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Autoweek chimes in as the first US mag to cover the MINI's 2005 changes:
Mini is upping the supercharged Cooper S to 170 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and lowering gearing to boost performance.
The S now scurries from 0 to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 138 mph (previously 7.4 seconds and 133 mph). Squeezing an extra 7 hp and 7 lb-ft out of the supercharged 1.6-liter four also helps offset the extra 220 pounds in the Cooper S Convertible, which makes its world debut at the British motor show this month. The convertible and coupe arrive in the United States this fall.
Revised gearing makes a difference, too, with the reduced ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears on the S. A five-speed Getrag gearbox replaces a Rover-derived unit on the regular Cooper.
To my knowledge this is the first time we've seen specifics regarding which gears are getting the reduced ratios.
<p>GAH! Why aren't they making 1st gear shorter? It's crazy tall!</p>
<p>Paul</p>
<p>Many people criticise the fact that BMW makes so many changes each year to the MINI but I think that any performance addition they make is more then welcome. Maybe if they could focus more on these performance additions and LESS on the size of the rear cupholder less people would complain.</p>
<p>Motor on .
<a href="http://www.MiniDryvr.TextAmerica.Com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.MiniDryvr.TextAmerica.Com</a></p>
<p>Gee, with a pulley (19%), 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear already pull like crazy! And they're LOWERING those gear ratios? Now we'll really be able to blow by more powerful cars at higher speeds! :)</p>
<p>With a pulley though, 1st and 2nd gear are short enough b/c traction is the limiting factor, not power. MINI must know that. But why do they say the smaller gearing reduces the 0-60mph time when 0-60 you never get out of second gear and the changes are said to be for gears 3-5???</p>
<p>Lets just hope they leave 6th alone so we don't lose our already poor highway mileage.</p>
<p>If I was that worried about MPG, I would have bought a Cooper. 20->25MPG or so is just fine with me.</p>
<p>I don't understand all the people complaining about gas mileage- I averaged 27.5 MPG last week with my MCS and I drove pretty aggressively too at times. This is a high-performance supercharged vehicle and can't be expected to return Prius-like EPA figures.</p>
<p>I think the faster 0-60 times come from the increased torque more than anything else because you do never hit those gears in accelerating full throtlle to those speeds. It should help 50-70 passes though and just feel a litttle stronger during regular driving.</p>
<p>For what its worth….I'd like to be getting better gas mileage as well. Though I averaged 24.65 last year and am averaging 26.32 so far this year, it'd be nice to get even better. With the gas prices were they are, squeezing out my purchase is important. </p>
<p>Interestingly, after having my MCS upgraded, I achieved what appeared to be a decent city/hgwy average though the on board computer average mileage is inaccurate compared to my trusty solar powered calculator.</p>
<p>I'm starting to think that changing my driving habits to push the car more might help, not sure why. Maybe at a higher rev or speed it is more efficient?</p>
<p>From the week referenced above I was having to get acquainted with the actions of the engine again and a couple of days kinda whipped myself back in the seat. Now that I've gotten used to it my mileage has come down by one or two tickers.</p>
<p>Ain't it great to have a car that in most cases can meet some peoples need for speed, and others a fun driving machine that can obtain decent mileage? </p>
<p>Why don't we all step back and chill, ok?</p>
<p>Elmor.. Sounds good to me…
:)</p>