Edmunds Reviews the 2007 MCS Prototype

Sections: In the Press | R56 (Hatch) Sep 15th, 2006 10 Comments

Edmunds finally gets around to giving us it’s take on the prototype 2007 MCS they drove with the rest of the automotive world this past July. Here’s an excerpt:

There’s no point in delaying the inevitable. What you really want to know is this: Yes, the new 2007 Mini drives like a real Mini ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬” full of verve when pushed hard over challenging sections of blacktop. And, yes, it achieves the specific aim set out by parent company BMW by improving on its hugely successful predecessor in just about every conceivable area. There’s a sophisticated air about the new car that I’m certain will see it attract an even wider audience than the outgoing model, of which some 800,000 have now rolled from the refurbished Mini factory in England since its introduction in 2001.

[ European First Drive: 2007 Mini Cooper S Prototype ] Edmunds Inside Line

Written By: MF Staff

Alan Ashcroft

So I am not the only one who is going to miss the Supercharger whine….. particularly with my JCW Air Intake… I dowloaded the MP3 of the ’07 MCS 1st-6th… and it definitely needs some work on the sound.
Nick

I hope the folks at Magna Flow read this. Maybe MINI will produce a CD with the SC whine. I like to hear my car. My HK sound system doesn’t get used much.
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

i suspected just from the clips i’ve heard with audio that the new car will have a more refined vibe – this review seems to confirm that.

i also think this is the first mention of exactly how much juice the new jcw engine kit will have….220 hp according to the article.

as for supercharger whine, i just removed the flap from my jcw intake and now it really sings! much less than an alta, but just a little more than before. ; )
meb

I’m impressed with the character of the power band. Although power does not seem that different form the current S – sans the full throttle tourque up – this car should nearly match the current JCW…and perhaps beat it under some circumstances.

The steering comments are not good news. However, now that the system is completely electric, perhaps there is a way for us more enthusiastic type folk to remove a little assist???

I still do not like the nose…the word pudgy comes to mind…
Chuck

“I must admit, however, that throughout my brief encounter I constantly yearned for some of the old supercharger whine to liven proceedings. If anything, the new car sounds too sterile…too refined.” That says something! But I have to drive for myself I guess.
gokartride

I have to confess I still have trouble believing they actually left a scoop in the bonnet only for looks.
msh441

Throw some headers, exhaust and a K&n and I’ll bet that thing will sing… maybe a different tune than the SC cars, but it should sound nice in it’s own right.
bavarian racing green

…on reading this review, i am reinforced in my decision to slip on down to the ‘ol dealership for this generation’s MCS (dark silver w/ silver roof, before it disappears as well)…

…though i have not driven the new iteration, i believe that something is lost for things to be gained…

…i choose what is ‘lost’ in this generation, and i will go for the ‘gained’ when the Clubman rears it’s unique little head…

…to each their own…
Osmodious

I hope they are able to address the quality and reliability issues. As I’ve whined about many times, I had one of the ‘bad ones’ (it seems people either had NO problems or lots of them…I had lots). So I’m actually defecting for a while…I bought an Acura TSX, which has about 70% of the fun…after they’ve had 18-24 months to work the bugs out of the new one (and to develop the new JCW!), I’ll come ‘back home’! For now, though, I can’t wait to test drive one of these turbos, and see how the aftermarket pumps up the boost with cheap ECU upgrades (a la Audi/VW 1.8t).

It’s also great to know they haven’t screwed up that oh so unique ‘character’ of this wonderful, useful toy…
Alan Ashcroft

Drew, that idea with the flap is exactly what I want to do with mine…. being a mechanical dunce (but with a tame mechanic who will help me), how easy is it to remove the flap without damaging the intake? Is there a “dummy’s guide” to it somewhere, or can someone give me some basic instructions? Thanks.

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