Completely different engine design, the first gen Borla system won't even fit the non-turbo Coopers.

Borla does offer a cat-back, but it's essentially a rear muffler change and is attached after the 2nd cat. Even the Sport version doesn't change the exhaust note or volume much.

The R56 MCS doesn't use a convoluted muffler system like the first gen's, so a "one ball" mod isn't an option, although a couple companies like Stratmosphere & Exhaust Depot are offering bolt-on cat-backs that eliminate the 2nd cat. The turbo is responsible for taking most of the sharpness out of the exhaust note, followed by the primary/first cat in the downpipe. You can get a much nicer note w/ a metallic cat downpipe, but still no pop & burble.

 

What other cars use is irrelevant. The issue is whether a popping and burbling 2nd Gen. MINI uses more gas than one that doesn't pop & burble.

If the European MINI really does pop & burble, it is an interesting question. They do seem concerned about carbon footprints for cars. So, it would be odd for gas to be used just for exhaust noise.

If it was diripping on the ground, it wouldn't be making popping and burbling noises.

California doesn't regulate gas consumption or carbon emissions (yet). It just regulates certain pollutants. If the pops happen pre-cat, they could clean up the regulated pollutants while still emitting more carbon and other things.

Here is why I think gas has to be consumed to make the noise:
1. I can't think of what would cause pops, other than small backfires. This would mean unburned fuel is making its way into the exhaust system and igniting. Backfires do not contribute power to the engine, so waste fuel.
2. If the burble removal was done entirely in the ECU, it has to be related to amount of fuel injected, or the timing of the spark. As I understand it, valve timing is controlled by the cam and timing chain, and isn't affected by the ECU.

So, the spark could be delayed slightly so combustion was still going on when the exhaust valve opened. Seems to me that this would be giving up some power (perhaps not much) for the sake of sound effects.

Or, more fuel could be put into the cylinder during deceleration and idle than is needed. So, some makes it into the exhaust system, finds oxygen, and combusts -- causing a backfire.

Not sure how a burble is caused, but it would seem to be some sort of variation in combustion.

This is my theory. It is mine. That is to say, it belongs to me, and I own it.

I could be wrong.

 

so theres no way of getting it on the 2nd gen at all? that sux. to me thats one of the most enjoyable sounds the car makes. i hardly even listen to my stereo.

 

It does suck and I totally agree, the first gen cars make a wonderful symphony of sounds for us gearheads, between the RC like electric steering, the supercharger whine, and the exhaust burble & pop.

There is a way of getting the sound back mechanically, best bet at the moment is to nag the guys who're starting to develop/offer (RMW, Dimsport, Alta) custom tunes for Euro based maps or simply to turn the feature back on.

 

my Alta exhaust crackles every now and then