Matt,

Not that MINI has done this, but from an engineering standpoint, what about a CVT-type of arrangement where the smaller diameter would be for parking and the larger diameter for high speed? The switching would happen when the steering angle sensor reads "straight ahead". Not sure the CVT system is an appropriate theoretical "model", however.

Theo

 

A simple minded "sport" steering mode would be to just use more assistance than normal. That could be useful or at least different. Perhaps more useful would be a sport steering mode that tries to sense what you are doing so that if you try to turn the wheel faster it "helps" you more than the non sport mode. Perhaps also the steering helps less when you are using small steering inputs to give you better "feel". This would be easier than a variable ratio and good for all kinds of sport driving.

 

I'm eagerly looking forward to test driving the new Mini. Did the same for the previous version (a couple of years ago) and decided to wait for a more 'mature' car. .

YMMV
JohnG

 

Wanted a little more "refinement", did you?

 

The bottom line is that BMW has a huge hit on its hand, and now is finally in the position to make a reasonable profit margin on the MINI (Something that didn't happen on the R53, despite larger than anticipated sales). To expand sales further, BMW made the R56 accessible to more drivers--improving the quality (although not necessarily the layout) of the interior, improving the ride, while doing its best to maintain the look of the MINI in the face of the new euro pedestrian laws. I think the R56 is going to be a big success, but I prefer the R53--Which is why I bought a 2006 instead of a 2007.

And here is the rub: there are folks who want a refined car, that drives comfortably, and don't believe a car has a soul, as alluded to in previous posts. That is the majority of people, and BMW isn't stupid--they're trying to improve the car in these specific areas, as it was a perceived deficiency of the R53.

On the other hand, there are people who are more enthusiastic about cars, and look more to the sum of the parts than the individual parts themselves; and do believe a car has a personality and a soul--in the MINI S, it's in the form of burbels and pops (which you'll still get with the R56), and the relatively rougher sounding engine and supercharger whine, which you won't get with the R53. This is the third review I've read now that comments that while the R56 is overall a better car, it's not quite as visceral and engaging of a driving experience--the reviewers, who are enthusiasts, just don't feel as connected to the car. This does not represent "Juvenile whining," but an enthusiasts perspective that perhaps someone looking for more refinement/comfort won't relate to. If the car was reviewed by someone looking for more refinement, it'll come out on top of the R53--in fact there are several reviews out there that do exactly that.

Neither perspective is wrong, they're just different. Personally I was too concerned about the changes in looks of the R56, both internal and external, which really turned me off, as well as the early reports on how the car drove (the prototypes were really not so hot; they've made substantial improvement on the production models). I bought my 2006 and hedged my bets--if I like the 2007, I'll wait for the R56 JCW and trade in. However, I'm almost certain that I'll add the JCW kit (already have the suspension and brakes) to my 2006 and keep it forever.

It's a big world, to each their own--I don't feel either the R53 owners really need to justify why the R53 is better than the R56, or why R56 owners need to justify why the R56 is better than the R53; it's a highly subjective thing--it's what's best for a particular individual. Each car has it's own different appeal.

 

The steering is electro-mechanical (steer-by-wire?? - - I think onlyl parially, as its an electrical assist like most cars have a hydraulic assist) BMW's been putting this on their cars for a few years now and the motoring press was not always kind about the system's feedback. BMW has in fact been varying the ratio, even going so far as to have the ratio quicken in an emergency. Personally, the last thing I expect to help me avoid an accident is a mystery changing pointing device. Hopefully they realized their folly in this direction and have dialed it back to a fixed ratio and varying the weight of the feedback with the sport button.

I'm of the opposite opinion to a statememt made previously in the thread that suggests "sport" adds assist. Sport IMHO is supposed to lessen the car's aid and improve feedback in the wheel. Anyone who's autocrossed a car with luxo weighted steering will tell you that you can only judge understeer by the wailing sound of your tires and eventually the feeling of skipping and skittering. Improper feedback is a HUGE deficit when performance driving.

 

Interested parties need to read the entire article, or at least the paragraphs surrounding this quoted line. I gave it a quick read at the newsstand yesterday, and there are statements about learning to drive a slightly different car, driving "through" these small oddities. I don't have the article to quote it to you, but read it for yourself and you'll see. Bottom line: The sky is not falling. Relax.
Tom

 

Are you talking about any car, in general, of just the new MINI?

 

Think you are talking about my post. Did not say or mean to suggest that is what they should do in the more simple of the 2 examples I gave. Just a wrong guess as to what they may have done. From the MINI2 forum it seems the sport mode just makes the steering heavier as you prefer. To me if they had it weighted properly for normal driving in the first place, I would want more assist when turning fast for autocross and less for higher speeds. That's why I suggested a variable assist model that acted that way. Hope that makes sense.

 

And now this thread should be over. Thanks, cct1; hopefully people actually took the time to read your post.

mb

 

the implication that no post should be made that doesn't either 1) bring new information or 2) bring a new interpretation to old information would mean that most of us would have nothing to say! And total post count would only be about 10% of what it is now....



Matt

 

Anyone who thinks a car has a soul should get out and walk a trail........... feel the dirt move under their feet, smell the clean air outside of an urban environment.

JohnG

 

Anyone who doesn't think a car has a soul should buy a Buick...

 

I've tried that. Didn't work. I still think some cars have souls. Any other ideas?

 

dear God, will my R53 Mini Cooper go to heaven????

 

If music can have soul, then so can a car.

 

Good point.... but if cars have souls, and the R56 is an evolution of the R53, is the R56 an affront to God because it evolved?

 

Exactly.............no, wait.....:impatient

 

After reading this thread I end up wondering if there will be a new website just for the R56 or will NAM split in half--can we co-exist here in the same place?

 

You need to search for things like CAI vs. HAI and Cooper Vs. Cooper S Yes we can co-exist, just need seperate forums within NAM which is already done. Different schools of thought on the same goal of having fun driving

 

I agree...once the dust settles. After all, the GP folks and the classic Mini folks seem to catch little flack. There might be a bit of a bumpy ride, though (oops...I mean "less refined") .