R58 Why was the new Coupe' built from the Mini Covert. and not from the Hardtop?
#1
09-25-2011 | 06:29 PM
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Why was the new Coupe' built from the Mini Covert. and not from the Hardtop?
Is the new Coupe as structurally rigid as the Hardtop? Does the Coupe's roof act as a integrated supporting member of the unibody or is it simply tacked on? I've read that Mini added add'l reinforcement, which is generally only need for convertibles. Its heavier than the Hardtop even w/. the rear seats delete? Interested in your feedback on the design and engineering of the Coupe. Thanks.
#2
09-25-2011 | 07:03 PM
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From: Dallas, TX
MotoringFile I think explains it well.
Styling aside, there's a lot new here. The R58 Coupe is based on the R57 convertible and that means the Coupe gets the Convertibles extra bracing in the door sills and under the floor. Great for rigidity (especially with the extra roof the Coupe has over the convertible) but bad for weight. Additionally the Coupe gets a pretty serious brace where the rear seats would be that spans the width of the car. With this extra bracing it easily qualifies as the most structurally rigid car MINI has ever produced and one of the most rigid cars sold today. But totaled up this makes the Coupe about 45 lbs heavier than the hatch. And it's the added bracing that makes up the majority of the extra weight.
Additionally MINI has added further pedestrian impact safety into the front of the car (more specifically around the bumper) to comply with 2013 EU laws. Finally the movable rear spoiler adds about 6kg (13 lbs) in the rear of the car.
Additionally MINI has added further pedestrian impact safety into the front of the car (more specifically around the bumper) to comply with 2013 EU laws. Finally the movable rear spoiler adds about 6kg (13 lbs) in the rear of the car.
#3
09-25-2011 | 08:01 PM
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Thanks - that answered my query. Love the Coupe - just have to get past all the engine issues - timing chains, clutches/TO bearings and carbon build-up that I've read about here before we make the leap and order one. Is a replacement engine in the works in the next model year or two? Also interested in a CM, too but it appears like the QC at the Austrian assembly plant is a negative...
#7
09-25-2011 | 08:32 PM
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From: Dallas, TX
Thanks - that answered my query. Love the Coupe - just have to get past all the engine issues - timing chains, clutches/TO bearings and carbon build-up that I've read about here before we make the leap and order one. Is a replacement engine in the works in the next model year or two? Also interested in a CM, too but it appears like the QC at the Austrian assembly plant is a negative...
I thought this was corrected pretty much and not experienced in models past the first years run. I know for a fact that 2007 suffer from the 'death rattle' syndrome quite often but didn't hear much from any of the other model years. The engine did get some refinements in 2011, I thought since the R56 got a hp boost and fuel mileage boost as well.
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#8
09-27-2011 | 04:30 PM
Coordinator :: Cooper Owners of Rural Nebraska (CORN)
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From: MIN-i-DEN, NE
Take a listen to Nathniel's take on it from WRR this week. He was at the press event for Motoringfile this week.
http://www.whiteroofradio.com/woofcast-396/
http://www.whiteroofradio.com/woofcast-396/
Last edited by Zyamfier; 09-27-2011 at 07:10 PM.
#10
09-27-2011 | 07:10 PM
Coordinator :: Cooper Owners of Rural Nebraska (CORN)
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From: MIN-i-DEN, NE
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