2007 Cooper S at the Nürburgring (video)

Sections: In the Press | R56 (Coupe) Jan 26th, 2006 56 Comments

AutoExpress as an article this month on the new MINI that recaps most of what we’ve been saying on MotoringFile for the past year or so. However it’s not the article that you’ll want to click over for. They also have a two and a half minute long video of the new MINI Cooper S ripping up the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Not only can you see the car on the track for the first time but you can actually hear it’s engine note. While it doesn’t have the supercharger whine that most love, the new turbocharged hi-tech mill has an aggressive note that is sure to impress.

You can check out both below:

[ The 2007 MINI at the Nurgurgring Video ] AutoExpress (4MB/Quicktime)

[ The New MK2 MINI ] AutoExpress

Written By: Gabe

56 Comments

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Big thanks to Pete for the tip!

drew Jan 26th, 2006 Link

damn that looked fun!

matt Jan 26th, 2006 Link

understeers at the limit, which is to be expected, however it looks like the rear wheels are doing more than just holding up the back end. this is very very encouraging to see. thanks gabe and pete.

Pete Jan 26th, 2006 Link

My pleasure to assist! I’ve got a feeling that the big bulge in the hood, aside from the scoop, will cover an intercooler for the turbo…we’ll see. And AutoExpress says there is a 140hp turbo’d Cooper, which I think would make a great addition “over here”.

dickdavid Jan 26th, 2006 Link

That was exciting. Thanks for the preview.

tony T Jan 26th, 2006 Link

I’m impressed with the amount of noise this things makes, and also its speed. Are we sure this is the S, and not the future ‘Works’….? Sure has big exhaust openings and noise for a standard car….

Hmmm, think of a tuned version with a mighty dump valve….. PppppsssshhhhttttttTTTT..

Hmmmm.

MPR Jan 26th, 2006 Link

WOW!

Great sound and the car is super fast!

giacomo Jan 26th, 2006 Link

About half way thru did he brick a gear or was that just the tires crossing those painted stripes?

Will miss the SuperCharger, just sounds like any turbo charged car now. Ho Hum. I will say the new engine seems to run very strong but would have loved to see it and a old MCS running side by side.

Nice to see though.

Luke Jan 26th, 2006 Link

I might be wrong but I think it’s got LED Brakelights. If you skip to 1:16 you can see them come on at the same time as the high level brake light.

Allan Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Slow down! It’s raining!! Maybe it has AWD. Oh the possibilities!!

Yegor H. Jan 26th, 2006 Link

A MINI Works (with 230 bhp) will be following at a later date.

Can’t wait!!!

gbuff Jan 26th, 2006 Link

I’m impressed not only with the car but the driver…he or she was really flying in the wet. Car very flat in corners and sounds great.

Benjamin Sidon Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Are we sure that prototype didn’t have AWD? I know my RSX-S would have been all over the road in the rain at those speeds. Boy did that thing corner flat….any body want a slightly used Acura?

doug Jan 26th, 2006 Link

How encouraging.

I prefer that sound over the SC whine. When can I put my order in again?

mooper Jan 26th, 2006 Link

have to agree with gbuff. very skilled driver. leaving what apears to be a fairly new golf in the dust. this is a really dangerous course when wet, so the car is hanging in there quite well.

BelowRadar Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Awesome.

momo Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Sooooooo fast. can’t wait to see the real thing

by the way… It’s not golf that this new mini blew…it’s bm 1 series

Rob Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Nothing beats a MINI for left to right transitions. Awesome.

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

It definitely looks quick and still like a Mini, and sounds OK too IMO. If you look at the side shot in the stills at the end, however, you can see how much more pronounced the overhangs are (especially the front) compared to the current gen car. The “wide bulldog stance” definitely isn’t there to the same extent…

Personally I’m not a fan of those big foglights either, but that could be a benefit in disguise if you remove them and add some brake cooling ducts.

