Not an overrated, overpriced, fish face ugly GP3. https://jalopnik.com/the-268-hp-2020-toyota-gr-yaris-is-the-wildest-rally-sp-1840924138?utm_source=jalopnik_facebook&utm_campaign=socialflow_jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR2k5VYgPVEkt2vAc1ET8YpqLZIJgHJyRlfE-o26gR0GHNDhwTaRskFVZVY
$42K for a Yaris? I'd call that overpriced...... But I agree that the new MINIs have lost the plot completely...... and of course, if BMW builds it, it will be $52K
Come on @Dave.0 no automatic! How can I drink my double latte and drive? Who wants that!? Ok I do.........I really do!
I grew up driving cars with stick shifts...drove them all over the USA, Europe and Latin America when I was younger. I drove manual 3-speeds, 4-speeds, 5-speeds, and 6-speeds and cars from the UK [left AND right hand drive], the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and a few other countries. That was then, but now I am in my twilight years and both knees are giving me one helluva time when I walk, get up from sitting down, get up from having to get down to search for dog toys or other things that may have dropped out of reach, as well as getting into and out of my MINIs. What was fun when I was younger and more agile has turned into a daily living nightmare because I never know what muscles or joints will decide to give out until my body gets into those positions. I just CANNOT drive any stick shift cars any more without having to suffer pain, especially in my left knee. I have gone to the automatic transmission, sadly, but it keeps me in the driver's seat. If it bothers you that I drive a CVT in my R50 or automatics in either of my R53s, that's YOUR problem, and not mine. I can and have driven them in any and all conditions and places...and I am still here. When you "purists" go to MOTD, check out how many automatic transmissions are there besides the MINIs with that "glorious" 6-speed manual transmission. I think you'll be surprised. If that's not true, then WHY is there a class to teach drivers just how to drive the paddle shifting automatic MINIs while at MOTD?
There’s a class to teach people how to use a paddle shifting automatic? Have we really digressed that far?
I've not found anyone here caring if I drive an autobox with a robot to shift its gears. Being the old fart I am I don't care what others may think. Ha! I love stick shifts, but this old fart can no longer kick a clutch without pain. Being the sissy I am I really don't like pain. Enter the GTI with a beautiful DSG handicap transmission. Life is good. CVT oh heck no not for me, but fine for others if they want one. On to the topic at hand. Well I think so, but M/A is famous for thread drift. That little Yaris rally car wanna be is pretty cool. Good idea for Toyota to bring such a thing to market, None for North America. As far as MINI building something like that Yaris, well MINI does not rally, so what's the point? MINI did rally for the year or so before they dropped out. Oh & they used a Countryguy not a 3 door MINI. PS One more thing. I missed the how to drive an automatic class. With Babs clubster I've found the best thing for a fine twisty road is to put it in sport mode, no paddling. The Japanese transmission is a good one, but using the paddles is the slow way to go. Back on topic again. 15,000 mile oil changes.......
Don't misunderstand me, I realize that an auto is the best chose for some given their situation. I am not downing anyone for driving auto. What I am downing is BMW/MINI for the auto they put in the GP. When I went to the dealer the other day to get filters I asked them about the transmission in the GP. I was told its a normal torque converter auto. Why? VW has had a very nice duel clutch system out for a long time. So have several other manufactures. You won't hear me complaining about that type of a transmission. A long time friend that sold and raced P cars let me test a GTI with the duel cultch, it was a hoot. BMW/MINI could and should do better. They are not some cut-rate company. Their cars are very expensive and they run around saying they make the ultimate driving machine. If your going to talk the talk then you damn sure need to walk the walk! There a lot of cars I can wast my money on that are +40k so if you want me to buy your car it needs to stand out and don't give me some lame answer that it was the only transmission your company has that won't crap out.....now there is a selling point. I would have been happy if they had offered it in both flavors, to each his own. So I am not judging you my brother. If I make it to the Dragon I will have a cigar for you!
I learned ALL my paddle shifting at Mid Ohio when I tracked my MCSa at the BMWCCA driving schools, from 2006-2012. My instructor told me the paddles are more efficient than using the shifter, because less time is used in going to the shifter and my track times would be shorter. I now use the paddles almost exclusively. I don't see the paddles as a digression at all, and they are pretty fun when driving at the Tail of the Dragon, although sometimes I revert to the shifter there, too. However, that said, the MOTD classes are for those who probably have never tracked their MINIs, or who are inexperienced in "Dragon driving" and want to give the paddles a shot.
No, Lee, I am the "cigar guy" and this year is MY last Cigar Salon. ALL the cigars I am bringing are free for the smoking. Next year, someone else can either carry on the "tradition", or not. This year, NO VAPES and NO ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES other than regular cigars, because this is MY show, and my friends [aka the Cigar Salon participants] are welcome to them.
Ok old people relax. Drive whatever Autotragic/ CVT thing you want. NO ONE IS JUDGING YOU. The point of the tread was this is what MINI should have built and not the ugly GP3. MINI will be leaving North America soon so it won’t matter. If you have been under a rock last week, BMW has pulled all financial support from MINI North America. No BMW leasing, no rebates, on and on. Dealerships will be closing soon.
There’s a difference between someone preferring an automatic transmission in a sporty car and the manufacturer not even offering a manual transmission option. The first is perfectly fine for that person and the latter is an ultimate blunder for a ... driving machine maker.
I don't live under a rock, but heck if I did it would save a load of money. NEWS FASH!!! Found a nice rock to live under. Close proximity to many fine southern Ohio driving roads.
Hell, it's hard telling if I have any lawn left at all, what with all the rain we have been getting during this so-called Winter!
Not going to touch that one...... Better rain than snow & ice my friend. Those new snow tyres you bought are keeping the snow away.