one of the latest best motoring episodes has a race with the
automatic cooper s in it. sorry in japanese only but it was interesting to see how it stands up well against the twin clutch cars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c72J9gLYJA

 

Smoke the VW twins easily. It's would be nice to see JCW vs S2000 Type-S.

 

Cool video...those guys sound so goofy!

 

Here is one more interesting best motoring video (Dec 2009):
same Mini Cooper S automatic VS heavy weight hot hatches: Audi S3/Renault Megane R26R/Mazda Speed 3/CIVIC Type-R JDM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL8VlPHhWvA

Keep in mind Audi S3 has AWD + 265PS, R26R and Civic JDM comes with aggressive sticky tires + LSD

 

does that auto S have a JCW tune kit attached? reason I ask is that the tune kit changes the car's performance personality BIG-time.

 

It's completely stock (175 PS as shown in the introduction).

 

OoooOOh! Vipah!

 

Go Mini auto! I now feel better about having an automatic. Also did anyone notice that the Mini sounded like it had a defenders of speed intake on it. I know that's probably not possible, but it sounds exactly like one.

 

すごい！

ミニやった！

 

what he said

 

Really cool videos, thanks!

I am in fact in awe... I didnt think the MINI would do that well (stock!)

 

One more best motoring video: Mini JCW vs Renault R26R vs Honda Civic Type-R JDM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VoIF92PsAA

Basically R26R AND Civic Type-R is built for track day (plastic windows, roll cage, super sticky semi-slick tyre, rock hard suspension), while the JCW is basically a MCS with more PS + bigger brake. For reference, R26R is the quickest FWD production car around Nurburgring & Top Gear Track. On Top gear track R26R is 2 secs (1:28) a lap faster than 300+PS Ford Focus RS/E46 M3.

 

yeah i saw that one too, the mini had some serious competition!

 

and people wonder why the autos usually post slightly faster (stock) Auto-X, track, and standing 1/4 mile times against comparably-equipped manuals. Had a guy with an 08 MCS with tune kit try to keep up with me the last time I tracked my car, and he could not--despite having the same tires and suspension, knowledge of the track, and experience level in negotiating it.

I wonder if the driver in the Japanese video used his paddles in M, or just let it go in D, Sport on, DSC off (like I do for standing 1/4 mile)?