Hey, great! You've started yet another "Is the MINI a sports car?" thread!

It's super that you have your opinion on this, but try to at least keep in context to the thread and listen to/respect other people's choices. Thanks so much.

 

MCS just seems like a stick car to me, and every automatic, forced injection car i've ever driven has a terrible lag, but i understand its alot easier to drive an auto everyday. cool cool, i look forward to hearing about the auto,
James

 

Uh oh, James. I think you're in trouble. This thread is not supposed to be about whether the S should be manual or automatic. People get really mad when you discuss that topic. Just a heads up.

 

Correction.....eVal rules this thread too. OK, let me make this clearer for those of you who don't understand what this thread is supposed to be about. It is for those of us who are interested in learning more about the experiences of those who have seen and driven one of the first MCSCa--until we can get out hands on one ourselves to try out.

PLEASE stop posting your negative opinions about:

1. The decision to make an auto S
2. Ever wanting to own an auto S
3. Ever wanting to drive an auto S
4. Ever wanting to see an auto S
5. Ever wanting to see the making of an auto S
6. Ever wanting to see someone else owning an auto S
7. Ever wanting to see someone else driving an auto S

Thank you.

By the way, James that is a sweet MINI. Where did you get your blackout grill?

 

Originally Posted by MrV
This should not be a discussion about the auto vs. the manual. It should be a discussion of the Mini with an auto vs. Other cars with an auto.</rant>

[QUOTE=XAlfa]It should, huh? Why, exactly?

QUOTE]

Because that would be NEW information, not re-hashed old arguments that everyone has heard again and again.

 

See, like THIS:


Saw this on Mini2


My MCSA has arrived ! ! !

My MCSA came to the dealer yesterday. I got to go see her and take her for a spin. Unfortunately I had to leave her there for you-ifications. I am having the aero kit installed along with custom leather.

If any of you are concerned (like I was) about the decision to put an auto into an S, let me ease your worry. It is still a blast to drive!

There are actually three driving modes, automatic, sport (revs higher) and manual. You can use the paddles or the stick in manual mode. You don’t even have to put it in manual mode, just push/ pull one of the paddles and you are in manual. If you don’t use the shifters for a while, it goes back to automatic mode.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...29#post1352829

 

Using this logic we would not have F1, Champ cars, Lemans, Ferrari's, BMW M's, Lamborghini, Porshe, and a host of others that lack the 3rd pedal. I guess the Ferrari Enzo in not really a "sports" car. My mistake.

It will be fun to hear posts later this year when the track season warms up from MCSa drivers spanking some smack talking manual drivers. In a low H/P front drive car the driver is the key to fast laps.

If you want to talk purist and sports cars lets start with a front wheel drive car???? Please.

 

The original Cooper S was front wheel drive. So is the new one. That seems pretty pure to me, from an historical perspective.

 

Wow, this is just like Fox News.

 

What, you mean "fair and balanced?"

What's it coming to Xalfa when we cannot express our IMOs w/o being flamed as "closed minded"? Scary Jimbo

PS loved your "historic perspective" on the old Cooper S. Works for me

 

Pure to Mini for sure. Front wheel drive "sports car" is some what of an oxy-moron. A sporty car yes, sports car no.

 

It's definitely a semantic thang, but you are really splitting hairs, dude. Sports vs. Sporty? Ask Paddy if he thinks the original Cooper S was a sports car. I think I know what he'd say.

But we must stop this worthless dialog immediately. It has been dictated from above by those who "own" and "rule" this thread that it must contain only new information about the automatic S, presented with a positive spin.

 

Not a positive spin. Just original or new information. I'll take negative information if it comes from an informed source that has actually driven this incarnation of the MINI.

For example, since someone brought up historical perspectives, I could of course bring up the fact that Issigonis thought that manual transmissions were "barbaric" and looked forward to a time when all cars would be automatics.

But I won't do that.... cause that's an old argument that has been said time and time again.

 

MrV - Thanks for clarifying the arbitrary rules of your totalitarian state. I may decide to defy them, even though I risk sufferring vicious personal attacks. "Down, down Saddam!"

I, for one, really enjoyed the bit of historical trivia you just threw out on Issigonis. Does that make me a bad person? I just wanted to thank you for that. Feel the love.

 

Thanks, MrV. I have owned a lot of purists cars in my youth. I enjoy discussing them ad infinitum. But I agree with you that THIS stream anyway is about information on the new automatic. Another stream could and should be devoted to feelings about the MCS and how the marque may indeed be dilluted. Perhaps BMW wants everyone to opt for the JCW which is not available on the automatic? Sorry Xalfa (since I remain one of the Alfisti)

 

I'm glad you liked the trivia. Here's some more:

Issigonis didn't install a radio into the original MINI, as he felt that it would detract from the driving experience. This particular feeling didn't extend to the ashtray, which he made sure was installed since he smoked.

I do find it ironic that you are insinuate that I am somehow prone to making "vicious personal attacks" when I haven't made any personal attacks on this thread (or any other, do a search). You on the other hand have now compared me to Saddam. Give me a break.

