Sections: Uncategorized Nov 9th, 2004 29 Comments 
We've got some new information plus a couple photos (all via Auto Bilde) of the infamous Getrag All-Wheel Drive MINI. Here's an excerpt from the original article (translated poorly from German to English via Google):
The MINI Getrag system transfers all power of the Cooper s engine on optimal traction conditions (travelling straight ahead, dry road) completely to the rear axle. However, as soon as slip arises, an electronic control distributes more power within milliseconds to the front axle. And there is a completely new solution also: Two separated working multiple disk clutches distribute the torque individually to the front wheels, a differential at the front axle thereby becomes redundant. The two clutches also inspired the name of the project: “Twinster”
…While the normal MINI pushes under-steering from the curve or must with stronger turn of the steering wheel be restrained, the Twinster remains neutral.
The result shows up on the handling course: on dry roadway the Twinster achieves identical round times despite its weight higher around 80 Kilos (176lbs) like the lighter front wheel drive MINI.
During our comparison tests the AWD MINI completed the wet runway approximately ten per cent faster than front wheel driver. Not bad for a prototype, which still needs fine tuning.
As mentioned in the previous article about the AWD MINI from AutoWeek.nl indications for production remain positive. BMW development boss Dr. Burkhard Goeschel recently tested the car and was, “rather impressed”.
Check out the system closer in these pics: Before / After / Twinster
You can read the entire translated article here. And all of you German speakers can read the original article here.
Thameth Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Looks and sounds great, but if a currently decked out MCS with JCW costs near $26-$28k i can imagine this version will cost $30K plus!
Great MINI but its gonna cost tooo much.
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Nreyes Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Hey, any word on a retrofit for this. Just kidding! Sounds interesting, maybe it will be on the market when I am ready to buy a new Mini.
Happy Motoring
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RobO Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Is it just me, or is anyone else concerned about the amount of rust on the before picture? I wonder how much corrosion I have on the underside my MINI?
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Paul C. Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Well I can see this being mated to the new engine thats been talked about for around 2007-08. At least by then my Mini will be well paid off and in jepordy of being replaced by this monster. I guess I should give up hopes of adding an aero kit to mine and start saving. hehe :)
I said it before and I'll say it again, Mini/BMW build it, you have no idea how many more people are going to go crazy for this Mini!!
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Coop Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Not a big fan of this AWD idea…. a MINI should remain true to its heritage and just stick to FWD….
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Ryan Nov 9th, 2004 Link
This will certainly appeal to a demographic of Mini's marketplace. Since Mini launched in the US, people have expressed interest in an AWD model. However, I do agree that this model will be pushing the $30K price range. Will it be too much for such a small car? For those that want something like this, I believe they will put up the cash similar to the JCW.
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gz Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Thameth. $26-$28 for a “decked out” MCS with JCW?! The one I am ordering is looking to be about $36,000. Please forward the name and location of the dealership with such great prices.
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Rodney Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Well let's think about this. The base retail of the MCS is $20,449. Add about $2,500 for the all wheel drive system and that comes to about $22,949 for a base MCS with AWD. That seems more than reasonable to me. Also very competitive. I get the $2,500 from the base retail of the Volvo V70 2.5T ($32,110) vs. the XC70 2.5T ($34,800). A difference of ~$2,700.
Also I don't believe this deviates from it's original design at all. The original idea was to create the most performance and practicality from a small car. The FWD portion of it was a means to an end. If they had the technology to add AWD I believe they most certainly would have considered it as an option.
And finally at 176lbs, weight is no longer an issue. The added traction easily makes up for the small weight penalty.
Bottom line if they build it and keep the base AWD MCS at or close to $23,000 I will buy it.
Just my .02!!
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petsounds Nov 9th, 2004 Link
This would definitely be my next MINI if they choose to build it. Of course, I might have to move out of LA to somewhere like Portland to really have fun in the rain. And I agree with the previous poster..as long as they can keep the AWD upgrade to between $2000 and $2500 (Audi's Quattro system is a ~$2300 upgrade), this thing will sell like a snowcone in hell.
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ChrisW Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Whoa, gz, $36k for your MINI? Is that even possible???
Know when to say when! :)
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Frank Nov 9th, 2004 Link
A $36K MINI is a FULLY DECKED out car with every factory option available in the menu.
It is possible to push the $40K barrier with a fully loaded Cooper S cabrio with JCW and all.
Believe it or not it is possible to purchase a MCS hardtop with the JCW kit for around $25K/$26K. We are talking about a “base” (If such a thing exists in a MINI as they already come very well equipped in bare bones form)MCS with maybe one or 2 options (MFSW and fog lights), no packages, no leather, no big ass wheels, no sunroofs, no NAV and just the JCW Kit.