ChrisW Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Heh, don’t insult the Golf by mistaking a 1-series for it. :)

(Sorry 1-series fans…)

Nathaniel Salzman Jan 26th, 2006 Link

It’s of course pretty obvious that it’s got a bunch of extra body-cladding on it. Originally I thought that was just tape, but now seeing the video, it looks like some sort of ABS plastic or something covering up the true shape of the car. I bet it’s also acting as cheep “oops” protection if it gets out of hand and tags a guard rail. I’m REALLY hoping there’s a lot of it on the back end especially ’cause that rear 3/4 shot at the end shows that car having some serious hips, and not in a good way. I don’t want a child-bearing, J-Lo booty MINI. The side shot showing the front overhang is disheartening too. Damn EU pedestrians! The front wheels aren’t anywhere near the front corner anymore. Hopefully the production car will have its nose tucked-in a little better.

Awesome seeing the handling of the car, though I agree that great as the sound is, it’s very pedestrian turbo sounding compared to the current exhaust note.

Oh well. “You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?”

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

In evaluating this we should also keep in mind that this test mule is lowered significantly (and probably more stiffly sprung) than any factory spec car we will see in the US.

MrT-Man Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Well, so far I still don’t have any regrets about buying a 2006 MCS rather than waiting for the 07…

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

In evaluating this we should also keep in mind that this test mule is lowered significantly (and probably more stiffly sprung) than any factory spec car we will see in the US

Why would MINI be testing a car with anything other than the final version of the suspension? What you see in the video is what will be on the street in 2007. This is precisely why BMW is at the Nurburgring testing this car.

And for the record the differences between the US suspensions and the rest of the world is very subtle and doesn’t negatively affect handling from my experiences driving both. The main point of the differences are meant to comply a little better with the embarrassingly poor US road conditions.

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

What you see in the video is what will be on the street in 2007.

I’m going to have to respectfully disagree with you here Gabe, and wish I could post a screen shot from the video to show you why I believe so. Nevertheless I still believe the new MINI will handle better than any other FWD car on the market, and will blow all other comparable vehicles out of the water.

To address you point about differences between US and Euro suspension setups, there have been some recent instances of significant changes made for the US market. For example, the new US-spec Mk5 VW GTI has a 15mm higher ride height than its Euro counterpart (apparently to “ensure a five-star side-impact crash rating here in the States” — quote from VWVortex) and softer shocks to deal with poor US roads, as you mentioned above. Of course Mini may not apply a similar US adjustment. I hope not!

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Of course Mini may not apply a similar US adjustment. I hope not!

Unless things changed since I chatted with someone at MINI USA about this… then there’s no need to worry about the current car.

However I still don’t understand why you would think MINI wouldn’t be testing the final street suspension on the Nurburgring. That is typically why they’re there for testing as there’s no where else on earth that offers so many different stresses on suspension components. Well, except maybe Lake Shore Dr. in Chicago during February.

Bartmack Jan 26th, 2006 Link

at first I thought that was a video of me on the way to work in the morning …lol =)

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Unless things changed since I chatted with someone at MINI USA about thisÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

Guess I should probably just trust you an this one Gabe :)

To me the stills at the end make the car look pretty slammed, however, almost like a track-prepped car.

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

To me the stills at the end make the car look pretty slammed, however, almost like a track-prepped car.

What you’re seeing is just the suspension fully compressed due to the wonders of the Nordschleife.

Trick Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Sweet! Now make me a Traveller damnit and I’ll unload the Subie.

O(=^=)O Capn Jan 26th, 2006 Link

HOO_RAY! it’s still the car that I love!

One thing that I noticed is that the rear spoiler seems to stick up above the roof.

I like it.

the front overhang, not so much.

Richard Jan 26th, 2006 Link

The US versions are meant to comply a little better with the embarrassingly poor US road conditions.

Gabe, how much international travel have you done? I think you’re giving way too much credit to the quality of roads around the world. Why, just start by crossing over the border to the south.

I’d venture to guess that any adjustments for US versions have to do more with marketing rather than practical considerations, i.e. consumers here expect a cushier ride from a car.

Aaron Jan 26th, 2006 Link

I thought that the rear sway in the Euro MCS was beefier… giving a more neutral handling in the turns when on the gas.

Dave Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Damn it looks and sounds good! The Nordschleife, what a great time…gotta drive it. I am looking forward to the Traveller-S.

