The MCS Automatic Debuts

Sections: Official News | R53 (Coupe) Jan 10th, 2005 81 Comments

The MCSa has made it's official debut (apparently the LA show doesn't count to MINI's PR office) and we've got tons of information to share including performance and fuel economy figures (via MINIUSA PR):

Starting in late January 2005, the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible will be available for the first time with MINI's new six-speed automatic transmission giving these powerful performers even greater agility and driving pleasure. Clearly, this choice of automatic transmission is particularly appealing to the customer who appreciates a sporting and dynamic style of motoring, but does not wish to forego the superior comfort of a modern automatic transmission in his – or her – MINI. The light and compact automatic transmission complete with a hydraulic torque converter, adaptive management and Steptronic combines an extremely quick gearshift with a soft and smooth gear shifting process, a quick response, and superior fuel economy.

mini

Modern Transmission Technology for Even More Fun.
Looking at performance, the automatic transmission version does not lag behind the manual gearbox car in any respect. So for that reason alone, particularly the customer looking for dynamic driving pleasure combined with all the comfort of a state-of-the-art automatic transmission will appreciate this modern technology with its many benefits.

Indeed, the extremely fast gearshift in just 1/4 second gives the driver of the MINI Cooper S even more sporting performance – if that is possible at all – than the manual gearbox version. Simply because even an experienced motorist needs a lot more time to shift gears despite the very smooth manual gearbox with its extra-short shift travel. In practice, therefore, the new transmission enhances typical MINI qualities such as driving fun and agility to a standard even higher than before.

Not only superior in performance, but also much more compact and lighter than a conventional five-speed automatic transmission despite its six gears, the new transmission is designed for maximum agility on the road. Precisely this is why the most powerful MINI reaches its top speed of 220km/h (136mph) (MINI Cooper S Convertible: 215km/h or 133mph) in fifth gear. With its extra-long transmission ratio, in turn, sixth gear reduces both engine speed and fuel consumption.

More Functions, Greater Intelligence.
Featuring an innovative transmission concept based on the Lepelletier principle, the six gears require far fewer shift units and only one free-wheel. While a conventional five-speed automatic transmission has 8 clutch elements and four free-wheels, the new transmission needs only five clutches and one free-wheel to shift the six forward gears and the reverse gear. The only free-wheel is on first gear, serving to take the load off the drivetrain in overrun. Whenever Steptronic is active, the free-wheel remains neutral in order to capitalise on the brake power of the engine when shifting back.

Highly Flexible Electronic Command Centre.
Integrated in the transmission, the electrohydraulic control unit, together with its command centre, ensures superior driving comfort and maximum agility even under full load, with an extremely fast gearshift and a “soft” shift process. And since the adaptive transmission control communicates with other control units via the bus system, it is able to adjust gearshift programs individually to driving conditions and the driver's style of motoring.

Extra Comfort or More Dynamic?
One of the major benefits of the new automatic transmission is its versatility: The driver has the choice of four different gearshift modes, shifting gears either in a more comfortable style also in the interest of superior fuel economy or in a more sporting and dynamic process, whatever he or she prefers. And in either case the gearshift is either automatic or manual, again as the driver wishes.

The driver therefore decides whether to leave things to the automatic transmission or whether to activate Steptronic and shift gears himself by briefly touching the gearshift paddles at the back of the steering wheel. In the process he can leave both hands on the steering wheel, shifting gears via the paddles like a driver in Formula 1. During the gearshift process he can keep his foot on the accelerator, since the electronic control unit prevents any mistakes and shifts to the correct gear faster than even a racing driver. And since the electronic command centre consistently monitors driving conditions (eg whether travelling uphill/downhill, with DSC activated or not), it automatically adjusts gearshifts to current requirements. A display in the central instrument shows the driver at all times which driving program and which gear are currently in mesh.

