The economical GP

Of course GPMINI is designed to be the fastest (series 1) production MINI, with a boost in engine power over the JCW kit, improved aerodynamics with special aero kit & underbody panels, and reduced weight with no rear seat.
But I’ve also noticed that it is fuel frugal – which perhaps is logical; reduced weight and better aerodynamics should help fuel consumption as well as speed.

So for the last tank, driving through New Mexico & Texas and trying not to fall asleep, I had the cruise locked in at about 66 mph – except for last nights trip to Palo Dura Canyon.

Results:
After filling up in Santa Rosa, NM at 1644 miles, my next fill was in Iowa Park, TX at 2097 miles – a total of 453 miles on one tank, and I needed 13.17 gallons to refill the tank, so getting 34.4mpg!
I’m pretty sure if I’d stayed on I-40 for the whole tank, and not driven down (and up) Palo Dura Canyon, I would have got 500 miles from one tank!
Good results for an MC, let alone a JCW+ equipped MCS!

My new tank of gas will not be treated the same way – time to have some real fun behind the wheel (subject to the fact that tomorrows 450 mile drive is basically Texas interstate again) … I can at least accelerate to the speed limit quickly 😉
It’ll be interesting to see how much worse the next tank is – I’d still expect about 300 miles, just because it’s mostly interstate with little accelerating/braking.

MTTS day 6 – Texas, Ice Cream and a Car Wash

Today we drove in Texas – nowhere else, and we still are nowhere near getting out of it! Plus down here in Dallas it’s over 100 degrees and the traffic is suicidal … whoever thought to send us to Dallas was crazy!

Everything was calm this morning however, at the departure point in Amarillo:

On the road, I saw a tornado shelter, met with George & Jane again, and I was also caught by Mac & Leta, GPMINI fans who will get their GP later this year – so we all hit the Pumpkin Diner in Wichita Falls for lunch …


The three of us headed on south, to the MINI USA arranged ice cream stop – which was particularly fabulous because it was English “Mr Whippy” style ice cream from Mister Cool:

On the road once again, eventually reaching the second planned event, a car wash at Kwik Car Wash; of course you can’t take the GPs through a car wash, so we paid extra to have (very good) hand washing …


There was also a “tech inspection” arranged by Aaron Granger & crew – thanks guys!
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And finally in to Dallas, with frightening traffic (repeated stops on the highway due to piles of people getting off last minute and jamming up the exits) – I was VERY glad to see the hotel …

I don’t think I’ll risk going out again to the evening event … I’ll be glad to exit Texas tomorrow!