More Details on the 2005 MINI Facelift

I think the 300hp will probably come from the factory. Cooper Works has stated numerous times that their testing has shown that the MCS internals will only handle about 250hp (this includes engine and tranny, not sure about clutch and that). Therefore it will require a considerable change. I wouldn't be suprised if they didn't make it rear wheel driver either. I am not sure how the car can handle 300hp. With just 200hp the MCS can be a mess if not driven properly. It would be neat if they threw in a slightly detuned M3 motor, and new gearbox and rear wheel drive. That would throw the car into a whole other class. As long as it stays front wheel drive, that will be the limiting factor.

I do not understand why MINI has been leaking out so much information about the upcoming '05 model year almost 9-10 months in advance. I would think that by the time the 2005's arrive much of the initial excitment about the changes will simply not be there.

Don't you agree this will hurt 2004 model year sales? Most people would put on hold buying a new MINI until this coming September… I am not sure this is a good strategy.

Also a 300HP MINI is something totally uncalled for. MINis historically have never been high HP and torque cars. Making a MINI RWD is against the tradition of a small, spacious FWD vehicle.

If people crave so much the idea of brutal HP and torque on a MINI, maybe they should look into the likes of some GT cars as the Mustang, 350Z, RX-8 and even BMW's own M3.

The MINI's philosophy and success has always center around driving fun and remarkable handling dynamics, not brutal power and stop light race contests.

I'm a couple weeks from purchasing a 2004 MCS and was wondering if anyone here has paid less than MSRP for their MINI. I figure with the 2005 redesign and convertible being available for order in August that you would be able to get a little bit of a discount on a 2004. Has anyone been able to get one for less than MSRP? Thanks.

Les,

I found a way around it. I bought my MCS on Ebay. It had a few miles on it but I got it for $21, 500.00! It had everything on it, no heated seats/washers. I had the seller take the car to the local dealer and the dealer called me with his report.

The only probs I had were the normal stuff that everybody with the 2002 have, stumble, squeaks, cracked windscreen ETC. Nothing the warranty did cover.

Not for everybody but it worked for me. I live in CA and the car was in FL. Nice drive home…..2792 miles to be exact.

I just can't see it: I know the chassis can handle more power, but how are you getting 300hp out of 1.6L, and putting it to the ground effectively?

I assume we're talking massive, laggy turbo combined with extreme engine reinforcements and AWD. Main thing I'd be worried about then would be dealing with that kind of heat load in that small of an engine bay.

If they can do it (and sell it for under $30k), sign me up :)

iggi – we actually have reported in Promini's project cars in the past. However we're planning on doing another feature in the near future.