Automatic Mode with Optional Manual Gearshift.
The D-mode is a perfect combination of motoring comfort and sporting performance on superior fuel economy. The transmission control unit selects gears fully automatically as a function of driving conditions. And should the driver wish to take over, all he has to do is press the gearshift paddles in order to activate Steptronic. So that then he decides when to shift up or down.
Sporting Concept for the Particularly Ambitious Driver.
In the S-mode activated by moving the selector lever to the right, the transmission control unit chooses a particularly sporting automatic gearshift with extremely short gearshift times in the interest of maximum agility. Here again, the driver can change directly from this program to the Steptronic mode, subsequently shifting gears manually as long as he wishes.

Regardless of how often he shifts gears and how much time there is between gearshifts, the driver alone determines the gearshift points via the paddles or the selector lever, thus getting the most out of this compact driving machine in terms of superior dynamics and agility. The only function of the electronic control unit in this case is to prevent the engine from over-revving.

Power Pack for Dynamic Performance.
Displacing 1.6 litres, the four-cylinder power unit featuring a mechanically driven compressor and an intercooler has offered maximum output of 125 kW/170 bhp at 6,000 rpm in both top versions of the MINI ever since last summer. The compact power unit harmonises perfectly with the automatic transmission, the powerful muscle of this four-valve athlete providing an ideal match for the automatic gearshift. For no less than 80 per cent of the engine's maximum torque of 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft is available consistently between 2,000 and 6,500 rpm.
To transmit the unique sound of the engine and compressor, the acoustic “bridges” leading to the passenger compartment and exhaust system have been designed especially for this version of the car. Precisely this puts the emphasis on that athletic sound whenever the driver uses the power and performance of his muscular MINI.
Sporting, Comfortable and Economical All in One.
In terms of performance, the new automatic transmission models are almost exactly as dynamic as the manual-gearbox MINI Cooper S. Benefitting from a smooth flow of power from the transversely mounted front-wheel-drive engine not requiring a drive shaft, this high-performance MINI with its automatic transmission combines a most direct flow of power with optimum response. And guaranteeing exactly the right engine speed at any road speed, the automatic transmission ensures maximum thrust whenever required.

Carefully matched to the engine, the hydraulic torque converter enables the driver to accelerate dynamically with maximum power, while keeping the whole process soft and smooth. And with the converter lock-up clutch closing at just 1,800 rpm, the new top model in the MINI range is particularly responsive to the gas paddle. This is attributable above all at low speeds to the torque-boosting effect of the torque converter, developing torque of up to 6,000 Nm on each wheel.
Fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible with automatic transmission in the composite EU cycle is just 9.2 and, respectively, 9.0 litres/100 km (30.7/31.4 mpg Imp).

Apart from Japan, the USA is the most important sales market for the automatic transmission MINI – which explains why, following its world debut in Detroit, the MINI Cooper S with this new automatic transmission will be available in both the USA and Japan as of late February 2005. The market launch in Europe and the other MINI countries, in turn, will be in late February. And the MINI Cooper S Convertible with this agile transmission will be entering the market in good time for the new open-air season in March.

A couple of quick answers for questions that will come up: No, the limited slip differential will not be available on the MCS auto. Yes there will be an auto specific JCW Kit available for the MCS auto by the late spring of 2005.

Written By: Gabe

Steve

Well, I for one, am a paraplegic and have been waiting for this for a year. I'm pretty excited about having the steptronic option – the first time I'll ever have the opprotunity to shift for myself. With all the options Mini – and the aftermarket – have to choose from, it's obvious Mini caters to drivers that want to make the car uniquely theirs. Kudos to Mini for this option – and the ability to opt out if you don't want to.

Steve
http://www.geocities.com/jaw0012/beetlemain.html MrV

I know. Since the anti auto people are going to raise this issue every time Gabe puts an article up about the MCSa, and nobody can stop them from doing so, why don't those of us who are pro (or at least accepting) of the auto, stop arguing with them. Kind of hard to keep up an argument when you are the only one arguing. Too late for this thread. Why don't we try it next time.

