Veloce Performance will be at MINI takes the States in LA August 1-3

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Permalink Reply by Gryphon on July 24, 2008 at 2:26pm

Had not heard anything about this event. Please post a link or specify exactly when and where.

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Permalink Reply by Dino on July 25, 2008 at 1:40am

Here's the Mini link. http://blog.minitakesthestates.com/search/label/A%20Master%20Schedu...

For the gas milage question... we actually improve the efficiency as well as performance of the SMART. Gas milage has generally gone up several mpg on the cars that we tune.

The transmissions do 'learn' your driving technique. Our tuning takes care of most of the confusion that is talked about. The car shifts quicker, and basically is more sporting in nature.

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Permalink Reply by jackb on July 24, 2008 at 4:53pm

Hi Dino,

Couple of questions that are not quite on topic for this thread, but hey, I'm sure by now you're used to occasionally running into drivers who weave all over the highway.....

What impact does a Veloce remap have on MPG on the smart? I realize that one ounce of added performance does not by definition mean one ounce less of fuel economy, but boosting HP and torque doesn't automatically lead to MPG gains either. Also, what impact does your remap have on RPM shift points? I assume that the factory's programming was designed to max out MPGs (since it obviously isn't set up to produce fast times off the line), hence the tendency to shift low in the car's available RPM range. And does your remap have any impact of the rapidity of the shift itself, or is that limited to what it is now by the physical characteristics of this particular (not top-of-the-line) Getrag shifter / tranny / clutch setup?

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Permalink Reply by mr bad example on July 24, 2008 at 6:48pm

allegedly, the smart "learns" driver habits and adjusts shifting patterns. i usually drive with a "light foot" and it seemed to function ok. a few times i'd punch the gas and it seemed a bit confused. (maybe that's why i get mid 40's to low 50's MPGs)

i'm just wondering if i occasionally do "spirited" driving, will i give my smart a case of schizophrenia. i think i'd do better with a full manual transmission, but after 29 years of shifting for myself, i'll let the car do it!

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Permalink Reply by jackb on July 24, 2008 at 7:30pm

I haven't heard anything about smarts "learning" from the driving habits of their owners. I would think that would require some kind of fuzzy logic-based system, the kind of thing smart would probably play up if it were offered. Is there anyplace you know of on the 451s site (or anywhere else) that talks about this?

You're right about the car getting confused sometimes. It will set up a gear change that has nothing to do with what's actually about to happen (hill, turn, oncoming semi, moose crossing, etc), and have to take a few milliseconds to go "huh? what?" before it resets.

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Permalink Reply by Joseph Rosas on July 24, 2008 at 8:15pm

most new cars (OBD2 equipped), and some older cars. learn how you drive. my friend inherited a ford f-150 from his grandfather who used to drive it very leisurely (i actually had the the pleasure of meeting the man before he passed, and ride in the truck with him driving). during the first few weeks of my friend driving it like any American high school student, throttle response was lacking to say the least, like it had gotten confused. after of few weeks however the truck gradually got better, he said he got reduced gas mileage but the truck did shift better

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Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on July 25, 2008 at 2:17am

Dino I look forward to meeting you in person. See you at the Mini Show.

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Permalink Reply by Dino on July 25, 2008 at 6:44pm

The show will be a blast!

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