In keeping with my FWD phase, here is my...
TLD/JCW Mini Cooper GTS Review
I've always been a fan of the original Mini Cooper, and not so much the new Mini. Heavier and larger, it didn't seem to convey the liveliness of its predecessor. After taking it for a chilly Suzuka track outing, it seemed to be pretty good actually, better than I thought it would be (Probably mainly due to the R1 tyres). But it just didn't seem to have the same spirit as I imagine the original does - this is where TLD come in. More power, less weight, aggressive suspension... Just what the doctor ordered! Turn in is more pronounced and pointy, corner exit is tighter, and that annoying FWD understeer has been reigned in a bit, too. Quicker in feel and reality, particularly more nimble and controllable through the second corner and esses, my least favourite part of the track - now they are easier to take and more fun! This car is so easy to drive, too: it does what I expect, every time, making consistent lap times much easier.
For example: once, when taking the standard Mini through the high-speed left-hander, I went a little wide on the exit and clipped the ripple strip, only getting two wheels on it. However, this was apparently enough to unsettle the car, sending it into a biiiiiiiig 5th gear slide and I ended up facing backwards. By chance, I did the same thing in the TLD Mini and it was barely fazed by it, I only had to correct slightly and she was on course for the upcoming chicane.
Great work Paulie! 👍 I now have more respect for the newer generation Mini (at least when tuned in GT5P
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