Ok so I was at the dealer yesterday getting the rattles out of my dash for my 05MCS. I am in pretty good with all the guys at the dealer and we decide to take a 07 out for a spin.
Love the convience option where I dont have to ever take the key out of my pocket. And I like the new seats.
My big ? is this.
I love the low end torque, but it seems that when you get on it it pulls up to about 4500 RPM's then it slows down a lot and doesnt seem to pull at all from 4500 to redline.
Anyone who owns one or has test drove one noticed this?
It seemed to be faster if I shifted at 4500 rpms.

 

In my brief test drive experience, it seems to me the R56 MCS stock pulls strongly from down low but kinda loses excitment near redline. This seems to be related to turbo engines and smaller turbochargers at such.

What I love about the S/C engine in the R53 is that it builds power and pulls with gusto all the way to redline.

 

Until the engine is broken in, it will not give all it can.

However, turbo charged engines acceleration ramp tend to flatten out as the RPM's climb.

 

This really makes me thankful that I have a 05 Mini with LSD and the supercharger. We will see how the aftermarket will do with the engine, but as of the test drive that I took I am not at all wanting the 07.
But I did hear that the JCW might be putting in a 1.8 engine? Now that could be interesting.....

 

Motoringfile denies reports that MINI might go with a 1800cc engine to solve heat management issues with a full blown JCW package.

We'll see how it goes, but me personally, a 1800cc engine fitted with JCW parts would really spark my interest in the R56.

 

I need to test drive one

 

When was the last time you've heard that tidbit?

According to the last two or three episodes of WRR, that myth has been confirmed as just that... a myth. MINI is standing firm with the 1.6.

As far as flattening out... I noticed that on my test drive(s). As far as power noticably dropping off before redline. Nothing like that, just consistant power to the rev-limitor.

 

I've heard this as well, and that the JCW (or M, or whatever) will be AWD, but can't confirm this. If they're going to have a 230 hp + car with that kind of torque they better address the torque steer issues they're getting at 170 hp.