I'm headed off to test-drive several new cars from the BMW/Mini/Rolls-Royce fleet later this week.
Those cars include:
BMW:
• 3 Series- 330i, 330e, M340i
• M3 50th anniversary edition
• M4 CSL
• 7 Series: BMW i7 xDrive60, BMW 760i xDrive
• X1 xDrive28i
• X7 xDrive40i, X7 M60i
MINI:
• MINI Cooper SE
• MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop
• MINI Cooper S Convertible Resolute Edition
• MINI Cooper S Clubman All4 Untold Edition
• MINI Cooper S ALL4 Untamed Edition
Rolls-Royce:
• Rolls-Royce Phantom
• Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge
Most likely, I won't be able to get behind the wheel of all the cars, but I should drive several.
Note: No track time, but plenty of road time promised for most vehicles (limits only on the M3 and M4).
What would you like to know?
I actually need a serious answer as to how the ghost does in u-turns and sharp parking angles. Are the parking sensors actually useful. Its on my short list for my next car. I had to sell one of my old cars because I could not get it in my garage due to the sharp turn required.
Resolute? Untamed? Untold? What the heck is with these names, MINI?
MINI owners have been asking for years for a normal hatch with all wheel drive, I'd like to know what you think of that one! And does it have the standard 200hp 2.0L engine or the 300HP from the JCW, or is that reserved for just the JCW?
If you could drive the Cooper JCW FWD vs the "Untamed All4 version, I would like to hear your conclusions on the differences in handling between them.
In reply to wearymicrobe :
Good question.
I grew up driving my mom's '74 Cadillac Eldorado for fun. It measured 224.1 inches long. The Ghost is 221.5 inches long. I can understand your concerns. That Caddy was a beast to park and drive on city streets.
I had a 57 coupe de ville and I could just get it in the garage. I don't want to worry about dinging something that expensive.
deep down I know it's going to be a flying spur and not a ghost but I want the ghost.
How close is a Mini SE to a Works from a fun standpoint?
In reply to MiniDave :
All4 vs. FWD is a great comparison. Noted!
I don't believe the 300hp engine will be there based on the models listed - it's reserved for the JCW Clubman and Countryman. But, if it makes a surprise appearance, I'll definitely put it on my list.
The JCW vs. S is a good comparison, too. Same engine, but more power with the JCW (189hp @ 5000 rpm vs. 228hp @ 5200 rpm).
In reply to GTwannaB :
I'm curious about the fun factor, too, between the electric and JCW models. Standard electric cars can be surprisingly zippy, but the JCW should be the zippiest of them all.
Here's a numbers comparison before the test:
SE - 181 hp/3143 lb.
JCW - 228 hp/2951 lb.
On paper, this should be a no-brainer, but I have a feeling the fun factor might be closer. We'll see!
If you do have the opportunity to drive either of the Rolls-Royce models and if they let you drive on public roads, I think you are pretty much legally required to go through the drive-through at Taco Bell or a McDonalds–though depending on the part of California you are in, that might not look too out of place.
In reply to Colin Wood :
That's a given! I'm open to others suggestions on where to take the Rolls, too.
The obligatory airport photo before the trip.
J.A. Ackley said:
In reply to Colin Wood :
That's a given! I'm open to others suggestions on where to take the Rolls, too.
Keep note of how many requests for mustard.
In reply to bearmtnmartin (Forum Supporter) :
Great idea. I am a mustard snob. This car might fit me well.
One more obligatory airport photo before California. Let's see what they pick me up in - I hope it's a Rolls. That's how you're supposed to test drive them, right? From the backseat?
Good Morning, with an eMphasis on the M.
I'm guessing the one with the black cover is not a street car.
j_tso
HalfDork
11/4/22 11:38 a.m.