I don't begrudge anyone their opinions, I just get tired of hearing the same arguments time and time again. I think the problem that many people have with the constant negetive comments about the auto S by the so called purists is that it makes them feel bad about the car that they have just chosen to plonk down their cash for. Why make someone feel bad about a personal choice that they made that doesn't affect anyone else in the least?

What I am guilty of is prolonging this same old argument yet again. Exactly what I argued against doing in my first post. Shame on me.

 

Hey, more purist like me!!! I'm for the pure mini too!!!

After owning an '03 MCS, I'm dissapointed that BMW/Mini had decided to put in electric windows/mirrors, air conditioning, traction control, power steering, front and side airbags, 3-point tension seatbelts and all those other fruity things that come standard.

Oh, and how could they even offer options like a sunroof (or, ghast... a convertible!!!!), leather, navigation, heated seats, heated headlight washers, heated mirrors, xenon headlights, steering wheel controls and other creature comforts? Really, what kind of pure car is this??? I thought I was buying a pure sports car and now they offer a... oh my god, a light weight 6-speed steptronic with paddle shifters???

That's the last straw. I can't stand owning a Mini anymore!!! How can I be associated with people, even handicapped ones, who now have the option to by a modern automatic Mini Cooper S. I mean seriously, that is really bothering me in how I can enjoy my own manually shiftable Mini... I'm loosing sleep here people!!!!

I have it figured out... I'm going to promptly sell the MCS, kill myself, join John Cooper up in Mini heaven and be a martyr to the purist movement, that's the ticket!

 

Fair enough. I definitely wouldn't want to make anyone feel bad about their decision to purchase a Mini. Not my intention, but I can see how someone might have that reaction to my comments. I was just lashing out at BMW/Mini, a totally futile gesture, no doubt.

And it's true, you didn't attack me yourself, but there were some mean-spirited comments thrown out earlier in the thread from those I grouped into your "camp". For example, I was described as having a closed mind. That really, really hurt.

I extend an olive branch to you, MrV. Will you accept it?

 

^^^^ >>giggling at LOKI's comment...not at the olive branch.

I hadn't owned a manual transmission for 18 years when I bought MINI #1 in '02! I worried about driving a stick again, until I took delivery and drove her home!

Then I traded in my cute little 5-speed for Wanda...and I love those 6 gears! No matter what is going on in my day, when I hop into Wanda, she is a joy and my day is "automatically" better!

However, I am very interested in test-driving an MCSa! The paddles intrigue me and for people who are not interested in, don't know how to, or simply do not wish to drive or own a manual-trannied car, the MCSa is a great alternative!

**And the "purists" had better refrain from what is getting VERY close to personal attacks in this thread or risk being edited.**

Clover

 

Hehehehe.

 

I was initially opposed to MCS getting automatic transmission, but it's totally ok now, because the "Automatic" transmission we get isnt really a stereotypical auto transmission. This one is like all great transmissions that require you to pull a paddle on the wheel, and changes gear very quick, to me that is not automatic.. that is RACE baby, F1 style. booyah.

 

But those cars have faster automatic shift than humanly possible with a manual. The Auto S doesn't.

The Auto S will be great for those that refuse learn to drive stick or physically can't drive stick. But I'll say it again. You'll lose some of the dynamics and performance, that makes the "S" the "S".

Now, being British, I didn't know a single person that drove an automatic in the UK. I would love to know why automatics are so popular here, but not in Europe.

 

Oh most definately.

Just to add to the conversation and let you know how I came to buy a MCSa. I was tired of driving a small, "cute" car.

http://www.geocities.com/jaw0012/beetlemain.html

I was all set to go and buy a pickup truck, even had the options and model picked out after test driving those that I was interested in. BUT, my conscience kept bothering me over the gas mileage (for me it's a moral decision, more than an economic one, though that doesn't hurt). My wife kept saying "I don't see you in a pickup truck.. why don't you test drive the Mini".

Finally I relented. I went and test drove a MC CVT. My daughter was with me and we had just left Six Flags. She ended up in the back seat, with her hands over her head shouting "this is like another ride!". I was sold, but I felt the CVT lacked power. So I test drove the MC standard, and finally the MCS. I was definately sold by the time I drove the MCS.

BUT....I have a condition called congenital Patella Alta.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attenuated_patella_alta

It's getting weaker as a grow older, and therefore have resigned myself to driving an auto. Yes I prefer a standard, but obviously was glad to hear that the MCSa was coming.

I have now waited 9 months for my MCS. It gets loaded on the boat at Southhampton tomorrow, and I can't wait.

I for one am just glad that MINI has put the "extras" like Manual mode and paddle shifters on this tranny. I think that they should be commended on their decision, as they surely COULD have just slapped any old system in there and sold a million.

 

Ah shucks, I was gonna post to watch out how fast the purists will step up to point out, "but the steptronic is just a slushbox auto and not a sequential manual!" but you were just too quick my friend.

We, of course, won't go into how similiar steptronic and sequential tranny (street not race) driving is tho.

 

Well, going back to the original intent (context) of the thread I reiterate my first post and say where are the real driver/owner reviews? Anyone broken in one of these babies and gone on some good romps? More impressions of the Jan prod changes?

Let's hear 'em!

Side Note: From what I've heard Issigonis was against the Cooper S altogether...