There was a lot of talk before the cars started arriving and when photos of the first arrivals were posted about the stilty height of the R56. Fuh-get-about-it. Anybody who was concerned rest assured that during break in the cars settle down on the suspension to where the wheels are perfectly centered in the wheel arches. The space at the front and rear of the wheels is equal to or less than the gap at the top of the wheels. Chalk it up to brand new springs, and a suspension that has not flexed very much yet.

Now if you are disposed to lower your car, by all means dig in. But others who would not consider it but for the images of the tall R56s, you can be sure that the cars will settle in and look right.

 

Don't suppose you have any 'before and after' measurements or photos?

 

I agree with you lava that it takes a couple hundred miles for the stock suspension to settle, however where it does finally rest is still a bit un-sporting looking. After I installed the H&R springs, which lowered the car about 1.5", now it looks "tastefully lowered" and quite a bit more appropriate for a sports car.

Stock 2004 MCS, as measured from level ground to the bottom edge of the wheel arch apex: 25.3" front and 25.0" rear

Stock 2007 MCS, after 300 miles to settle the suspension, same style measurement: 26.1" front and 26.3" rear

The wheel arch of the R56 sits about an inch further off the ground at stock ride height between the R53 and R56. I can understand those that prefer to see the wheel perfectly centered in the radius of the wheel arch, however that mathmatically perfection doesn't always give the most aggressive aesthetic impression.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Thanks for the measurements Rye, but a comparison to the R53 was not what I was talking about. But no doubt, if you are into a lower more aggressive look there is more opportunity to lower your ride than the R53 offered.

Brit Boy - There are pictures in my gallery of take home day, and about 250 miles later. On 700 now and its a bit lower again.

 

Looked at the gallery. Still would have to settle quite a bit IMO to have the same visual stance as a bone-stock R53.

Seeing the R56 with H&R's... I still think they're a necessity.

 

No myth to bust here... just use your eyes. They sit high... period. Thankfully the aftermarket can deal with this very nicely.

 

I have to disagree. Look at Reelsmiths brand new R53 in the other thread. Its got the same excess wheel gap front and back.

Granted the R56 has a taller stance all else being equal, if you like your car low it will always feel too high.

Thanks for you input though everybody.

 

I agree with lava on this, I like the wheels to be centered in the wheel arch. This symetrical look is more appealling to me than the car lowered so the gap at the top of the arch is small compared to the gaps at the sides. Maybe the car does sit a little higher and maybe the lowered look is more aggressive to some, but I'm more about symetry. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

 

Hmmm...

I took measurements, but I didn't take side-on photos of the wheel wells. Dang. But, I might have another go at measuring tomorrow if I can remember.

 

If I had thought about it I would have measured it when it was new, but does not make much sense to measure now with nothing to compare to. Perhaps somebody else will record this.

 

Ahhh, yes. You are correct. Dean's seems to be riding the same way. I'm guessing the smaller black wheel arches don't seem to accentuate it as much, though.

So I'll ammend my stance... THEY ALL need a bit of a drop for my tastes. Nothing too extreme... but just a bit.

I would be interested in seeing new pics of yours, Lava... to see how they've settled since your last series.

 

I think Deans will settle down a bit in a few weeks as well. I took another picture today to compare and it looks just a tiny bit lower than the other pict in the gallery if at all. Its done no doubt.

 

Ok - here is the older photos from 3Mar:



Here its sat down from the very high new condition.

And here is today, parked in same spot, tried to get the same angle:



I don't think there is a lot of difference but a hair lower.

Now look at this press shot from before the US intro:



I don't think there is anything wrong with the ride height there, but look at this shot from the Chicago auto show:



That's the stilt look that makes people uncomfortable.

 

Very interesting!!

 

I don't see much difference in the ride height, but it is definitely going magenta on you.

Better ask your dealer about that.

For a sleeker side look, this definitely does it for me:

http://www.aestheticreations.net/sidestripes.htm

It visually breaks up the tall side panel, giving the car a longer sleeker look.

 

Thanks for the photos Lava, I can see a difference in height, especially at the back.

 

I notice this when I went back to the dealership few days ago!

Thanks for the info!

 

yeah! Thats the same phone camera on an partly sunny day and an overcast day.

So you are the Casady from Casady & Greene - man! I remember you from my days with Fontographer 1.0, and the first issue of Desktop Publishing magazine.... giving away our age..

 

Yup, that's me. I'm still young at heart.

 

btw.. minis shipped with spacers wedged into the springs.. not removed till PDI... probably explains why they drop after a while..