Took the MINI out for it's first spirited drive. Break-in miles are almost done so I started rev'ing her up to 4500rpms. Overall impressions are still positive. I took her on a favorite run through DeLuz Rd. It is a fun road that combines many elements: smooth, bumpy, technical, slow, fast and plenty of elevation change. The MINI S is a fun canyon carver but has a few areas that I would like to improve. The brakes felt mushier than I would prefer. I want some better initial bite. Pads, fluid and lines should do the trick.
Better tires should also help. The added sidewall of the tires (195/55R16) was welcome on the bumpy sections of this road. We are going to order some lightweight wheels and high performance tires shortly. The turn-in was good but the lean was too much. We should have a rear sway bar coming soon that will help. We will install the springs as well and the car should slice and dice DeLuz....
The pedals, steering wheel and gear selector relationship is pretty good. The pedals are almost too well spaced. I'd forgotten how easy it is to heel and toe in a BMW. Way easier than a Lotus. The gear selection takes a bit to get use to it. A light touch is needed or you pass 2nd and enter the reverse section of the selector. I definately don't like the gear knob. This will have to change. Steering feel is good. Glad MINI has not lost that in this second gen car.
Blistering speed was not the objective. We will tune this car so it delivers good 'around-town' compliance yet still work the canyons. I'm sure we will get there shortly...
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