Mini is getting ready to launch its fastest production car – the Mini John Cooper Works GP – at the Paris Motor Show later this month. Only 2000 units will be built, of which only a handful will reach South Africa.
Important things first – this Mini is powered by a turbocharged 1,6-litre engine mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. This unit develops 160 kW and 260 N.m of torque at 1 750 r/min, increasing to 280 N.m from 2 000 r/min during overboost. Mini claims a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 6,3 seconds and an 80 to 120 km/h acceleration time of 5,9 seconds in fifth gear. The top speed is 242 km/h.
Another feature unique to this model is the individually adjustable coilover suspension, which allows the ride height to be lowered by 20 mm. This also means that should Mini JCW GP owners wish to take their cars to the track, they can fine tune the set-up to suit track conditions.
On the styling front, this Mini features a model-specific paint colour – Thunder Grey metallic – with red detailing and decals. The lower air intake and boot lid feature the John Cooper Works badge, while the “GP” insignia can be found on the stripes running between the front and rear wheel arches, which play host to 17-inch alloys. Stopping system comes in the form of racing-derived sports braking system, featuring six-piston fcallipers working on 330 mm ventilated disks up front and 280 mm items at the rear.
CAR will be at the Paris Motor Show later this month. You can follow CAR, Hannes Oosthuizen, Mike Fourie and Ian McLaren for up-to-the-minute updates, as well as keep your eye on our Facebook page.
