I'm headed out to the U.S. press launch of the R56 this weekend and will be posting follow-up from the event. This will include test driving the car in both an "on road" and in a controlled environment (track or autocross type course, not sure yet).

What I'd like to know is this:

• Given all that has already been said about the R56, what questions do you still have that you'd like to get answers to
• what types of photos would you still like to see?

 

i really want to hear about the future plans for the hood scoop. Will the JCW actually use it?

 

Photos: Tuscan Beige interior, please!

What is the hypersport package/Mini Aero going to look like?

What is the holdup with the audio package, specifically the Sirius? (I'd at least like to try to understand why I'm not going to be able to get it as a factory install.)

What phones will the BT definitively be working with?

What differences will there be between the UK models and the US models, aside from the flipping of driver/passenger sides?

If you get a chance to subjectively compare the sports suspension to the regular, both in terms of handling and roughness, that would be welcome information.

And ask them when I get a production number! (Theoretically a week 10 build) :-)

Just kidding. Have a GREAT time. I'm so jealous!!

 

Lets see some pictures of that FMIC. I know it may be kind of hard but it would be nice.

Maybe some pictures of the Aero Kit if they have one

 

I would like to see the leatherette and cloth seats!

 

When can the general public expect to be able to drive the car at their local dealerships???

I think that is a question that hasn't been answered. There is 'launch day' but does that mean every local dealer will have a car in stock to test drive? I'd really like to know.

 

Question 1.............

Is there any adjustment for Camber up front? If so, is it slotted holes on the strut tower or what?

Question 2............

Does there seem to be any turbo lag?

Question 3............

Does the Hypersport suspension ride similar to the 02-06 MCS or is it a bit mushy in comparison?

Anyway, thanks for any input, question 1 is what I'm very interested in, the other 2 questions might be tough to really tell.

 

That question was already on my list. I have the exact same question. This past weekend I did two days of EVO school and talked to Grant a bit. Not surprisingly he had the same question too.

 

I really want to know about this question too... I believe the hyper sport and sport suspension are the same according to motoringfile. This would be a really interesting question especially from the view of a fellow autocrosser. I plan on doing some autocrossing with the car as well.

 

1) General feeling of the new R56 S vs a R53 S.. (You would feel for this dave :P) Differences.. Pro's and Cons?

2) When can US Dealerships expect these in show rooms? Are they still only shipping these 1-2 days prior to Feb 17th? Why such a solid date in past press releases, and then such a mixed delivery rate at launch?



Pics of EVERYTHING.. Especially interior.. Thats my biggest deal =] (Focus on Chili Red/Black interiors :P)


Thanks dave! Enjoy your weekend.

 

I hate to ask this, but it's too late -- do you perceive any loss of headroom and legroom, or is there more?

In my wife's '04 MC, with the seat not reclined enough for me (she hates it when I adjust the recline), I have two fingers of headroom.

This is my greatest fear, that I'll have to drive it in a "gangster lean".

 

On question; Will the steering wheel telescope.

My one complaint with my currant MINI is that when I slide the seat back far enough for proper leg room, I have to stretch my arms out to grip the wheel.

 

I'd like to know if the MINi aero pkg can be dealer installed and a price.
And of course when we will see pictures of it.

 

Yes, I have sat in an '07 and used the telescopic feature. I am 6'2" and also wanted to pull it a little closer. Works fine.

 

Hey..some of you may had read this already but I wrote my first impressions on the R56 at http://www.motoringfun.com/2007/01/1...mini/#more-187 ...it answered some of the questions some of you are asking...

The one I asked but nobody answered at the Press event for the Detroit Show

Is the boneet interior going to have that lining/felt material? the cars at the detroit autoshow did not have it as on the R53.

 

- Weights of OEM various wheels.

- Material being used for wheel-well lining. The plastic liners on R50 were easy to clean...I've heard a different material is being used on R56.

-Will Oxygen Blue make it to the U.S.? In '08?

 

How about driving impressions of a relatively stock base (non-S) model.

 

Oh, that I'll definitely be doing (assuming they have the R56 MC there) and you'll also get a comparison to a 2006 MC. For all the talk about the R56 MCS and the turbo, the R56 MC is still the car that I'm most interested in driving.

I'm probably the only person going driving out. I'm taking my '06 justacooper with me to take out camera gear and to be able to do the comparison between the R50 MC and R56 MC.

 

So you won't be taking out the R56 MCS? :P

Damn you justacooper freaks :P Jk

 

Leatherette Pics!

Why aren't the Flame Spokes available as part of the Sport Package on the S, when the wheels that are available as part of the package are the same price?

What is the texture like on the colorline pieces? will the white colorline be easy to clean based on its feel even though my potentially dirty/oily arm will be resting on it.....

Pics and/or description of the sunroof sunshade. is it the same as before?

(probably already answered) I assume the back sunroof only tilts and does not slide open. is this on a seperate control, or does it tilt when you tilt the front? auto open/ auto close one touch?

 

there is no turbo lag i test drove for 2 hrs no lag

 

How tall are you dwdyer? Please don't say you're 6'... I don't want to do the gangster lean either...

 

Try to see/ photo/ touch the wood wheel and dash if available give us few that ordered it some much lacking feedback please....

 

I want to know what the build quality feels like, the dash already looks like a play-school toy it would be worse if it feels like it too

Also how much of the suspension has changed?

Im trying to get a solid answer if my current suspension parts with transfer

 

U.K. users have reported that they did not put the lining on the R56. However, there is supposed to be some kind of weird lining inside the wheel wells.