Do the math. The best MCS anyone can possible buy is a “bare bones” one with the JCW kit installed.
Why people have to deck out these cars with so much uneeded junk is beyond me….
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GSKChicago Nov 9th, 2004 Link
ChrisW… My MCS with sales tax and all came in pretty high as well… Not anywhere near the base price, but I loaded her up.
I thought I was insane until my dealer told me the most expensive MINI they sold was $45k. I didn't even want to know what the buyer put on her to get to that price.
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Gabe Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Frank – I respect your opinion more than most on here but I have to disagree with your last comment. While a bare-bones MCS with JCW might appeal to you and me, we have no right to proclaim it the best for the simple fact that we all have different definitions of best. Best in terms of laps for an OEM car though… absolutely.
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scooblymonchee Nov 9th, 2004 Link
Frank, although you were very, very naughty and had no right to proclaim that “the best MCS anyone can possibly buy is a bare bones one with the JCW kit installed”… this is what I went for and have had no regrets. I even like my open diff and don't wish for an lsd, let alone awd. It's a blast feathering the throttle out of corners to ride the edge of traction, chirping the inside tire here and there.
“Simplify, and add lightness.” Works for me.
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Frank Nov 10th, 2004 Link
Ok fellas, I'll take that back. “Best” I guess is in the eye of the beholder, but personally I think than in these cars often times, less is better but take it as a personal opinion.
I was trying to make a point in which it is feasible to purchase a new MCS with JCW for well under $30K if you keep the options at a bare minimum.
Sorry if I got a rise from some of you.
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Gabe Nov 10th, 2004 Link
No rise here :) Just thought I'd mention something before someone else did.
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ChrisW Nov 10th, 2004 Link
$45k for a MINI???? OK, we're now officially in M3 territory. That's insanity.
A friend of mine bought a GMC Yukon (?) and commenced to completely revamp it. New brake system, engine components, wheels, interior upgrades, etc. etc. He's dumped a boatload of cash into the thing, for which I tell him “Dude, when all is said and done, it's still just a GMC Yukon!”
Craziness.
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Josh Wardell Nov 10th, 2004 Link
Wow, AWD is the one thing the MINI could not give me that I wanted, and they didn't just do a hack-job of it, they are using an excellent differential, not just some 60/40 one.
My MINI was already over 30, and I was very happy to pay that price, and I would surely pay more for this.
And (although very difficult) you can't say it's not retrofittable, because that's exactly what they are doing. :) Great idea using the exhaust path
Maybe they would like a beta tester? :)
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Siddhartha Nov 10th, 2004 Link
Sad Arthur's out the door price was $29,063 FOB Chicago. In addition, I paid sales tax in California when I got him home. 2004 MCS JCW, no aero kit, no leather, no driving lites, no sunroof, no heated seats.
The configurator just put a new one together for me with more bells and whistles + LSD for $33K. I don't mind. MINI gives me what I want. Seems only fair to pay for it.
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scooblymonchee Nov 11th, 2004 Link
“Methinks many among you hath imbibed far too of ye olde Koolaid… Lo, even your King speaketh none but praise for the dimunitive car that costeth its own weight in gold.”
Or, alternatively…
“Yall's trippin'.”
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meanboy Nov 11th, 2004 Link
Our S came out to 24179 + tax with
3 packages hk auto dim no leather no nav
so with the jcw it would been roughly a tad over 30k plus tax.
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Bill Dec 2nd, 2004 Link
I would prefer the Mini Mania Stage 3 upgrade with the all wheel drive conversion over the JCW upgrade. 245 horsepower just sounds so pretty.
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carcounselor Dec 22nd, 2004 Link
TO: anyone who questions the need for AWD as the S's hp number edges ever upward
SUBJ: CAR Dec. '04
“the 210hp Works will lay down black lines on the road for as long as you keep your foot planted… give the throttle a shove from low speeds and the front tyres can be persuaded to light up.”
Not very effective, but a great way to rid yourself of those ruinous run flats.
(Was this the real reason BMW used such long gearing to start with? They've always maintained the chassis should have more 'power' than the engine).
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Samster Mar 31st, 2005 Link
The point of an AWD Mini from Getrag’s point of view is not to make AWD Minis. But to show that ANY car even as small as a Mini can become and benefit from AWD.
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dave May 22nd, 2005 Link
I’m a proud owner of a mini cooper S 2005, I LOVE IT, all wheel drive… I think I would kill myself. Turns at 40mph are bad enough w/ 2wdr, damn I’m drunk and I love my cooper
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John Sep 2nd, 2006 Link
i dont think we’ll see them in a while they already have the 2007 w/o AWD if we’re lucky they’ll come out 2008-2010 i think that they should try and lower the price 30k is way past a reasonable amount for a mini bmw would be insane to ask for that much
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