Don't worry. I am not about to jump ship and buy a VW. But after
Motoringfile posted a review of the
MKV Golf GTI (w/DSG) recently, I decided to see for myself what all the fuss is about. I have to say the new DSG auto manual transmission is very smooth. I would shift to the next gear I did not get the usual lag in power between gears. It reminded me of a CVT transmission where there was no noticeable shifting going on. There was plenty of push but it was held at almost a constant that it was not obvious that shifts had taken place.
Depending on what you like, this is a great feature for such a powerful engine, rated at 200 HP, but for me I was a bit turned off. I happen to like the noticeable yet smooth shifts in a regular slush box transmission as in the MCSa. When I shifted manually with the DSG I had to look at the information cluster to make sure I had indeed shifted. And it did not seem to feel much faster than my MCSa, probably due to the considerable weight that the GTI has to lug around.
As in the MCSa, there are paddles on the steering wheel, but they are a bit awkward. The right one shifts up a gear and the other shifts down, so you have to be careful shifting while turning the steering wheel. Also, in the info cluster, the gears are listed (6,5,4,3,2,1) but the paddles are assigned to move the selector in the opposite direction. For example, when in third gear, a box graphic would highlight the "3" in the info cluster. To shift down, you would have to tap the left paddle and the graphic box would move to the right to highlight the "2". An obvious fix would be to list the gears in the opposite direction (1,2,3,4,5,6) to match which paddle you would need to tap.
One of the major turn offs was the blah of the interior. There was just nothing interesting to look at inside and was simmilar to every VW interior that they produce. I did not noticed any rattles in the sunroof or anywhere else, but engine noise was very noticeable inside the cabin. Infact, at higher revs the exhaust sound was a bit obnoxious for my taste but that might be of some interest to others.
Overall, I don't think I would like to buy the GTI, even with the DSG transmission, but it did get me in there showroom for a test drive. (which is half the battle for a dealer in February). What I would be more worried about is the clever advertising that is going into the GTI campaign. MINI's
ex-advertising agency is now spinning its wheels for VW and its starting to show with their new ads. The ones featuring the drivers "fast" alter ego are especially entertaining. The obscure sometimes dry humor is reminiscent of what they did with MINI before.
They also produced a tounge in cheek promotional DVD featuring the "scientific research" done to learn more about the "fast" in everyone. It showcased a German accented man who asked various psychologically revealing questions about one's "fast" to a number of control subjects. One of the scenes that was especially funny was when he asked a group of people where on the human body did they think their "fast" was located. The first said in his right foot which was an expected answer. The second person gestured that his fast was located in the general vicinity of his groin as he thrusted. The look on the German guy was priceless.
With that, It seems VW has their goals set on steering some potential MINI buyers in their direction. And with the solidly built and powerful GTI and some clever advertising, they sure might do that. Hopefully people will not do this in masses and realize that MINIs are more than just horsepower ratings. They actually look good both inside and out, and they turn on a dime. I couldn't imagine driving a car without the very distinct and unique character of a MINI.
While browsing some of MiniMac's photos from the New London to New Brighton Rally, I came across a MINI that I thought my mom would like. She absolutely loves anything with butterflies and has been thinking about adding some cool decals to her jelly bean red Chevy Aveo.
I don't know who this MINI belongs to but they gotta be really cool. The butterfly scheme is a great idea and the hood is just jaw dropping. Big thumbs up! And thanks Minimac for sharing those wonderful photos. Be sure to check out his other picts here.
I had read how cool Pulley Parties can be, and since they are quickly becoming a thing of the 
DaveZ had asked on the 
I was scheduled for the last install on Thursday night (I switched with IvanC) for a WMS 15% pulley, WMS HDI Intake and Milltek CAT Back Exhaust. Randy was running a little behind when I arrived but not too bad. By the time I was up, my 930pm appointment became a 1200am install. And Randy worked on my MINI for a solid three hours! Wow, I have no idea how he does it, I was tired just watching him work.
Ahhh, but the wait was certainly worth it! My MINI welcomed her new mods with more responsiveness and quite a bit more power. The new sounds are absolutely wonderful! The supercharger whine and the low tone of the exhaust definitely sound a bit more commanding but not over powering. Its just about right! My MCSa seems like a new car altogether, and I couldn't be happier. I am very grateful that Randy is so dedicated to these little cars, takes the time to explain his work, philosophy about the way a MINI works, and what's best for the MINI. And pulling those long hours to make a few owners in Chicago just that much happier!
If anyone has any questions about how to identify if your web spokes are clicking, feel free to 
Today marks the one year anniversary of MINI Dee's completion date, and it couldn't have been a better day. Although technically still winter, today was rather spring-like with hardly a cloud in the sky and sunny. I even had a chance to open the sunroof, but that was short lived because it was still in the mid 30's. So to mark this joyous occasion, I took her out for a car-wash and a quick wax job. She was looking good today.
Don't worry. I am not about to jump ship and buy a VW. But after 
They also produced a tounge in cheek promotional DVD featuring the "scientific research" done to learn more about the "fast" in everyone. It showcased a German accented man who asked various psychologically revealing questions about one's "fast" to a number of control subjects. One of the scenes that was especially funny was when he asked a group of people where on the human body did they think their "fast" was located. The first said in his right foot which was an expected answer. The second person gestured that his fast was located in the general vicinity of his groin as he thrusted. The look on the German guy was priceless. 
I decided to take MINI dee out for a spin this weekend since the weather called for dry yet cold conditions. And a couple of things happened.
Although I am satisfied with the performance of the automatic transmission in my MINI, there is always room for improvement. Its very exciting to hear something like this will be widely available in a car that is comparable to a MINI. I am also hopeful for improvements on gas milage as the current auto tranny is a bit inefficient. Without the actual torque converter, perhaps similar figures can be achieved as with the MCS manual transmission.
It seems like when ever any news come to light about the MCSa, there's a slew of haters that surface. Calm down! Its just a transmission, nothing more. Its not going to replace all transmissions. It is just merely giving an opportunity to other drivers to experience what the MCS has to offer. The MCS has so much more to offer than just the type of transmissions. The autos are not here to compete with the manual but to co-exist with advantages and disadvantages on both sides.
So far so good. I have survived without snow tires for the time being and I do not plan on getting a set anytime soon. Since my MCSa is only a leisure vehicle, I have the luxury of keeping her in the garage while it snows. I only take her out when it is completely dry or warm enough that it will not snow. That way she stays clean and out of trouble. Plus runflats are way too expensive. Ouch!
