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This bit of news comes from the Car Connection.com:
“…Redesigned front seats will provide more lateral support, while the recline-and-fold mechanism will be easier to use. The dials on the dash are set to make way for chronometer type gauges, similar to those in the Lexus IS 300.
Company insiders have also hintÂÂed that a mighty 300-hp edition could be in the pipeline, as well as a supercar baiting flagship prepared by the officially enÂÂdorsed tuning firm, John Cooper Works in West Sussex. Details of changes to trim levels and prices remain a secret, but the retro style cabin is expected to feature a number of revisions.”
Most of the news in the article pretty old and some of it may even be incorrect (hence I didn't include it here) but there are some interesting bits of info. First off the front seat redesign is something I've only heard vague references to. Also the mention of the often rumored 300hp JCW special edition yet another seeming confirmation that something is actually in the works so to speak.
<p>Is that going to be a dealer retro-fit for the 300hp or will it be 300hp from the factory? Definitely worth keeping an eye on…</p>
<p>I think the 300hp will probably come from the factory. Cooper Works has stated numerous times that their testing has shown that the MCS internals will only handle about 250hp (this includes engine and tranny, not sure about clutch and that). Therefore it will require a considerable change. I wouldn't be suprised if they didn't make it rear wheel driver either. I am not sure how the car can handle 300hp. With just 200hp the MCS can be a mess if not driven properly. It would be neat if they threw in a slightly detuned M3 motor, and new gearbox and rear wheel drive. That would throw the car into a whole other class. As long as it stays front wheel drive, that will be the limiting factor.</p>
<p>…or perhapes 4WD/AWD.</p>
<p>This could also be a homologation (spelling?) special for the WRC, etc. BMW has been getting more interested in rallyes, especially the Dakar Raid.</p>
<p>I do not understand why MINI has been leaking out so much information about the upcoming '05 model year almost 9-10 months in advance. I would think that by the time the 2005's arrive much of the initial excitment about the changes will simply not be there.</p>
<p>Don't you agree this will hurt 2004 model year sales? Most people would put on hold buying a new MINI until this coming September… I am not sure this is a good strategy.</p>
<p>Also a 300HP MINI is something totally uncalled for. MINis historically have never been high HP and torque cars. Making a MINI RWD is against the tradition of a small, spacious FWD vehicle.</p>
<p>If people crave so much the idea of brutal HP and torque on a MINI, maybe they should look into the likes of some GT cars as the Mustang, 350Z, RX-8 and even BMW's own M3.</p>
<p>The MINI's philosophy and success has always center around driving fun and remarkable handling dynamics, not brutal power and stop light race contests.</p>
<p>I doubt MINI will go the super HP or rear wheel drive layout given the coming 1 series BMW. The 1 is rear drive and a more likely candidate for an M version than the MINI.
I agree with Frank. The MINI is marketed as a lightweight, fun car. BMW is better off keeping the price low to attract the younger buyer or person who cannot pony up the price for a high performance vehicle.</p>
<p>I'm a couple weeks from purchasing a 2004 MCS and was wondering if anyone here has paid less than MSRP for their MINI. I figure with the 2005 redesign and convertible being available for order in August that you would be able to get a little bit of a discount on a 2004. Has anyone been able to get one for less than MSRP? Thanks.</p>
<p>I paid full MSRP for my '04 MCS. here in South Florida all 4 MINI dealers are still selling briskly at full MSRP. You may find a dealer selling Coopers for a little less than MSRP but don't expect to get a MCS at a discount.</p>
<p>I hope it continues this way, so my residuals stay high.</p>
<p>Les,</p>
<p>I found a way around it. I bought my MCS on Ebay. It had a few miles on it but I got it for $21, 500.00! It had everything on it, no heated seats/washers. I had the seller take the car to the local dealer and the dealer called me with his report.</p>
<p>The only probs I had were the normal stuff that everybody with the 2002 have, stumble, squeaks, cracked windscreen ETC. Nothing the warranty did cover.</p>
<p>Not for everybody but it worked for me. I live in CA and the car was in FL. Nice drive home…..2792 miles to be exact.</p>
<p>Les,
I've purchased three MINIs (2 MCS, 1 MC) from Classic MINI in Mentor, OH— all at MSRP. However, as of January 29th they are selling any MINI in stock for $500 off MSRP; and if you order a March production vehicle, you get $300 off MSRP plus a set of rubber floormats—and all accesories are 20% off MSRP</p>
<p>Contact Julie Saxa at Classic, either by phone 440 266-6700 or by email <a href="mailto:julie@driveclasic.com">julie@driveclasic.com</a> She is a fantastic MA. See the Dealer Ratings at <a href="http://www.northamericanmoroeing.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.northamericanmoroeing.com</a> for more information on Julie and Classic.
Charlie</p>
<p>I just can't see it: I know the chassis can handle more power, but how are you getting 300hp out of 1.6L, and putting it to the ground effectively? </p>
<p>I assume we're talking massive, laggy turbo combined with extreme engine reinforcements and AWD. Main thing I'd be worried about then would be dealing with that kind of heat load in that small of an engine bay.</p>
<p>If they can do it (and sell it for under $30k), sign me up :)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.promini.com/project" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.promini.com/project</a><em>cars/silver</em>sonic/</p>
<p>check it out! for those how believe in the word impossible
MCS -Project Silver Sonic – 287HP</p>
<p>iggi – we actually have reported in Promini's project cars in the past. However we're planning on doing another feature in the near future.</p>
<p>just heard the latest rumor that they may be going to a 2.0 displacement for the 2007. They have gotten the rumor mills started with the dealership</p>