http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads//2012/05/MINI-John-Cooper-Works-GP-03.jpg

Painted and styled much like the JCW Countryman we saw in Geneva, MINI has announced its John Cooper Works GP today.

As the fastest MINI ever built, the JCW GP will go on sale later this year in a run limited to 2,000 units worldwide. This is the second time the company has offered such a car, but this version is by far better than the last, lapping the Nurburgring a whole 19 seconds faster for a brand-best time of eight minutes and 23 seconds.

To give that number some context, it’s faster than a BMW 335i Coupe (8:26) or the BMW E36 M3 (8:22), showing just how potent a package the new MINI JCW GP is.

Final performance figures aren’t available yet, but the company says they will easily best the previous 214-hp that the MINI Cooper S with a full John Cooper Works package had on tap.

What we do know is that the new JCW GP comes with a full body aero kit including a front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. It also gets an exclusive powertrain, new brakes and a special chassis meant for track handling, which is complimented by the bespoke sport tires meant for increasing grip during performance driving.

Expect more details on the limited edition MINI JCW GP in the near future as its release approaches.

See all the photos of the MINI JCW GP (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/mini-jcw-gp-revealed-819-nurburgring-lap-time.html) at AutoGuide.com

I like the rear diffuser. I wonder how much weight reduction they did.

They could have at least upgraded the wheels to something more aggressive.

That looks great, i'll just be window licking at that one, skint now I've just got a MCS. :biggrin:

It would look better without the GP stickers all over it

What better way to diminish the value and exclusivity of the GP than to release another one.

Have to say, I don't like this much at all. I could just be the terrible HDR style photography but it really doesn't look anywhere near as nice as the 1st generation version.... although that rear diffuser is very nice.

Limited run special editions are great, but you need to find a new path with each one to keep it feeling special.

I'd like to see MINI really step their game up with this now - do an RS edition - give it 250ps and stick the AWD system in it - that'll make things interesting.

Robert

It doesn't matter what we think......they will all be sold within a few days of release!!

Now reading the article it appears the Ring time was 8.23 ? some 19 seconds quicker than the old GP so think the heading for this thread needs changing lol
Still a little disappointing when the Megane RS managed 8.08
Looks nice to me though, be interesting to see if we can get one here in New Zealand

I would love to see an N20 planted in this beast. Then we can really start talking about nice lap times!

They need to put a different wheel set on there and take all of the stickers off

They need to put a different wheel set on there and take all of the stickers off

They do, well some of the stripes maybe

It just looks a bit halfords and ripspeed to me. I'm sure it's a blast to drive but would be better if it was a little more subtle.

The first gen GP was just right without looking chavvy.


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I'd love to have a go in one of these. I'm very impressed by just the Cooper and feel with a bit more go they'd be something really fun.

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It just looks a bit halfords and ripspeed to me. I'm sure it's a blast to drive but would be better if it was a little more subtle.

The first gen GP was just right without looking chavvy.


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I suppose they could make it look like a MINI FIRST with the plastic wheel trims, now that would be a real Q car, and take a few by surprise :biggrin:

beautiful. interesting how they changed the cambering of the wheels for better handling