Guys, I just want to clarify it for myself: Why do they call it "Aerokit"? I know that they look great better than the stock kits, also they lower the car so less air gets underneath it. This reduces speed yet enhances stability. Anyone else wanna add something more?

 

a) short for aerodynamics, which this kit improves
2) and probably more likely... Thats what BMW calls it on the BMW line...

 

Hmmmmmmm, aerodynamics improvement? You think the front bumper has better aero? I think it allows more air, only!!!

 

Because if they called it "Needless But Pricey Exterior Modification Kit", they wouldn't have sold as many of them...

All kidding aside, I like the look and understand why others like to customize their vehicle to make it look more unique.

 

It does stand for aerodynamic. Sure it does not help the aerodynamics of the 2002-2007 first generation but it still has aerodynamic properties. A brick has aerodynamic properties, very bad ones.

 

Well it helps my CR go faster... :p

 

It really doesnt reduce speed, but it does enhance stability; on the track the MCS will "float" at 125 mph+ without the aerokit, it keeps the car's tires firmly planted on the track the faster it goes by creating a downdraft. Look at the Bugatti Veyron, that car's one huge aerokit, but then it has to be with a top speed of 253 mph.

 

i did not know my MCS can go that fast.

 

Heck, make mine faster even when it's standing still!

 

of course it will, Ken. On the track, of course!

 

Why would this reduce its speed? I'm not understanding your logic

I'm pretty certain that its called aero kit because it is more aerodynamic, ie less drag, more planar airflow, etc... That and it looks cool!

 

OK, first of all, you have more drage. Wanna know why?? Because it lowers the sides and the front of the car, so you have more surface dragging the air. Right? I can go so much into details but beleive me it reduces speed. One good benifit I see is, it allows more air into the car and the hood.

 

Guys, I'm so impressed by the 07 aerokit, especially the rear one. Would anyone tell me if I can get it for my 06? I do not care if it's customized, aftermarket or OEM...

 

Aren't you contradicting yourself by saying it creates more drag but then lets more air into the engine bay??? Its like saying a solid brick wall has the same amount of restriction to airflow as a brick wall with a hole in it... And besides any miniscule amount of drag coefficient that is effected by this so called theory would be offset by the engine getting more air and running cooler, which in turn would make it more power, making up for any deficiencies in your drag...

 

Ok, we can go nights talking about that. But i'll tell you what, go to any video game, let's say Forza Motor Sport 2 on XBOX 360. Choose any car, let's say Mini, spend some cash on the bumper, and look at the top speed counter going for less top speed after implementing the most advanced bumper. Dont laugh, just try it and take the game as a non-biased judge.

Well, yes it allows more air, but I told you, it lowers the car front and this plays a role. You know what? Just fixing the side skirts, only the side skirts would effect your top speed. Beleive it or not. It's about air and air flow under the car. It's related to the car's weigh on high speed. The fact that the car become much lighter one high speed.

 

OK, first of all, you have more drage. Wanna know why?? Because it lowers the sides and the front of the car, so you have more surface dragging the air. Right?-Quote from MARWAN

Unfortunately, WRONG, Lower sides, and front, or higher front does not mean lower speed.
A cooper, in any trim has a coefficient of drag of about .33-.35
A Hayabusa Motorcycle has a coefficient of drag of about .603
The goodyear blimp has a coefficient of drag of about .020-.025

My point is you can be small, like a motorcycle, with a lot of drag, or big like a blimp, with very little drag AND using more material, like an aero kit, can yeild less drag. That being said, I have know idea of any TANGIBLE difference of a MCS with or without said "Aero Kit"

 

it is in fact called an aero kit because of its aerodynamic qualities.
Lowering the apron around a car forces more air up and over the car instead of allowng it under. this property is most often referred to as "downforce". The more downforce that is applied, the more a car is pushed to the ground at increased speeds, and this has a direct effect on the top speed of a car. typically a car with great amounts of downforce is more stable and able to go faster.
Watch any touring car race and you will see tons of aero and spoilers

Having said that, i dont know what effect the MINI aero kit has. i have seen plenty of racing tuned minis with and without the factory aero kit.

 

Fine guys, you got me intrested and convinced. Would you reply my question?

Would anyone tell me if I can get it for my 06? I do not care if it's customized, aftermarket or OEM...

 

Yes, MINI sells OEM aero kits for 2002-2006, and different kits for the R56 (2007). There are also some aftermarket body kits but they aren't popular because they look so... aftermarket.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=73898

The discussion here has revolved around aerodynamics, but let's face it, everybody does it for looks. MINI markets the kit as a styling option and that's why people buy it. MINI makes no claim about performance qualities.

 

Ummm, the aerodynamics of downforce is a double edged sword. If done properly, it diminishes the lift at high speeds and in fact will push down the car with a measurable force. But as speed increases and downforce increases, the car becomes heavier. As it becomes heavier, more power is required to push it faster. At some point, there is a balance and no more speed increase. Case in point: more power is require to move the Bugatti Veyron the last 5 or 10 mph to its top speed than to accelerate it to the first 80 mph.
Another purpose of good aero is to smooth the flow of air around the car. The "dirty air" at the back of the vehicle where it separates from the car causes drag, too. The smoother the separation, the better.

 

I know that 07 OEM aero is different than the 02-06. My question is, can I have the 07 look on my 06??

 

The 07 OEM kit will certainly not fit on an R53 -- the shape and dimensions of the bumpers won't line up with the R53 body panels. I haven't seen an aftermarket kit in that style. If you look around, you might find some other style that you like.

 

I disagree about AKs reducing speed. Altho my stock 05 S does not have one, a friend's stock 05 S does, and on the track in 2007 we did a comparison. I was able to top mine out at just under 140 mph, but noticed floating above 125, while my buddy topped his out at the same speed, but it stayed glued to the track all the way to the top, no float at all. We switched driving and did the runs three times to make sure, and all three times the same results, altho it took my AK-less car a little less time to get to 140. we're both running BF Goodrich G-Force non-RSC performance tires. weather was calm, sunny, little humidity, zero wind, in the 70s.

 

Sequence: Like I said, it's a fine balance between adding enough downforce and increasing cd. Heck, there are super cars out there that can literally run upside down on the ceiling of a tunnel because the downforce at speed exceeds the weight of the car. 'course, they've got the HP to do that, and the car is designed from the wheels up to be uber-stable at speed. Most aero kit makers don't have the facilities (read wind tunnel) to test at speed, so a lot of what they do is for looks...

 

EXACTLY. thanks for clearing this up. i havent taken my fluid mechanics or aerodynamics classes yet so im a bit shakey