I have a 03 MCS and have done extreamly well in autocross events until the 05 came along with improved gearing and LSD. I'm thinking about upgrading to an 06....or should I hold off for an 07? I haven't seen much published on the 07. Does anyone have any information that would help me decide?

 

I would go for the 06 for sure, especially since it will be available shortly instead of next year. Obviously, just make sure you get the LSD. :-) I don't see any way the turbo Cooper S will be able to do any better than the supercharged cooper S unless its lighter or something un-forseen. The supercharger is always on and the turbo charger may have some lag and may be a bit peaky, even if its doesn't have any lag, I can't see it as better. Unless they come out with 16x7's or 15x7's or something as a factory option for 07.

 

It will be interesting to see if MINI takes care of the "lack of camber problem" with the new platform. The suspension systems will be completly redesigned. I believe it will be a twin scroll turbo rumored to have very little lag. The 07 interior is just plain ugly.

 

Hmmm, well if they take care of the camber issue, it would definitely rock and roll. Anyway, I still say go for the 06 since you won't have to wait one more year!

 

With JCW parts coming out of the factory for '06 who knows where the SEB is going to class it? Back to D Stock or maybe higher than that? The JCW engine package, big brake kit and LSD combo will be an awesome setup for Auto-x. Rumor has it that the suspension kit may be factory as well!

 

On a tight course it won't matter what the horsepower is, witness the standard cooper beating the "S" at times. On a wide open course horsepower will matter. The LSD tames a little bit of wheel spin but does not eliminate it on a tight course. The seb is talking about speeding g stock up by moving some cars down. The celica GTS comes to mind. Only time will tell where the works ends up. People are already screaming that the mini is dominating 2 stock classes already.

 

I guess if I went with an 06 I would be able to switch the Magnaflow exhaust, Koni shocks and custom fabricated trailer hitch, coil, wires, etc. to the new car. I keep all the OEM stuff. That could save a bunch.

 

Ok Ron, Stop messing around This baby is for you so get in line :smile: You can be second
http://www.mini2.com/news/news311.html
In January MINI2 broke the news that MINI are planning to release a light weight ltd edition MINI Cooper S, in a bid to help the 1st generation MINI flagship go out with a real bang (see here: Light Weight Cooper S Ltd Edition Planned).http://www.mini2.com/news/news274.html We've recently acquired a few more sneak details of what might be in store, and really, if you think you could be tempted, then hens teeth might be easier to acquire than one of these little beasts once an official announcement is made (we have no idea when this might be).

Firstly, this limited edition model may be very rare indeed, we've heard that our initial reports estimate of 4,000 models to be made may have been a 100% over estimation, so there could be as few as 2,000 of these cars produced to serve the MINI market worldwide! So as we said before, if your dealer will let you be put on some sort of interest list (as the car isn't announced yet, they may not want to), then get on that list pronto!

In terms of specifics, we believe you can expect an increased engine output that will at least match the output with the current JCW Cooper S tuning package. As stated in our earlier article, the car will feature unique carbon fibre panels to reduce weight, however it seems things will be even more drastic with unique interior AND exterior parts, including replacing glass with perspex in suitable panels, and lighter door casings, side panels and dash panels.

The car is planned to be as much as 15% lighter than a stock MINI Cooper S, and to go with this higher power and lower weight, expect a beefed up braking system too, with the John Cooper Works parts bin being raided for certain components. According to the rumours we've been hearing, this is sounding like being much more than a simple nick-n-tuck job, this a full liposuction treatment, then testosterone injection!

 

Nope. . . you can be third!

 

So RS...what do you think this beast is going to sell for? $30K plus? Sounds like if might end up in the SS class for autocross don't you think. Want to take a trip up to Cincinatti this Saturday with your checkbook? I dare ya. RR

 

Sorry,
This Saturday is Mid-Ohio
Go with an '06 and then again with an '09

 

I doubt we will see the lightweight version. I don't believe the changed glass will meet DOT standards. To be legal for scca stock we will need 1000 units available. Isn't going to happen.

 

Big question(s):
IF the JCW comes from the factory, will the SEB choose to keep that car in with the other S Mini's in GS or separate it out and put it in DS or somewhere else?
OR will the rumored factory JCW pull all Mini's "S" cars up to DS or somewhere else?
IF you can answer these questions correctly, I would love to have some advice on what stocks you think I should $invest$ in because it is obvious you can see into the future.
FM