I have a 2012 MINI Cooper S Hatchback at it feels almost impossible to launch it with traction control off.
Since I get a crap load of Torque at 1600 RPM how do you launch this thing?
All I get is Wheelspin!
I mean you can do it with traction control on but it takes a real driver to take all driver aids off.
Do you guys have any techniques??

 

1.) get better tires
2.) practice


Sorry, that's all I got...lol

 

Practice launching in 2nd or 3rd before trying to get the dead stop launch down. Just leave the clutch in a little bit longer after you shift, give it gas and release the clutch. The newer MINIs have a softer pedal feel so its not going to be exactly the same.

 

Sounds like a great way to wear the cluch prematurely.

 

My thoughts exactly. A people wonder why they don't get much life from the clutch.

 

If your talking on the street it will be very hard to get an exact method just based on roads and oil and crap on the ground but try launching from 2200 and don't floor the gas till a little into 2nd. That's what I did with my SRT4 at the track and I was consistently in the 1.9-2.2 60'.

The keys is not to floor it. And you actually want to hear a little tire squealing very little but my best 60' 1.6 and the tires were making some noise.

 

I've found the MCS to be one of the easiest FWD cars to launch I've driven. At autoX, I typically rev to 2500rpm, let the clutch out quickly and feather the throttle to start with a little wheel spin. This seems to be the quickest way to get the car going from a stop. This is all with the TCS and other nannies turned off.

 

Ok I can't resist I have been trying to stay away from this thread.

The way to launch is bang it off the rev limiter for about 15 seconds and side step the clutch and is a perfect launch every time. Well that is what the Honda guys think at least.

But on a real note the problem is you are getting surge from the turbo because you are starting so low the when the turbo hits boost it is giving you almost full power and breaking traction. Try launching at about 2400 to 2800 rpm and the not just popping the clutch. Let it out easily but,t not to fast. You will get a little spin but, should hook up right away even with those shitty runflats.

 

I this this is the best way as well. That's how Ken Block does it in his Gymkhana videos, so it must be right! One thing I've found is that you have to wait for the flames coming out of the exhaust to be at least 6" long before you sidestep the clutch

 

Launching equals clutch wear no matter how you look at it guys.

 

And den?

 

My standard autocross launch is about 3,500-4,000 rpm, quick clutch release (not sidestep!), and feather the throttle until the wheels stop spinning.

Tires are cheaper than clutch replacement, and given the weight transfer on the Mini this is not nearly as violent as one might think.

Mind you this is with a Quaife and some 225 stickies out front.

Cheers,

Charlie