*The R56 MINI Cooper S is pretty quick from the factory, its 1.6-liter turbo four is rated at 172 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, but it feels a little higher than that. We wanted to see what we could wring out with some basic bolt-on performance parts, so we called Alta MINI Performance to improve breathing first, then GIAC to turn up the boost a little.
2007 MINI Cooper S
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Mileage: 8,254
Testing octane: 91
*Baseline
Peak wheel-hp: 167 @ 5400 rpm
Peak wheel-torque: 182 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
*Dyno Data
Type: Mustang
Temperature: 64 to 68 degrees F
Test gear: Third
*Notes: As is the case with most factory turbo cars we've tested recently, this one is making substantially more power than its makers claim. During the testing process, O2 sensor data was also logged and we found that the stock car runs extremely lean-not necessarily detrimental, but somewhat surprising. The car was tested with both the sport button active and non-active-no difference was found.