The R56 generation Mini has long had the Cooper S John Cooper Works as its halo model, but this weekend at the MINI United festival in Le Castellet, France the brand announced the return of the ultimate Mini – the John Cooper Works GP.
Currently undergoing final preparation, testing and development before its limited production run of just 2 000 units starts later this year, the JCW GP is a level (or two) up from the Cooper S JCW model. Those who thought the JCW was uncompromising had better be prepared for an uncompromising hard-line approach to mimicing a motorsport-oriented nature for the streets.
There’s very little technical detail available regarding the JCW GP but the wick has undoubtedly been turned up in a few departments as the new model, during testing, beat the lap time set by its supercharged previous generation JCW GPpredecessor at the Nurburgring Nordschleife by almost 19 seconds.
Key elements in that huge improvement, according the company, are the motorsport-inspired powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology. The twin-scroll turbocharged engine has been optimised to be as flexible and free-revving as possible, while the JCW GP’s adjustable suspension helps to channel all the aggression into even more precise handling.
The unique exterior detail on the JCW GP is as much functional as it is aggressive. The large front apron, side skirts, roof spoiler and rear diffuser all designed to make the JCW GP as fast as possible. The interior is similarly uncompromising, with no rear seats.
The good news is that the Mini John Cooper Works GP will be available from the first quarter of 2013. Local details and pricing should emerge in September, but stocks will be very limited.