On another note: There are some good pictures of the paddle shifters in this thread at NAM:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?p=453664#post453664

I look forward to seeing the ones Gabe gets for this forum.

Mr V
Frank

Wow! the festival of insults is in full force today, eh?

Calm down fellas, this is just a car after all and whether you like it or not, MINI is all about CHOICE. If having a clutch and a “barbaric” stick shift (As Sir Alec Issigonis used to call manual transmissions), so be it, if you like the idea of an automatic, CVT or SMG, also so be it!

I own a Cooper CVT and love it! I also really enjoy my 6-speed Getrag in my MCS and while the Aisin slushbox in the '05 MCS sounds like a good idea (Since my wife out flat refuses to drive my MCS and the auto MCS would be a good compromise IMO) and I am not just yet ready to give up my Getrag gearbox.

Too much hatred in this forum today. I am appalled. It is very sad to see this kind of childish comments from some (You know who you are) spreading like disease in this top notch website and among the MINI community in general.

Cool off, please!
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Well said Frank. I know some of you guys making the anti-auto comments are totally sensible people smart people. And I know you're adoration for this car is the reason you believe so strongly about this. But let's try to keep the level of conversation a little higher. One of the reasons I love reading comments on MotoringFile is the typical level of intellegence within the resposnes. I just don't see that here with some of these comments.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

amen frank. double amen gabe.

peace – drew
u go kyle

pointing out the fact that there is the AUTO CVT owned those other arguement made by the auto S drivers

IF you live in an area with heavy traffics… just get a cooper for god sake

if you enjoy driving a sport car…… well shame on you for getting an auto.

auto != sports car ok?

a steptron. does not make an AUTO A DIFFERENT BEAST ROTFL what kind of logic is that
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I'm thinking the comment feature will be turned off in future posts about the new MCS automatic.

As I've said before I am not a fan of automatic transmissions… both my cars are manual equipped and I live in a very urban area. In fact everyone associated with MotoringFile owns a manual equipped MINI. So to some degree I can understand both sides of this argument. However what I don't understand are the comments that make no coherent points or are just inflammatory. Posts like that don't do anyone any favors.

And for the love of God people… grammar!
Frank

Gabe, I think we have way too many teenagers posting here (Unsupervised) and some “Adults” that have not been able to get past thier childhood stage.

At any rate, I would suggest for you to consider incorporating more security tools in this website because I am noticing that peoople can make up names and then “run and hide”.

The flow of posters can be better controlled with forced registration and IP address tracking. Unsavory and rude posters like the “gems” we have in here can easily be banned or block access from posting.

Don't shut down the MCS Auto threads. I find the car interesting and want to learn more about it. Don't let the trolls control and censor the information you deem appropiate for this site.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Frank – I would just eliminate the ability to comment on certain stories… not stop them altogether. And I don't really want to get into making people register to post… that's just not the way I want to run this site. I would imagine Matt would agree with me on this although we haven't spoken about it in some time.

That being said we do regularly track and ban users via their IPs. We also will notify their ISPs if anything gets way out of hand. We don't do it often and nothing in this post would consititute that in my mind but it has been done.

However I'd like to leave that type of policing up to the forum sites.

To some degree I think people just need to blow off some steam on this issue. This is a really personal thing to some people and in a way I can understand that. I just don't want any of this discussion to get out of control.
http://www.geocities.com/jaw0012/beetlemain.html MrV

Gabe,

How about just a moderation (by you). Take out any comments that you deem not worth to the conversation. I I feel like I “know” you by now (through your comments here and on other forums) and I suspect that you don't want to place yourself in this sort of supervisory role, but I think it would be better than shutting down the comments entirely.

