Next week will be my first long trip with my JCW Coupe and I am a bit concerned how the car will be responsive on very long desert uphill stretches (some 20 miles, 7% grade) at 85-90 mph with enough power to pass on the right lane without being in problem.

I have been accustomed to drive an Infiniti G37 with plenty of power at that speed to pass on the I-15 between Vegas and LA but I am concerned with the JCW.

Anybody here can share some performance driving at high speed in uphill conditions?

 

Unless you are towing a boat, I don't think its a problem... I've driven some long steep grades in PA.. moving fast... passing was never an issue.

 

I've passed at 100 mph in the right lane (not the truck lane) on the big hill outside Baker CA on the I-15 in my 2013 JCW Hardtop. Also the 3 mountain passes over 8K feet on I-70 east to CO with no problem, both in my JCW and my wife's 2011 Clubman S over those same roads. Each time with both cars loaded with baggage and dogs. Happy motoring!!

 

Mini love's the open western road. That is the beauty of a turbo motor. At elevation the turbo feeds the motor air so don't get the power loss or as much anyway. I have ran all over the west in my MINI and there is plenty of power to cruise hard and fast all day. You will not get great mileage if you keep it spooled up.

I have done several high desert runs between Seattle and Scottsdale at speed. I will also say my street set up on my MINI was also my wet track day set up. I was never passed on that entire route on several trips. It also wasn't for lack of guys trying. Mustang GT got embarrassed rolling on from 70 to 120. I jumped him and he could not get by me which really surprised him. Then the curves came into play and he was toast. I usually just whip by in the MINI. They are pretty invisible on the road and no one is calling in "a MINI just blew my doors off".

I miss the MINI but looking now at the new Focus RS. 345HP and AWD with Ford reliability and warranty.

 

LOL...this. Really OP? I smell troll...

 

LOL are you serious? you are worried about passing? the car is more than capable...

 

Sorry, I read this thinking you were talking about the MINI Performance Driving School, not speeding on the highway. Definitely smell a troll.