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Gabe, how much international travel have you done? I think youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re giving way too much credit to the quality of roads around the world. Why, just start by crossing over the border to the south.

Have you been to Chicago? :)

Nathan Jan 26th, 2006 Link

That engine sound almost has me forgetting about my love of the MINI S’s supercharger…

Richard Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Have you been to Chicago? :)

Yes, but I wasn’t driving and wasn’t paying attention to the condition of roads. There was a NAM thread on the topic of worst roads in America.

O(=^=)O Capn Jan 27th, 2006 Link

It’s hard to hear the engine over those squealing tires.

Those are some BIG hips :(

And YES that was a 1 series!! Check again, it is very distinct! Look at the back end when the it comes around.

Shania Jan 27th, 2006 Link

I thought that the rear sway in the Euro MCS was beefierÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ giving a more neutral handling in the turns when on the gas.

That and stiffer damper valving. Why does the average American have to be such an automotive phillistine?

Shania Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Ok, so I take back my comments about inevitable handling dilution. That thing looks freaking dialed!

carcounsel.com |HID| » Blog Archive » 2007 Cooper S in motion Jan 27th, 2006 Link

[...] MotoringFile – or rather Autoexpress – caught the next generation Cooper lapping in the wet. [...]

carcounsel.com Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Someone tell Autoexpress that the Chrysler [sic] engines aren’t ‘two valve units’?

(what they ae however is iron blocked – funny how MINI press materials gloss over this fact and BMW press materials do the same for the S54 engine in the M3. Hope the longer front overhang doesn’t negate the effect of the lighter block!)

dgszweda Jan 27th, 2006 Link

I would have to agree with Gabe. I have been all over the world, and I would have to say that Chicago roads are up at the top if not on top for the worse roads.

Rvan Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Check out Motor Trends website – Future Vehicles/spied section for a good view of the 2007 MINI Cooper. It doesn’t really look all that different than todays MINI. Still a little bit of cover up going on especially on the interior. But not bad so far.

http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied/112_0601_2007_mini_cooper/index.html

hope the link works

Amit Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Wow that thing is moving! I think there is a lot of plastic clading that is making it bulge all over the place. Those are child bearing hips, so the child is going to pop out soon…lol.

I agree that Chicago roads are terrible, but have you been up to Montreal? I moved up here a few years ago and you guys can’t imagine how bad it is. I’m talking 1ft deep potholes!

Jim Jan 27th, 2006 Link

At least they don’t take Atlanta’s approach to potholes, put a 2″ tall steel plate over it and wait 2 years to fix it.

Gabe Jan 27th, 2006 Link

They just do that when they cut out large sections of the road. But the best part is that the steel plates generally don’t go on for a week or two after the work is started.

Big Z Jan 27th, 2006 Link

I have been all over the world, and I would have to say that Chicago roads are up at the top if not on top for the worse roads.

Chicago’s roads are so bad because of the near 100 degree summers and sub-zero winters, combined with the fact the city must go with the absolute lowest contract bid on any road project (i.e. poor-quality pavement).

The expansion and contraction from the hot and cold weather causes the potholes. Bad Streets and Sanitation work means the potholes never get fixed correctly.

Evan Jan 27th, 2006 Link

That new MINI was moving! And the engine does have a good powerful sound to it, although there’s nothing like the supercharger whine which is addictive.

I am waiting for the final reveal, but that front overr hang is much more pronounced. Better engines, better interior…but we’ll see about the outside tweaks. I may be looking for a lightly loved supercharged S to compelment my MC.

I will be open though and wait to see and drive the follow up to the most fun, best handling car on the road. It’s just the usual BMW problem of replacing amazing products. When you’re the best in the world, it’s hard to improve for improvement’s sake and not for the sake of change.

sandm4130 Jan 27th, 2006 Link

“…best handling car on the road. ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s just the usual BMW problem of replacing amazing products. When youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re the best in the world, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s hard to improve for improvementÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s sake and not for the sake of change.”

Evan has hit it on the head. Finally the point of this discussion has been made. I think that most peoples worries about the “Future Cooper” should be referenced to the history of the manufacture behind the build of said machine.