Legitimate questions and comments that add to the information pool should remain. The bickering and rudeness should not.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

We actually do have moderation of everything posted on this site. There's a few of us always ready to pounce :)
Ray

just one to make one point. why do you auto-haters drive a bmw mini. u should be driving a original mini cooper s. thats the one u should be driving if you are all about 'purity' of driving. no technology, just pure mechanical genius. why you u want a 'cute-looking-electronically-assisted-supercharged-manual'? comeon guys, you will be happier in the original mini cooper s. its pure driving skill there.

btw, they (original mini cooper s drivers) are all laughing at you and treating you guys like you treat us auto drivers….
Vanwall
As I generally don't post from work, (I do believe that doing my job come first, as long as I'm paid for it!), so getting home and posting towards what is hopefully the end of this pustulent argy-bargy is hardly a pleasure after reading the spew eructed by some of the more bloviate motorers. I hesitate to attempt an attitude adjustment because there may be no hope for a middle ground, and figuratively tattoing it on a recalcitrant's forehead with a blunt instrument is a very tedious process indeed. If you like shifting and it's your definition of sporting, well more power to you.

Be warned, however, this kind of spurious classification is just like counting the seats to figure out if you're looking at a sportscar. Tell that to a 911 owner. If you feel threatened that your choice of an 'S' will be cheapened by adding an automatic to the line-up, I'm sorry you feel that way, but it's been known for years that this was going to happen, so you went in with a blindfold on if you bought with wishful thinking. “I'm shocked, Ricky, shocked!” said Captain Renault.

Those that have an exagerated opinion of their talents are the only ones who will suffer by comparison, so all of those who choose an Automatic 'S' be forwarned – sadly, overcompensation is now no longer reserved for those who drive SUV's, but will soon start affecting the MINI community, or at least those that don't mind posting about their…. shortcomings, so to speak. I'd much rather see more MINIs, than more of those lesser vehicles that crowd my freeways, and trundle on my twisties.
```
   BCNU,
 Rob in Dago
```
http://www.matthewgifford.com/ Matt

I agree with Gabe about registration. As long as I have anything to say about it, this site won't have it. However, I think that we should be a little more liberal about the comments we delete. Let them whine about being censored. We have ways of dealing with habitual stupidity.
Edge

I certainly hope I am not one of the people whose comments have been viewed as “habitually stupid”. I have strong opinions, sure… but I do try not to take them TOO seriously.

That's the only problem with censorship – one person's opinion of wrong does not equal anothers. Hard to find that fair balance.

Back on topic… in the interest of finding a middle ground, I want to remind all anti-auto people that the JCW package is not available for the Auto. So in that regard, it remains a manual-only option, at least for now. (yes, yes, I know – aftermarket is still there)

Something to be happy about for manual exclusivity. Since I am also a Mustang fan, it reminds me of the Cobra models being rarer and stick only, while the V8 GT models are both auto & manual. Similar comparison.

An auto MCS was inevitable. This is the USA – the market spoke on this issue a very long time ago, whether some of us like it or not.
Edge

Oops, I take that back. I missed the bit at the end about a JCW auto kit coming out later.

Edge
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Ah the manual Mustang. I have very fond memories of rowing the gears in my friends supercharged monster Mustang a few years back… talk about torque. Good times.
http://www.geocities.com/jaw0012/beetlemain.html MrV

Sorry to do a double post, but to re-ask a question that got lost about 60 comments ago…..

Pros and cons of this particular automatic vs. other automatics tranny's? To read the PR it does indeed appear to be a good auto (but I don't know that much about autos having driven a standard my whole life). Of course I bear in mind that it is a PR, not an objective review.

I really can't wait to hear a review of an actual drive in this thing. I bought a MCSa sight unseen and I am curious / nervous about what I bought.
JT

For the “purists” out there, request that BMW make a straight-cut gear tranny available (yes, that means no synchronizers) and a non-hydraulic racing clutch. Then, drive that for a month or two in stop&go traffic. Oh yes, no power steering and no air conditioning (just like an original Mini). Let me know when you give up.

I drove a 1964 Corvette like this for 7 years in South Texas. Great if you're a kid who doesn't care what you look/smell like when you get somewhere…

It's not as if an army of black-clad BMW/MINI mechanics (actually, most of them wear dark blue) is going to descend on your garage in the middle of the night and switch the transmission in your car.

