Group 4 Autosport Dragon Debrief

Discussion in 'Exterior' started by track-toy, May 10, 2010.

  1. Blainestang

    Blainestang New Member

    Jan 16, 2010
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    Also, the Factory Aero Kit R56's (maybe JCW Aero also?) have underbody panels, as well.

    (Sorry for the crappy pic)

    [​IMG]

    RealOEM.com BMW R56 Cooper S Underfloor coating
     
  2. phydeaux

    phydeaux New Member

    May 5, 2009
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    That's pretty impressive for a single piece. Do you have an mpg improvement goal for the splitter/side skirt/diffuser, or is that all just a benefit to the track application? Asking as a daily driver that hits the track/auto-x every so often.
     
  3. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

    Apr 7, 2009
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    Nice. And only a few bits over $60. Would it have killed BMW to make those for all their cars?
     
  4. Newbs49

    Newbs49 New Member

    May 23, 2009
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    Graham
    Will you have additional under panels for the GP? In one of your earlier posts it sounds like you'll have more to increase downforce. Thanks for your help.
     
  5. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    May 5, 2009
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    +1. I know many racers consider a splitter a disposable good, like brake pads, that periodically needs to be replaced, but with our roads, I'd be replacing way too often. If you're considering making this an option, put me down for this too, I'm going to try and call Wayne soon anyway.

    As for those underpanels, the R56 ones will work on an R53, and they're not that expensive, but they do require a bit of modification--I was just about to do this until Group 4 came along. So if group 4 is in the process of making underpanels, I'll hold off--be easier to install, and I'd rather pay them than a dealer...
     
  6. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    The R56 testing was all done on the street with the configuration you mentioned (splitter/side skirt/diffuser). Most of the gas mileage improvement came from the diffuser because of the elimination of the rear bumper cavity where air gets trapped. It's like towing a parachute. The diffuser acts like a false floor and also releases air from beneath the car faster. From a performance standpoint there is also the advantage of added downforce due to the creation of a low pressure area at the rear of the car.

    Because air always moves from a high pressure to a low pressure area, air compressed under the car by the splitter rushes toward the back of the car, now unimpeded. The side skirts aid in this effect.

    We have yet to add side skirts to our R53 track car so I'm not getting the full benefit of the package. These are in construction right now.
     
  7. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

    Apr 7, 2009
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    Would I be out of line if I asked to get some estimated costs? Just so I can start saving my pennies, you understand.
     
  8. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    Side skirts can be tricky...But these are going to be very friendly for cars that are frequently put on 4 jackstands though, right?:D

    I'm a definite yes on a (removable) splitter, underpanels and rear diffuser when those are available, and rear wing. Side skirts are going to depend on jackability...

    Time for a second mortgage I suppose...
     
  9. phydeaux

    phydeaux New Member

    May 5, 2009
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    I second the motion. I'm very interested, but need to know if I should start auctioning off my first born male child. ;)
     
  10. putterfarm

    putterfarm New Member

    May 18, 2009
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    Bum.
    Pittsfield, Pa.
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    If you wanted to take the splitter off easily and quickly the answer is no:cryin:. BUT, you only lose about 1/2" in ground clearance and it only sticks out 90mm from the facia. You could take it off and then put it on for special occasions, maybe 15/20 min. to do.:idea:
    I know that my stock '03 "S" sticks and handles like a completely different car with just the splitter and spoiler extension. I'm putting the diffuser on next and will report how it feels. I drive country roads and interstate highways so I get a feel for both handleing and stability.

    Mark
     
  11. putterfarm

    putterfarm New Member

    May 18, 2009
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    OK MINIacs here you go---the splitter is $260.00 + shipping and the diffuser is $595.00 + shipping. We don't have a price on the sills yet but soon. As Graham said, the belly pans are under development as we speak. Everything comes in street form and track form.
    Hang in there as we want everything to actually function, look good AND be affordable :cool:

    Mark
    Group4Autosport.com
    814-563-1669
     
  12. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    The composite splitter is $260 plus shipping, and the laser cut aluminum diffuser is $595 plus shipping. BTW we're using a European developed composite material for the splitter which is lighter and more durable than fragile C/F which shatters easily. Just so you know.

    I see that putterfarm has also confirmed the pricing.
     
  13. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

    Apr 7, 2009
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    That's the thing. My driveway is so steep that I had to raise my car. I have to approach at an angle not to scrape the bottom of the front bumper and still end up scraping on the speed humps on my street if I don't pay attention.

    I had the M7 splitter on the car a few years back and that was catching on everything and eventually ended up tearing my aero bumper. So I wouldn't mind something that I could easily bolt on at the track without having to pull the bumper and just as easily take off for daily use.
     
  14. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    May 5, 2009
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    There are some folks who want a splitter just for bling (nothing wrong with that), and others who want it just for performance. If it is at all possible to modify the one you guys have (and that thing is very reasonably priced) to facilitate easy removal, you'll have an ace in the hole--both camps served. 15-20 minutes isn't bad, but cut that down to 5-10, and the check is in the mail....

    To be honest, I really don't like the looks of a splitter on a MINI anyway, but on the other hand, the performance benefit is undeniable, and it looks like you guys have developed a good one. Guess I'm looking for the best of both worlds..

    Any thought to putting this together as a whole package, and discount accordingly? I think many of us are going to be for the whole kit as a package, once it's completed.
     
  15. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

    Jun 24, 2009
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    I'm in the same boat.... can't lower the darn car because of it. :frown2:
     
  16. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

    May 21, 2009
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    Lower the driveway??:D

    I am going to book in the rear diffuser @ MOTD 2011 and the underbelly pans if they have them by then.
     
  17. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

    Jun 24, 2009
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    Oh, trust me Mendra..... we have thought about re-grading it :Thumbsup:
     
  18. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    #38 track-toy, May 11, 2010
    Last edited: May 11, 2010
    OK on the splitter. I said a few posts back that hardware installed under the car could fit keyhole slots in the splitter and be tightened. Like hanging a picture on the wall except that you can tighten it as well. The stanchions can be removed without removing the bumper. I estimate that a splitter could be installed in a few minutes if you cut the keyhole mounting slots and install the correct hardware under the car (just stainless nuts and bolts with washers).

    Package deals? Sure, no problem. Most manufacturers would have package pricing. We haven't worked ours out yet.

    We are a young company with exciting and innovative ideas. It's tough to do all the peripheral stuff like pricing and catalogs, websites and stuff when you are still drawing designs on napkins. We'll get there, but our passion is for design and function.
     
  19. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

    Apr 7, 2009
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    I am not particularly creative when it comes to solutions, but I can turn a wrench. If you guys will come up with the hardware necessary (even if it adds a few bucks to the cost) and a set of instructions, then I would definitely add this to my wish list.
     
  20. track-toy

    track-toy MINI of the Month

    May 4, 2009
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    No problem. Also to a couple of posts above about the driveway. The curb might be your issue. I had mine lowered and reprofiled. Because the MINI has such short overhangs front and rear, there is an advantage to that. The sooner you can get the front wheels to lift over whatever curb you have the better. I only have 4" ground clearance at the front. Here is a picture of my driveway when I first moved in... I reprofiled the curb in the lower left of the picture.

    [​IMG]
     

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