So what's the latest on the R56 weight?

I was at New Country in Hartford, they had a spec sheet, just got it, that listed it at 2491 lbs.....

 

Details are here: http://motoringfile.com/2006/08/14/o...pecifications/

The US method of measuring weight is a bit different so the numbers will change slightly for us in the US. However what the above article does is try to compare apples to apples by using the EU Unladen weight figures from both the R50/R53 and the R56.

 

Sigh... and I was so hoping for the 192 lb. weight loss... sadly, it seems to be only 22 lbs.

 

It seems that the move towards a less convoluted exhaust path alone could have accounted for much of the weight difference here. This is surprising given the aluminum/cast iron engine block material change change.

 

Thanks Gabe,

I read your article on the weight. Where did the original guesstimate of 190 lbs come from?

The dealer just got this memo, official MINI USA letterhead, and it clearly states 2491 lbs for an R56 6MT US car. Would it be safe to assume that your source for the original article was using this same letter?

And, if so, are we now sure the sure is incorrect? I mean, the engine alone should account for 70 lbs, there's less glass, the exhaust is much simpler and therefor lighter.....

Obviously, I want to believe it. If the R56 is 2491lbs, performance should be close to JCW stock. If it's not, well, I've got to get my JCW order in =]!

 

It was from internal MINI USA documents. It would appear that MINIUSA made the same initial translation error comparing the bare weight (not the EU unladen weight) to the US unladen wieght. That seems to be the source of the original confusion and the information in the letter you saw. I've since spoken to people within MINI USA (not at a dealer) and they've confirmed the 22lbs weight loss. I wish it was more as well but considering most new cars area fatter than their predecessors, we're not that bad off.

 

Cool, thanks Gabe-I'll be going with an 06 JCW then, least my wait won't be as long =].

 

Better hurry up if you don't have your order in yet.

 

Even slightly less weight is great combined with more power, more torque and better gas mileage.

 

Yup, and a classier looking interior, hopefully with higher quality parts (I say this holding my broken chrome end-ring off the parking brake )

And headlights that won't wobble