BMW isn't going to remove the manual shifter option on any car in the MINI lineup. If they do something like that, maybe you'll have something to complain about.

(For the record, I have a 2003 MCS, and most of my past cars have had manual trannys either by choice or non-availability of anything else. I don't have a problem with an automatic transmission in a car as long as it drives reasonably close to the manual transmissioned variant.)
http://www.casazucchero.com David Z.

Gabe, Back to the original article, could you please decipher the EU cycle? What is the hwy/city mpg? Thanks.
I forgot

Gabe,

Thanks again for keeping us up to date.

I am impressed by the Britishness of that article. The words tend toward the euphemistic. The mellifluous tone recalls adverts for Schweppes tonics. I sense the Union Jack fluttering in the background. The lengthy article implies a lot, but delivers very little.

It's deceptive; filled with evocative equivocations. For example, the auto shifter might be quicker than most drivers with manuals, but it does not mean (nor state) that the car is quicker than a manual trans version. Let's wait for the road tests.

Despite my complaints I am delighted to read so much about another interesting variant for the Mini roster.

I too hope people will stop knocking the auto MCS–except perhaps in jest. As someone (sorry, I could not find it again) wrote above it would be similar to drivers of the original Mini complaining that the current model is too bloated and cushy to be worthy of the name.

That just reminded me that my old Austin Mini Cooper S had straight cut gears (graunch and whine) that seemed suitable only on the rare occasions when I could wring out the little monster on undulating two lane backroads. And (as JT wrote) I had no idea what I smelled like when I arrived (the spare tire was in the backseat) nor could I hear very well either.

In the 30+ years since I had that car I have gained 60 pounds (ordering too many options with my meals). Could I even fit into an original Mini? If so, how would I get back out? So I sure am looking forward to getting an MCSa.

Happy motoring to everybody.
Tate

Perhaps one reason this issue (automatic vs. manual) touches off such violent debate amongst MINI owners is that it is, at its root, a struggle amongst owners to define the “soul” of a vehicle that is still quite new.

The MINI does not have the history of a Ferrari or Corvette or Mustang or even Volkswagen New Beetle, just to name a few. What this car “is” and who it is “for” seems to still be very much up in the air. Yes, it is related to the original Mini, but the MINI is also very much its own car (witness another violent debate that sometimes flares up between Mini owners and MINI owners).

What might be at stake in the manual/automatic argument?

For those who feel the soul of the MINI must stay on the side of performance (which seems to be the loudest argument coming from those advocating the “manual”) perhaps it is a worry that by adding the automatic option to the “top-of-the-line” MINI, the BMW execs are indicating that, ultimately, they don't intend the MINI to be a “pure” sports car (whatever that means). Perhaps they view it as diluting the brand, as opening the door just a little too wide to allowing the MINI to become a “chick car” ala the Volkswagen New Beetle and PT Crusier. (No offense intended to female owners and drivers, but statistically, those cars are bought and driven overwhelmingly by women). That there appears to be such a thing as “men's” and “women's” cars is another issue altogether, but I have a feeling this divide is contributing to the clamor.

For those who feel the soul of the MINI must stay on the side of choice (seems to be the loudest argument coming from the “automatic” crowd), perhaps the concern is that if MINI DIDN'T offer an automatic, the whole “customize the car and make it yours” philosophy would be proved a lie. A manual-only at the top of the model line might suggest: “MINI is all about choice– up to a point” A choice that isn't open to everybody might create a level of elitism within the brand that seems to fly in the face of the “make it yours” philosophy, which many obviously feel is a part of what the MINI is.

So what is the “soul” of the MINI?

The MINI image that Crispin, Porter and Bogusky created was designed to appeal to a lot of different people. I believe that what they effectively did was start something that hasn't happened often in automotive history; they found a way to connect the “soul” of the MINI very strongly to their owners.

