Does anyone have any info about a forthcoming Mini Cooper RS? I read the Eurpean Car article on Mini tuners and they mentioned something about the factory having plans for an RS model. No other details were given. If it's true, I better stop putting so many miles on my '03 so I can sell it when the time comes to upgrade. JR

 

I too saw that carrot dangling in front of me. . . .

"RS" is all I know from that one sentence in a magazine. . . . but what I do know is that I WANT IT!

 

Maybe that's the "Kings English" for Raaather Sporty, old chum?

LBC1

 

It probably means: AWD with 250hp...
Hey, a guy can dream
right?

 

Actually, the latest unfounded rumor is that the AWD MINI's will be built on the second generation MINI chassis, so that is probably not going to happen until all of our warranty's are ready to expire and we can trade up.

However, I could certainly imagine that a nice 200hp factory hot-rod version of an RS could be easily put together a'la M-series or Dinan style factory approved mods.

All I really want is another 35hp, bigger brakes, and maybe just a little bit of suspension help. That would make for one awesome all-around track car that was still civilized on the streets and very well balanced all around.

This could be done so incredibly easily as a sort of "Sport Plus" package for about $1000. Even better if it was offered as a performace upgrade by the dealer with full warranty coverage like any other OEM parts.

_________________
~Yucca Patrol~

2003 MCS, BRG/W on the truck to my dealer!

"Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement."

 

I agree with Yucca's vision. Upgrade the ECU and add a little sportier exhaust, slap the R badge on (inside and out), add the magical $1200 option fee, and I'll buy one. Of course, a new wheel choice with wider rubber would be cool. Big brakes are good. And a hidden trailer hitch for hauling autox wheels.

I asked my dealer (Crown Mini of Richmond, VA) about warranty/performance upgrade issues and found out that they are aggressively trying to get "certified" or whatever BMW requires to tune cars. Keeping them covered by warranty, of course. I'm hoping to get the chip soon when my wife's not looking.

 

If I ever saw that they make the MC RS in Pepper White I think I would serisouly need a new pair of pants

For this I would upgrade in a heartbeat, even though I (we) don't really know what it is!!