Just wondering.. I'm reading a lot of 1st drive reviews on the R56 board.
Most said that the power are better than the outgoing R53/R50 but
steering (and some said handling) are not as good as the outgoing
model.

Just wondering if any regular/seasoned autoxers test drive one yet...and
what are your thoughts?

Thanks,

 

I won the autocross at the U.S. Press Launch of the R56. They had a rather tight course set up and both a R56 MC and MCa available to test. You can read more of my review here.

My short take though: I think the R56 will be the better autocrosser once all is said and done. Weight is about the same, the suspension is improved, and the steering/throttle response with the sport button ON was totally natural.

My autocross background: one full season of autocross (12 or so events) and EVO1 and EVO2 autocross schools (conveniently enough I went to EVO School the week before the press launch).

EDIT: also, I believe Per at least got to track an R56 in Barcelona, I'm not sure if they had an autocross set up there or not at that event. I believe Per and Kim are also going to be in G-stock with their new R56 doing the Dixie National Tour this weekend.

 

And since we're mentioning it, I unofficially had the second fastest time at the MINI press launch Autox And yes, I totally agree with Dave. The R56 will be strong as an autoxer and on the track - especially due to the torque that comes on almost instantly in the power band. The steering has 95% of the feedback as before and the suspension is really an improvement over the R50/R53. That makes the stock R56 simply a faster car at the track than a stock R50/R53.

 

Thanks guys!

I've read many reviews stating the numb steering and less confident
handling from few other members here.. thought I should be reading
reviews from autoxers instead.

 

Agree on putting the power down earlier.

But the one I drove didn't feel all that connected. Floated a bit in sweepers. However, it didn't have the sport suspension.

 

Test drives don't mean much. We'll see how things shake out with R-compounds, alignment, shocks...you know, things that have taken YEARS to develop on the R53.

Per (autocrossing mine tomorrow on R-compounds, no alignment yet)