MINUSA Officially Introduces the MCS Auto

Sections: Uncategorized Dec 9th, 2004 110 Comments

mini

It's all in the details and, as you might expect, we have the details. While we posted most of this info month ago, to my knowledge, this is the first time MINIUSA has officially spoken at length about the new option. (from MINIUSA PR):

For the first time, the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible will be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission including Steptronic mode and Steptronic shifting paddles on the steering wheel. Unlike the MINI Cooper Continuously Variable Transmission, this new automatic transmission has fixed gear ratios which result in quick gear changes and a dynamic driving experience tuned specifically to match the MINI Cooper S' sporty character. This new automatic transmission is built by Aisin and features the following gear ratios:

Transmission type = AISIN Automatic
Gear ratio 1st / 2nd / 3rd = 4,044 / 2,371 / 1,556
Gear ratio 4th / 5th / 6th = 1,159 / 0,852 / 0,672
Reverse gear ratio = 3,193
Final drive ratio = 3.683

The unit also features Adaptive Transmission Control which allows the transmission to adapt to one's driving style. For example, the transmission will build the revs longer between gear changes if it 'knows' the driver enjoys taking the car to its limits. The automatic transmission is priced at $1,350.

You can find all of our previous stories on the MCS automatic here.

Also of note: The limited slip differential is not available with this automatic transmission on the MCS.

Written By: Gabe

Vanwall
Anybody remember the '60s Chapparals? Uh huh, just an old GM slushbox modded to race specs. On the Mulsanne, they shifted so quick and smooth, the Ford drivers noticed no matter how fast they shifted, the Chapps gained a little each time. It's a matter of how well the engineering is translated thru the gears, and the slushbox just did it better than a manual in that case.

As for street driving, most folks don't shift at race levels or even close, and blipping the throttle to match revs is hardly commonplace. That's why Porsche type synchros are the norm – they can handle even the baulkiest (hehe) ham-handers to the most sublime shifters. If you were truly great, you wouldn't need synchros at all. ;-) Yeah, I wish the 'S' had a more advanced automatic design, but there are plenty of potential MINI owners out there who would benefit from the one BMW chose. The more the merrier!
```
      BCNU,
    Rob in Dago
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http://www.teammightyminiz.com iDiaz

“So iDiaz….. Since the CVT in the Cooper doesn't have a power robbing torque converter and has infinite gearing ratios and a fantastic “simulated” 6-speed steptronic mode, the I pressume the CVT is more “fitting” with the personaility of the car than a regular hydraulic slushbox, correct?”

Yeah, I'll concur with that. I think the CVT is a smart idea, and it eliminates the inefficiency of a torque converter. I haven't driven a CVT MINI, so I can't say for sure, of course. The only issue I have with it is longevity, considering the sort of driving I do.
http://www.teammightyminiz.com iDiaz

I still don't like the idea of seeing more and more esses with those little rubber nubs still sticking out of their tires' shoulder blocks after thousands of miles, though. ;)
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Now that I think we can all agree on :)
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Frank – I really haven't heard anything about SMG on the R56. My hunch? Yes eventually. My guess is packaging would still be an issue. From my understanding the SMG is essentially an add-on component to a fairly standard manual transmission.
jaz

Posted by Gabe, “Actually BMW's SMG (and VW/Audi's DSG) has a fully automatic mode.”

Thanks Gabe. Yeah, this morning I remembered that I thought I had seen the BMW Z4 with the SMG and the dealer said it also had a fully automatic mode. For some reason I was thinking of the Toyota MR2 Spyder with SMG which doesn't have the fully auto mode.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I've driven an SMG equipped Z4, 5 series and M3 in all modes including full automatic. None of them are near as refined as a true automatic however.

Interestingly one of the reasons BMW decided to not go with a DSG type of auto-manual (which is much smoother than SMG in auto-mode) in their new V10 7-speed M5 was that it made the car less sporty. The quote I read from the Roundel reportedly from an M engineer was “It's too much like an automatic.”

Which I think gives you a good indication of what some engineers within the M division think of automatics in very sporty cars. Not sure if they would consider the MCS in the same catagory but it's interesting to know nonetheless.
jaz

Interesting Gabe. I had heard BMW had some SMGs that performed better than others, and the M3 SMG was one of their best, while the regular 3 series SMG was not as good. Hopefully, they will keep improving on them — I'm sure they will. But, I would really like to see a high performance CVT-equipped MINI or BMW.
The Boots

Can anyone tell me if I can get the 05 MCS Steptronic Auto with JCW? It'd be awesome. fast gear shifts around bends with both handles still on the wheels. ;)
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

No the current JCW kit is not available with the MCS auto. However JCW will be releasing another kit that will work.

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