Most liked posts in thread: New MINI on the way!

Thanks, I'll get some "locale" type photos soon as I get out and about.

My initial impression of the JCW kit is that...I'm pretty impressed!

I don't have a *lot* of MINI experience; but we spent a good hour and a half across two test drives of MINI Cooper S's when we were shopping. They were delightful and responsive.

But I definitely can tell the difference with the kit installed. There's a much stronger kick in the low- and mid-range; the test drive cars had no where near the pull in 6th that this car does, for example.

I think it's a transforming change. Of course, it now has a proper "sound track" to go with the performance, that's something I missed on the MCS: not enough sports car sound! It's not at all objectionable inside, and yet you can hear it. It's a nice, low growl from outside. Mine does burble/pop on overrun with sport mode "on".

I'm very pleased overall. The kit isn't cheap, and my dealer made it a little more attractive with our local club discount, but I think I got my money's worth, definitely. I'm still in break-in, but I want to try capturing some test numbers after break-in completes.

 

I've been remiss in posting a photo of my MINI as actually delivered...although I have updated my sig with a "day of delivery" photo.

Here's a shot of my 2012 MCS "Nigel Blue", just after a day at the tint shop.



I really love the Ice Blue color, especially on cloudy days: it gets very blue indeed, compared to bright sunny days.

Now at 2100 miles about a full month after delivery. A complete blast to drive, of course!

I'm hoping to get some time this weekend for a good wash/polish, I need a new, nice photo now that the NM springs have gone on. It now sits "just right", fixed the too-much wheel gap in this photo!

 

Hadn't had a chance to get a good photo of my MINI with the NM springs installed, but made a point to do so today. This tire/fender gap looks a lot more reasonable to me, much like the Gen1 MINI's.