LA Auto Show 2009: MINI Clubman With Spiked Color and Lease

troutster52
Dec 7, 2009 at 9:17 am

I just looked it up and Mini has a new high-end model called the Works that has a turbo, 208 hp and gets to 60 in 6.2. Still not a screamer, but better.

troutster52
Dec 7, 2009 at 9:05 am

I have had all these same thoughts because my wife and I seriously thought about getting one. Agreed its not a track star but thats not everything. A slick looking stick shift car that handles like a go-kart, makes insane gas mileage and can park just about anywhere is a pretty hot deal, dog or not in the quarter. I would like to add too that even an increase of as little as 30 hp in a car that little would make a world of difference.

retroman
Dec 6, 2009 at 1:07 pm

I do agree with you wholly that a Mini is no straight line athlete out of the box; however, the modification potential is enormous. I like to think of it in the same way I think of a Ford Festiva: Crappy performance out of the box, but once you mod it into a SHOgun, not even a Ferrari can keep up with it, and it’s alot cheaper to build and maintain. There are only 8 real SHOguns in existence, but there are at least 100 or more clones. If you don’t know what a SHOgun is, I’d highly suggest googling it. It’s freaking halarious!! Anyway, back to the Mini, I think it just needs a little attention (or perhaps alot), but once done, you’ll have the fastest go-kart at the strip.

lejourinator
Dec 3, 2009 at 6:37 pm

actually the cooper s even get beats by a measly protege ES 2.0 with its 8.9 sec. jeez

lejourinator
Dec 3, 2009 at 6:34 pm

9 SECONDS?!? Ok seriously 9 seconds for a 0-60 time is pretty bad. For a base model compact it would not be a problem, but your talking about the coopers s there Retroman. I know it shouldn’t have a 3 second 0-60, but 9? that’s really slow for a “sporty” model. even if its good in corners, but in the real world, your gonna have trouble trying to overtake people on the highway with that kind of acceleration. My Roadmaster does 0-60 in 6.5 and I’d consider that mildly acceptable for a daily driver. Why would someone buy a cooper s over a regular mini?

retroman
Dec 3, 2009 at 2:14 pm

A base Mini has 115 hp and 110 ftlbs of torque while a Cooper S has 163 ponies and 155 ftlbs of torque. This enables it to do 0-60 in about 9 sec with a 6spd manual tranny. Not all that impressive compared to a Corvette, but these cars are also weigh about 600 lbs less than a Vette, and as we all know weight is just as crucial as horsepower. I’d say it’s even more crucial because it also affects handling. These cars are known for handling not only because of thier weight, but thier short wheelbase as well. I know that there are at least a few modified Mini’s out there packing 300 horsepower or even more. I think a few Corvettes would struggle to keep up with that kind of madness. On the other hand, I do agree that a Mini has no chance against a Lingenfeller. All in all, it’s a car that I wouldn’t mind having in my collection. Go-kart like handling, sweet looks, and a stout movie history make it one awesome ride!!

Class-o-09
Dec 3, 2009 at 11:11 am

Same concept as the Chevelle tied to the ground in the chevy ads back in 69′. “other cars wish we would keep it this way”

GTwildfire
Dec 3, 2009 at 10:11 am

the vehicular equivalent to a Chihuahua… displayed like a bulldog.

Maffew
Dec 3, 2009 at 5:13 am

Ahem… “Collar” and “Leash”.

Jnic815
Dec 2, 2009 at 9:27 pm

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahhahahaahahaha that is hilarious what do these things make isnt it like 180hp? i could understand a little more if the car was like a lingenfelter tt Corvette or a Hennessey viper but a mini come on lol