think where you'll see differences between the MCS and the GP on the Autobahn is when passing (more torque + less weight) and at the top end. Where the MCS starts to run out of juice, the GP has a bit left
Now, according to an article in Motoringfile (just the 1st place I looked) the GP has a top speed of 150 mph... but I wouldn't put much stock in that number. I got my MCS to show 141mph while hauling butt down the A3 on a German holiday last year and I somehow doubt that that's the top speed MINI shows for it
Oh, one other thing. At autobahn speeds I would expect the Aerodynamics of the GP to be MUCH better at keeping it stable. My MCS started feeling a bit "Light" once I got up over about 120 (as I'm sure you've experienced).

About the only other thing I can add is... Dude, it's the Autobahn... no matter what you drive (within reason of course) there's going to be a faster car (I don't sound homesick at all, do I? )

 

Drillslinger, your description is just about on the money for what my driving days are like in an 06 MCS. There are times when I wish I had Koni FSD's and some better springs, and some days when I wish the wheelbase was a wee bit longer, and some days when I wish I had more punch left when I'm already doing 120, and some days when I wish I just plain had more top end.

Oh, well. Maybe not be any autobahn-drivin'-GP-owning folks hanging out here these days. I heard something about a commercial in the states, for the GT500, and shipping it to Germany just for the chance to properly drive it. I bet the GP would be the same.

 

Dude, I LOVE that commercial It's full of BS naturally, I think the GT500 passes a Carrera GT... I mean, C'MON!

It's no AFN commercial, but it's pretty good

Found it!

http://videos.streetfire.net/hottest...af01099975.htm

 

Carrera GT wasn't racing........... whats so bs about taht..
oh and gt500s belongs with M5s.. (tad faster than the M)

 

Just the way they show it, as if the Carrera GT had to move out of the way of the GT500, that's all

 

"Couldn't find a speed limit I liked in America."

So, so, *SO* true.

I doubt that many Mini drivers in America catch themselves trying to shift into 7th gear anywhere near as often as I do....

 

The worst thing for me is actually paying attention to the Speed Limit. As I'm sure you understand, over there you don't really have to worry about what the "Limit" is. You basically go as fast as the road/traffic allows. The last 6 months I've caught myself going WAY faster than I should be anytime I get a stretch of empty road ahead of me

And I hear you with regards to "7th" gear I thought about that too a few times

Btw, where abouts are you? K-Town, Graf, Spangdahlem??