Here is the official ZF website, manufacturer of the Cooper CVT transmission:

http://www.zf.com/defaultz.asp?lang=1&id=98


According to the technical info section, the ZF Ecotronic CVT is capable of handling power ratings all the way up to 200HP.

Opinions??

(Please, please refrain from turning this thread into another my stick shift car is better than your CVT car slug fest. Only intelligent technical discussion is welcomed here).

 

From an engineering standpoint, it is pretty typical for key elements in an assembly to be overengineered. From my personal experience, automotive manufacturers are extremely pickey with their supply chain, and want virtually 0 part fallout. Even on a part that is usually 50 parts per million (PPM) AQL, they do not stand for any faiures. For suppliers, this is pure hell to deal with, and can at times result in some suppliers claiming too much about certain parts to fit the requirement bill. From BMW's stantpoint, having a transmssion overbuilt is less liability on their part. I would not second guess that the ZF tranny is truely capable of handeling 200HP.

 

so what kind of discussion are you looking for?

 

I believe that I read in Quattro Magazine, that the Audi CVT was engineered to handle upwards of 500 bhp. Need lots of strength for those RS and S models.

 

>>so what kind of discussion are you looking for?


Bashing? no thanks. We have had enough threads like that.

 

>>>>so what kind of discussion are you looking for?
>>
>>
>>Bashing? no thanks. We have had enough threads like that.

Sorry didn't think I was bashing!
Are you wanting to put the cvt in your new S?

 

I would love to see one day either a CVT or SMG tranny being offered in the MCS. The point that I was trying to make is that whenever a new CVT related discussion thread is created the conversation turns into a slug fest of why all automatic cars suck and why "REAL" enthusiasts on drive stick shifts.

I am tired of those topics. I think the CVT is a very, very interesting device that deserves lots of attention within the MINI community. I also blame MINIUSA to an extent for not promoting the very high tech aspects and fun driiving dynamics factor offered by the ZF Ecotronic CVT transmission.

 

I drive a MCS daily. Last night as I was crunching a few gears (not normal for me) I was thinking how nice the CVT was when I drove it a few months ago.
I had a demo CVT MINI and used it extensively for a day. I got to try the CVT in manual shift mode and it was a blast. Great stuff.
So good that if I knew back in Feb what I know now I might not have picked a MCS and could have done very well with a MC with CVT.
I agree that more people should keep an open mind on the CVT. I did test drive the CVT back in Feb but I did not have the time to do
a full day of driving to learn more about it before I bought my MINI. Now I always tell people to try the CVT before deciding.
Bottom line- the MC with CVT is fun to drive and in the hands of a experienced driver that really knows how to use the CVT it is a very good ride.

 

"The ZF-Ecotronic CVT offers greater drive comfort and faster acceleration, combined with substantially lower fuel bills and lower pollutant emissions when compared to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine operates more consistently in its optimum speed range than it is able to when connected to a multi-ratio transmission."

lower fuel bills?? My CVT gets crappy mileage!! It's even worse than my partners 4speed auto Honda CR-V.

 

>>"The ZF-Ecotronic CVT offers greater drive comfort and faster acceleration, combined with substantially lower fuel bills and lower pollutant emissions when compared to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine operates more consistently in its optimum speed range than it is able to when connected to a multi-ratio transmission."
>>
>>lower fuel bills?? My CVT gets crappy mileage!! It's even worse than my partners 4speed auto Honda CR-V.
>>


Heavy foot perhaps??

I get 25-28 MPG in the city and smooth as silk acceleration.

 

>>
>>Heavy foot perhaps??
>>
>>I get 25-28 MPG in the city and smooth as silk acceleration.

perhaps....... but I get 21-23mpg and the CR-V gets around 25-26mpg driving around the same city streets. And it's a freakin SUV!!! The mpg is acceptable when I'm out of the city (and drive with a much heavier foot). It's just this impossible NJ traffic that I drive in.

 

21/25 in the S 31/35 in the cooper5 spd is yours a 5spd or a CVT?


never mind I see a CVT


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Flo 03S, MINI 02 Cooper , Lucille Girly car 01 Miata, and Tina 95 tracker the work horse