That's better than what Ryephile ended up with before he sold it for an R53...although I don't know which springs he used...

 

Notice my fingers behind the scoop.

 

No...this is a scoop...

 

Thats a good photo, it really shows that there are myriad design elements that give the car the appearance of being higher - more protrusive and higher bumper design, higher beltline, wider higher tail lamps, and then also that change in the smoother slope down the hatch. The older design does appear more evocative of the orginal Mini (and in that light looking 'dated' is a good thing )

 

When you gonna put that on your car?

 

It's simple...

A hole does not equal "functionality".

Does the hole serve a direct and important purpose? Or is it just a styling decision?

I'm not saying that I don't like the R56. I do - just not as much as my R53. However, if I was to decide to buy an R56 MCS, I'd be looking into the possibility of replacing the bonnet with one from an MC, and get rid of the useless scoop altogether. (don't know if it's possible or if it would fit, but I'd at least try!)

Now, if the aftermarket comes up with some creative and functionally useful purpose for the scoop, that will change things. But simply having a hole that air passes through, with no specifically intended target or purpose, does not qualify as "functional" in my book.

 

Yep, removing the plastic cover doesn't make it any more functional than removing the plastic in a Mustang's vents would make the hood and "brake vents" functional.
But if I was ordering an R56, I'd want it with a scoop : 1) potential future use developed by the aftermarket guys and 2) like how it looks (call me a poser ). It's funny that so much is made of the scoop functionality 'cause I haven't figured out what the "rear diffuser" in the standard back bumpers of the R52, R53 or R56 does (and don't get me started on the diffuser-by-stickers on the aero rear bumper )

 

At least the fake R56 hood scoop looks convincing. Funny how many people have OEM aero side skirts (both R56 and 1st gen) and don't complain about fake scoops that don't even look functional. But they did bother me so I got these skirts instead:

 

Great looking MINI.

 

Be that as it may, the R56 has a front mount, so doesn't really need the scoop Looks bling in either case, haha

 

Although I haven't heard it from MINI directly, some have theorized that they partially opened the scoop in the more recent R56s just to release the heat in the engine bay. It doesn't directly provide cool air to the air intake or intercooler, but it does serve an albeit twisted purpose: to reduce the overall heat (caused mostly by the turbo). Arnbut has reported a notable decrease in heat between his original R56 and a later replacement w/the open scoop.

Edit: Of course your point is that the scoop doesn't function as a scoop, which is correct. Using a scoop to reduce engine bay heat is "abusing" a design element. If you want to vent heat, you should add vents.

gl

 

I've heard that attempt at a justification for the scoop many times before... I'm sorry, I don't buy it... I think it's a pretty flimsy excuse. The scoop is bling, little more... unless and until the aftermarket makes direct use of the captured airflow at some point.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with bling if that's what you want... but it's silly to try to pretend it's something more! Same goes with many other mods us MINI owners make, including aero kit parts (as mentioned above).Yep!

 

I didn't know the R56 has a Front Mount Intercooler.
That will make for a nice aftermarket/JCK apperance.
There have been a few people to retrofit a front mount nicely.
Definetly looks good!

Gotta say though still partial to the clean look of the old front.

 

ALTA has already proven that removal of the block plate does help, how is that not fuctional? They got increased air to the intake and HP gains.

 

I could have predicted that it "helps", simply due to slight reduction of wind resistance. The "closed" scoop is a 90-degree vertical plane against the wind. Of course removing it helps... but perhaps a hood that was more aerodynamically designed in the first place, without a scoop at all... would help even more.

 

Well if you decide to get your own R56 then have at it. I will still be happy with my "fake" hood scoop.

 

This is an interesting point. I f the R56 S scoop was never supposed to have any function (and thus be completely blocked off), then ideally it should be designed as pretty aerodynamic so that it's presence doesn't impede airflow. However, if that's the case, then opening it up later, whether for a factory-designed function or for an aftermarket enhancement, would be kind of pointless since very little air would be getting in. "Aerodynamic" and "functional scoop" are sort of at odds with each other - in order for a front-loading scoop to function effectively, it has to get in the way of the airflow, unless a lower pressure area is created on the other side of the scoop.

 

I too have wrestled with the look of the new front of the R56, but what nobody has stated here, is the real reason for the design. MINI/BMW were required to raise the hood line due to new pedestrian laws mandated by the European Union. By raising hood lines, pedestrians would be less likely to be thrown directly into the windshield header and thus, lessen the chance of serious injury or death.

That being said, as much I don't care for the new look, I have to give MINI/BMW a lot of credit for coming up with a design that passes the new regulations and preserves the look of a MINI. The R56 looks okay when its by itself, but put it next to an R50/R53 and it just looks a little awkward. I believe the new front looks better on the Clubman due to the longer wheelbase. Can't wait to get my Clubman, but will wait until 2010, so they work the kinks out. BTW, I'm keeping my R50 forever. Thanks for reading. Cheers and long live the R50/R53

 

All this stuff about hood scoops and such is pretty funny when you consider the thread was about observations from driving behind the car

 

Not necessarily in autocrossing. Recently beat an 07 S. And I've blown past them on the highway.

 

^ yep, and I've blown past Porches and 'Vettes on I-85 so fast they didn't even know we were racing

 

I've never met a MINI/Mini I didn't like...

 

What about the multiple posts concerning the difference between an early R56 (blocked scoop) and those later produced w/ an unblocked scoop? I think there was reference to a 40+ degree difference in engine heat?

Personally, I can't touch my bonnet after a drive because it'll cause blisters. It's hot as hell for at least an hour afterwards...and yes I do have a blocked scoop.

 

I've seen several accounts of former R53 owners doing well with the R56. Here's one: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=101349

 

Um, careful, guys. You might want to edit before a moderator sees these posts.