Re Elise, the base version is very quick off the line, and depending on the track can be very quick, especially in small circuits / tight turns etc, like some of your Autocross, where you never get out of first / second gear, where it fails however and requires 190 Bhp or more is any track with some long straights, top speeds are :

1.8i: 124mph 0-100 17.4s
Sport 135(Bhp): 127mph 0-100 17.7s
111s: (143Bhp):133mph 0-100 14.8s

The VX220 is expensive over here for what you get(

 

Hey, UK Paul....

There're importing the Mini Cooper into the U.S. next year. Do you have it over there yet, and whether they sell (or will sell) the 'S' version? I remember the original Mini Cooper S was able to beat nearly anything on the track - both in acceleration and cornering power. Now that would be some race - seeing the Elise and S000 going up against the 'S' on the track.

 

July 2001, including S'. Rumour is it handles like a Go-kart, again on the twisties not much will touch it.

[This message has been edited by UK Paul (edited November 13, 2000).]

 

Go-kart designed and produced by German company? Paul I'm a little suspicious that this Cooper will not have the character of the original.Only British Automotive culture could guarantee such a character, a culture that marketing wizzards cannot understand. Germans turned their own original GTI into an overpriced overweight compact limo, I don't like the thought of what they'll do to the original Cooper image. Hope I'm wrong though.....

 

Greece_S2000

I think the character of old mini is very subjective, many people loved them, I wouldn't be seen dead in one but almost everyone agreed it 'turned on a sixpence' (i.e went like a go-kart around corners). Many UK journalists were determined not to like the new Mini, but were won over without even driving it, common complaint though was a fussy interior. Germans might have learned their lesson with the bloated GTi, its them that are promising greatness. Personally I don't think I would own one but I might go for a test drive .

Paul