The 2006 MCS JCW I have on order is going to be my first brand new car and the main deciciding point of my purchase was which BMW product would I be replacing my current BMW product with.

Sure all respectable autos have their nuances but in the end if the good outweighs the slight quirks then it is all gravy from then on.

To all you Cooper Troopers out their be cool with what you got cause it could always be worse.

Like GM.

Z4MINI Jan 30th, 2006 Link

And AutoExpress says there is a 140hp turboÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d Cooper, which I think would make a great addition Ã¢â‚¬Å“over hereÃ¢â‚¬Â.

If AutoExpress is saying it, don’t bet on it.

INIW - Upside down and backwards » The great debate. Pull the trigger now or wait for ‘07 Jan 31st, 2006 Link

[...] Much has been reported about the forthcoming redesigned ‘07 Cooper.Ã‚Â In the last 18 months, Gabe and company over at MotoringFile have produced a number of excellent pieces including numerous spy photos and even last week posted a link to a movie of the redesigned MINI flying around the ‘ring’ in Germany. [...]

MotoringFile » Archive » New R56 Cooper Spyshots Surface Feb 6th, 2006 Link

[...] Note, this is the Cooper and not the S thus we see no hood scoop. If you want to see the next MCS in action you’ll want to check out this previous story. [...]

INIW - Upside down and backwards » Blog Archive » The great debate Feb 7th, 2006 Link

[...] Much has been reported about the forthcoming redesigned ‘07 Cooper. In the last 18 months, Gabe and company over at MotoringFile have produced a number of excellent pieces including numerous spy photos and even last week posted a link to a movie of the redesigned MINI flying around the ‘ring’ in Germany. [...]

INIW - Upside down and backwards » Blog Archive » A day of rest… Feb 12th, 2006 Link

[...] And where’s the tie to the MINI?Ã‚Â Here’s a link to a video showing the forthcoming R56 MINI flying around the Ring in Germany. Filed under: Uncategorized [...]

MotoringFile » Archive » 2007 Cooper S at the NÃƒÂ¼rburgring #3 Apr 7th, 2006 Link

[...] [ 2007 Cooper S Nurburgring Video ] MotoringFile [...]

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2007 Cooper S at the Nürburgring (video)

Sections: In the Press | R56 (Coupe) Jan 26th, 2006 56 Comments

Written By: Gabe

56 Comments

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

drew Jan 26th, 2006 Link

matt Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Pete Jan 26th, 2006 Link

dickdavid Jan 26th, 2006 Link

tony T Jan 26th, 2006 Link

MPR Jan 26th, 2006 Link

giacomo Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Luke Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Allan Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Yegor H. Jan 26th, 2006 Link

gbuff Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Benjamin Sidon Jan 26th, 2006 Link

doug Jan 26th, 2006 Link

mooper Jan 26th, 2006 Link

BelowRadar Jan 26th, 2006 Link

momo Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Rob Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

ChrisW Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Nathaniel Salzman Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

MrT-Man Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Bartmack Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Micah Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Trick Jan 26th, 2006 Link

O(=^=)O Capn Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Richard Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Aaron Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Dave Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Gabe Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Nathan Jan 26th, 2006 Link

Richard Jan 27th, 2006 Link

O(=^=)O Capn Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Shania Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Shania Jan 27th, 2006 Link

carcounsel.com |HID| » Blog Archive » 2007 Cooper S in motion Jan 27th, 2006 Link

carcounsel.com Jan 27th, 2006 Link

dgszweda Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Rvan Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Amit Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Jim Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Gabe Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Big Z Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Evan Jan 27th, 2006 Link

sandm4130 Jan 27th, 2006 Link

Z4MINI Jan 30th, 2006 Link

INIW - Upside down and backwards » The great debate. Pull the trigger now or wait for ‘07 Jan 31st, 2006 Link

MotoringFile » Archive » New R56 Cooper Spyshots Surface Feb 6th, 2006 Link

INIW - Upside down and backwards » Blog Archive » The great debate Feb 7th, 2006 Link

INIW - Upside down and backwards » Blog Archive » A day of rest… Feb 12th, 2006 Link

MotoringFile » Archive » 2007 Cooper S at the NÃƒÂ¼rburgring #3 Apr 7th, 2006 Link

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