Sections: R56 (Coupe) Jul 26th, 2006 20 Comments 
MotoringFile Exclusive: We know that the 2007 MINI Cooper S will have 175bhp, but how about torque? From what our (always reliable) sources are telling us, the ‘07 MCS will have 175 lb-ft of peak torque at 1400rpm with it’s new BMW design 1.6L turbocharged engine compared to the R53s 162 lb-ft. Even better, the torque curve shoots up sharply at the low-end and then levels off throughout the band. And turbo lag is basically non-existant.
That very broad torque band in combination with a lack of any lag will make the car extremely drivable and eager at throughout the range. In fact we’re told that this characteristic will be the most obvious difference between the current supercharged engine.
We’ll have more R56 and R55 facts and figures for you every day for the next week.
Avitor Jul 26th, 2006 Link
I’ll beleive the lag claims after a test drive, but the weight, horsepower, and torque improvements have me more interested in an R56 than I thought I would be. Though, there is that nagging part of my psyche that longs for a supercharger.
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Mark Hendrie Jul 26th, 2006 Link
It is as if the new car just keeps getting better and better! Nice one!
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appmacguy Jul 26th, 2006 Link
What about the Cooper, all the attention seems to be for the Cooper S. More Cooper snippets please!
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Matthew Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Yeah put me in the skeptical club on that “non-existent turbo lag”. Don’t get me wrong, the new MCS sounds fantastic but auto makers have been claiming “no lag” for years and each and everyone has lag.
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Charlie Jul 26th, 2006 Link
If the first year car is reliable, I might be more inclined to upgrade. It seems that only a powerplant change would not have as many issues as a whole car introduction.
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GSKChicago Jul 26th, 2006 Link
It is clear that BMW/MINI did so well with the first gen new MINI and are of course well aware of this – they do not want to bastardize that success with a shoddy second gen.
That said, every indication sounds like they are very aware of what they are doing, issues with the first gen and really trying to hit a home run with v2.
No matter what they do however there will be purists who will prefer this generation vs the next generation – on the flip side there will be those who will swear by the next gen vs the first.
From everything Gabe has been reporting for months and months, I think (IMHO) the ‘07 MINI will be great, it will simply come down to preference after that.
Thanks for the continued scoops!
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Mark Hendrie Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Just thought – I cannot wait for the new ultimate Mini tests with the new MCS in the mix with the old modified version!
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Frank Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Sounds good on paper for sure. Still I am going to wait a year or two before “upgrading” to a Turbocharged MCS. No matter how you cut it or slice it, BMW will have quality control glitches with these cars until possibly the end of the second year of production.
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BeOSKid Jul 26th, 2006 Link
All the engine numbers and weight reductions are awesome. i just don’t like what they’ve done to the front and back ends. still have to reserve final judgement since it’s not in production. to me it just doesn’t have the appeal of the v1 mini. the lines to flow like v1. seems to be a little more chunky. of course my opinion.
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Trick Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Having owned a VW with the 1.8T powerplant in it. . . If you notice any lag before it hits full torque as low as 1600 RPM then you don’t use enough right foot when you drive around.
The torque curve is so fat you’re never out of it.
Unless you stall the car.
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Shamus Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Gabe, my ADD can’t handle this slow trickle of info. 180lbs. 175lb/ft. Arrrrgh! You really know how to keep us hanging on…though, it’s a pleasurable torture. Thanks for the inside scoop.
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Chad Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Any word on equal-length driveshaft thingys? Like the current car to reduce torque steer?
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eto Jul 26th, 2006 Link
I’ll have more later today… then the next day… then the next day… :)
Excellent!!! My work productivity for the rest of the week just went down as I keep clicking Refresh on my web browser for more MINI goodness!
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Matthew Jul 26th, 2006 Link
Trick, I also have a VW 1.8T (2003 Passat) and it has lag. And even when I use a heavy right foot the lag is still always there.
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MINIAK Jul 26th, 2006 Link
I have a Audi 2.0T with similar technology turbo to this. The Turbo kicks in WAY DOWN LOW so there is “virtually” no lag. Really can tell a diff between it and my 04 SCooper.
I am in line for the ‘07!
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Trick Jul 27th, 2006 Link
Matthew, I haven’t driven a car as big as the Passat with the 1.8T. Interesting.
But I still contend in a car as light as the Cooper (or even the porky GTIs) that it’s all but unnoticeable because of the tuning.
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dgszweda Jul 27th, 2006 Link
I believe this is the same variable geometry turbo found in the 330d. While BMW claims there is no turbo lag, every review that I have seen on the 330d claims turbo lag.
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