What is a MINI? Ask ANY MINI owner, and you will have the answer. The soul of the MINI is a diverse, multi-faceted, often CONFLICTING thing. Is the MINI a “pure” sports car? YES. Is the MINI about choice and individuality? At the same time, YES. Is the MINI a “chick car”? If someone wants to classify it like that, then YES. Is the MINI just another way of getting from point A to point B, like a Honda Civic? (Sadly, I think) Yes. MINI is all these things at the SAME TIME, because these are (some of) who MINI owners are!

And so, just like any time a diverse community struggles to be together, there is conflict. There are arguments. This is who we are as human beings, and more so than perhaps any other factory-fitted vehicles, our MINIs will reflect this.

But can this conflicting diversity be good? I think it can. Might it mean that what MINI is, is alive and well? When the arguments stop, when new information about our beloved vehicles is greeted with a shrug, THAT will be a truly sad time, because that might mean that the DIVERSE COMMUNITY of what MINI is has died, or at least that the connection between owners and vehicles has been broken. That is a day which I hope never comes.

So argue away. Shake your head at the maturity level of some of the comments. Defend your views. Speak your mind, because your mind is the mind of MINI– not exclusively, but inclusively. MINI is performance, MINI is individuality and choice, but perhaps most of all MINI is DIVERSE COMMUNITY.

Let's Motor.
Eric

Awesome comments Tate. I think it should be wrapped up on that.

What more could be said?! (except that the auto F1 car is quicker on the shifts than its manual counterpart…nanner nanner!) Hahaha… ;-)
Edge

I agree, very well said Tate. We are a very diverse group of people, and we always will be. And despite my distaste at the existence of the MCSa, I agree wholeheartedly that I too would rather see an auto-driving teenager over the just about anyone in an SUV.

Let's Motor, indeed. :)
Vanwall
Tate, smartly done! One of the best MINI posts ever, anywhere, period. Well spoken.
```
BCNU,
```
Rob in Dago
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Tate – I know it's early but that's gotta be the front runner for comment of the year. Well said.
Nathan

You da man or women, Tate! Well thought out and intelligent.
Ken

I would Love get order my 05 MCS in MANUAL, save the $1290 and put it towards a mod or possiblilty a set of rims/tires. But, My ski accident from two years ago ripped apart my leg muscles and teared up my brokes leave me with no choice but to get the Automatic. I couldn't walk for 6 months, I had to sell my S2000, my Type-R and my GTI Rabbit as the after math of this accident …
tired of the whine…

Ken, we are in the same boat. My wife had a back injury in 2000. We had to sell her MANUAL VW cabrio for a automatic one…she will never be able to drive a real manual trans again.

She preferd the manual…she learned to drive on my turbo miata and loved it.

we are both pleased that there is a auto MSC now. we wanted more power than the CVT offered and we will be ordering her chili red rag top soon.
Mr. P

I am having a hard time keeping my comments to myself on this topic… Ok! seems like there are many comments being made about the people that want this version of transmission. I for one would be happy to take any othese people to the track and show them just how someone can drive this car. As for buying this version because they don't know how to drive a Manual Trans…There are many reasons to want this not just because they cant drive a stick. Please be courtious about the diversity of needs and wants with the MINI. The bottom line is we all love thee cars for many reasons. Drive safe, Drive fun, Drive for life!
Herman L.

Anyone care to say that BMW is still a company out to make a profit? the MINI is selling well in the states and so it only makes more sense to bring a auto version for the place that sells well so it sells EVEN better…

its not like the automatic is now the only tranny available… enthusiasts can stick with the 6 speed… adding a auto allows those with disabilities yet the same passion to drive the S… look at it from that angle!

i can agree that tho… i will start seeing 18 year old spoiled little girls driving cooper S at straight line at 90, turning at 10, or post SUV drivers cutting and wheezing their way around other cars…. (actually.. i do that… and that's what the mini's suppose to do anyways!)

the above is meant to be a joke, apologies if it offended anyone

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