Since our review of the 2007 MINI, there’s been a lot of discussion about the new Sport Button and how it exactly works. So we thought it might help to hear a little audio review of the feature we recorded last at the MINI USA R56 Press event.
>So it just modifies the Drive-by-Wire reponse curve and the steering power assist, then? Nothing suspension related?
This isn’t PSAM and the MINI is not a 911. But the change effectively makes the R56 more responsive than the previous car. And while the steering has probably lost 5% of it’s feel, it’s better weighted with more on center feel.
So steering ratio and suspension remains unchanged. I guess that would be too much to ask. Let’s hope the Works car defaults this button to the ‘ON’ position, or does away with it entirely.
Gabe, do you have numbers on the R56 steering ratio versus the R53?
I was wondering where this button is located in the car. I had seen pics of several buttons mounted at the base of the shifter…is this where the sport button is located? If so, what else is down there. DSC??
So it just modifies the Drive-by-Wire reponse curve and the steering power assist, then? Nothing suspension related?
>So it just modifies the Drive-by-Wire reponse curve and the steering power assist, then? Nothing suspension related?
This isn’t PSAM and the MINI is not a 911. But the change effectively makes the R56 more responsive than the previous car. And while the steering has probably lost 5% of it’s feel, it’s better weighted with more on center feel.
So steering ratio and suspension remains unchanged. I guess that would be too much to ask. Let’s hope the Works car defaults this button to the ‘ON’ position, or does away with it entirely.
Gabe, do you have numbers on the R56 steering ratio versus the R53?
I was wondering where this button is located in the car. I had seen pics of several buttons mounted at the base of the shifter…is this where the sport button is located? If so, what else is down there. DSC??
Correct Gokart – Just DSC and Sports Buttons.. There is a space for another button between Sports/DSC but its blank for now and doesn’t push in.
why can’t the sport button be activated via throttle positioning?
i.e., when you floor the accelerator or give it a quick burst, the sport mode activates.