OK, assuming one could actually get these without a GP VIN, do y'all think that the GP underbody panels (Part 6 in pic) would be a direct fit onto an MCS?? And do you think it would accomplish anything?

 

I doubt there would be any measureable benefit to these but see no reason they wouldn't fit on any MCS.

 

Well, one of the things I've noticed is how the MCS gets "twitchy" at high speeds. Since I fully intend to move back to Germany, I was thinking that the underbody panels might actually help out. Not as much as the GP wing I'm sure, but still....

 

Deviant
I would have to disagree with you on the benefit. It seems MINI spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel with the GP. I don't think they would have bothered with all that expense, time and cost of the parts if they did not believe they were worth the performance benefit. Especially throwing money at an item that no one will see unless they are under the car.
Steve

 

i seriously doubt and its IMHO that they make a difference...sure slightly but nothing worth the price of the panels and install

 

Well, I'm HOPING that install will be as simple as bolting the panels in using existing mounting points. As for the cost... you'd have to find a dealer willing to sell it first

 

i am guessing it lowers the drag coefficient, if you look at race cars they do tons of stuff to the underside to optimize air flow.

 

Guys do we have any photos to see what the GP underbody looks like?

 

Probably benefits at speeds higher than legal limits in the US.
Aero benefit is exponential at higher speeds. Hardly anything is useful at 70mph.

 

sort of like carbon fiber .......

 

Could they be to lower wind noise like the panneling some Lexus have?

 

Agree. Cleaning up the air underneath reduces drag and lift. Probably wouldn't be a WOW mod but it's there.

 

Similar panels sre on the R56. Must be a reason to add them. Mine are being fitted this week :D

 

Got any pics?

 

Wont fit unless you have the GP side skirts. They definitely make a difference to help eliminate lift on the car.

 

It's starting to sound more and more like there might be a GP in our future.

 

I agree, there actually should be a benefit. The worst part of the car (aerodynamically) is the underside. Underbody pans maker a difference in fuel efficiency but also in downforce... hence the focus on the high end sports cars.

I was thinking that you don't need real high end material (plastic should work). I wish there was an option for us....

Bhozar- you adding them to an '03?

 

I was at a local meet the other day and got to see a GP. I looked under neath and all I can say is "WOW" Those panels are amazing and make the underside almost completely flat! They have got to work. The owner told me that there is a very noticeable difference in high speed handling compared to a regular cooper

 

Yeah, I am adding them to an Feb 03 MCS. I dont have the GP side skirts. I considered them due ot the aerodynamics, and ruled them out due to them being pig ugly. I went with standard aero side skirts, GP front bumper and GP rear trim.

I'm dropping my car off tomorrow to get everything fitted.

The panels are not completely flat. They have some chanels in them and the points when the bolts go dip up to the body/chasis. I imagine the channel are there for strength, as without them the panel would flex, bend and sag.

I dont know if the R56 panels are the same or different. They certainly look the same.

 

Are they installed? Any way to post pictures?

 

Soon as its done I'll get some photos done. Hasnt been done yet. They have to add some bits to be able to bolt it to. Should be done this week some time.

 

Old post but saw this when cruising threads.

You are correct about the twitchy at high speeds in the MCS, but the turbulance under the car is not the initial cause. Because of the massive roof area of the mini the roof acts like a aircraft wing actually providing lift, remember too the MINI weighs in about 2,400 lbs....

I would bet that the GP has a different style rear spoiler and a lower front spoiler air dam/side skirts and poss even a lower ride height than the MCS. All combined would provide the stability you are looking for..... ( each component accents the other)

 

I'd say that's a good bet I've since added TSW springs and have returned to Germany. DB is much more stable at Autobahn speed now than when new (and standard)

 

As promised, pictures of the GP underbody panels fitted my my Feb 03 MINI. Was fitted by ThinkMini, they used clinch nuts to get it all fitted, and it fits perfectly with the aero side skirts. Not sure how long it took. The finish is first rate, and looks perfectly level. My GTT front brace fits on the outside of the panels, and the spacers for it fit inside the panels.







The under body panels match my GP front and rear bumpers:

 

^^^WOOOWW. I absolutly love you car. The color and the bumpers look great. I would like to try putting those panels on my MCS as well. I do think it would be a bit hard to find though in the US.