I have PSS's on my R53 GP...hands down best street tire available.

 

I dont have them on the car yet. The tires that Mini were going to replace the Kumhos with, are the same size as the tires I bought. I will get them and sell them to someone who wants run flats

 

Why did you opt out of the Khumos? Or why do you not want the Khumos on the GP?

 

I have other wheels and tires for the track and I really didnt like the Kumhos too loud!!

 

Agree completely. They come in the OEM 18" size for R53, but not OEM 17" size for R56. Time to start sending emails to Michelin!

 

I have them (215/17) on my JCW Clubman - best all around tire installed in 11 years of MINI ownership

 

+1. After driving the new GP for the last week (no I don't own it) it would be hard to let go of my R53 GP. Two very different MINI's. my R53 GP has a certain rawness I really enjoy. I also agree that the seats are fine and the supercharged car is just really fun.

The R56 GP is a very refined machine. It's much more of a daily driver in my opinion. The suspension is butter nice. The power delivery is great but I have not jumped on it as I'm still in break in mode at just 150 miles. Fit and finish is amazing. Interior is very nice and the seats do in fact kick azz. The brakes are amazing! All around small super car. But I just can't give up the R53 for the R56. If I was going to, it would be a JCW Clubman just to gain some versatility.

 

Could anyone plz tell me:
Is it any way to retrofit rear seats? Just in case..
P.S. Sorry if the question isn't wise and the answer is obvious - still haven't got the car from dealer..

 

I don't think so, there is a bar that goes across the back of the mini.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/.../photo_14.html

 

I know that, just thought there's a way to demount it...

 

Thought it was a strut bar, I was wrong.
That racy-looking bar that lives between the rear strut towers in the cargo area isn't a strut tower brace -- Mini says the rear is plenty stiff as it is, thank you very much. Instead, the bar keeps all your gear from rushing into the cabin when you get on the brakes in a hurry. Not as cool a function as a strut brace, but at least it still looks good and makes itself useful.

 

Its would take allot of work.

I have seen the pre-production JCW GP 2 with rear alcantara seats, so it may be possible. Also you would have to fit rear seatbelts which would not be red, gut the whole rear section, replace. And the seats would not match the front unless you could get the euro alcantara.




Thanks

 

I don't think seats upholstery or red belts would be the toughest problem: I assume it will be difficult to fix that seats as there's no fixture system in GP. Also not sure about side armrests, belt fixture system..
Though, something like these would definitely satisfy me:

 

I had similar thoughts (need a back seat if I buy another MINI) and tool a closer look at a GP and a standard hardtop last weekend on the dealer showroom floor to compare.

Would need seats and all related hardware to mount them, seat belts, interior panels, speaker grilles, probably need the brace to hold the top of the rear seats (where it clips in the upright position) and that may need to be welded in, plus the rear cargo cover thingy.

Without tearing one apart to confirm, I'd say it should be doable. There were a couple of 2006 GP's converted to 4 seater.

 

 

For those of you who want to pay a $10K mark-up for a STICKER

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...44871854&Log=0

 

No my car says #1 of 2000 !!! I'ts only the roof # for the USA - not worth that amount. My local dealer, Global of Atlanta, has two sitting on the showroom floor at normal price.

 

Who the hell paid 10k over list? For all of you that bought one, tell us how much over list you paid.

 

Wow this car was ordered by a guy that bought 2 of them. If I am correct. Looks like he didnt pick it up. I wouldnt pay the extra as it really isnt number 0001 out of the 2000 it is ludicrous, if they think they can sell it for this. I will pop in this afternoon and see what they have to say about it. I dont live too far from the dealer selling this car, it is the same dealer where I got mine.

 

So go verify it is car #1.

 

I seen the car when I picked mine up it has 0001 on the roof.

 

I put the Michelins on this weekend what a difference in ride quality they are great.

 

The Guy bought Three GP's he has it at his location.

 

what size did you go with?

 

205/45/R17XL Michelin Pilot Super Sport.