Production of the Mk2 Mini must be winding down because the new JCW GP has arrived.
Mini used the Mini United Festival in France this weekend to show off the new R56 version of the John Cooper Works GP, which as it was for the R53 Mini Cooper, will be the swan song for the R56. While no specific power figures were mention, expect output to be in the neighborhood of 220 hp. It's already lapped the Nürburgring in 8:23 which is a 19 second improvement over the old GP.
Mini has gone to great lengths to fine tune the aerodynamics for the new JCW GP. It features a flat sealed undertray and a very serious looking rear diffuser. This combined with the carbon fiber rear wing means that the GP produces actual downforce at speed.
Like the last GP, the rear seats have been ditched in the interest of weight savings. The front seats have also been replaced by a set of lightweight Recaros. This translates to a savings of 40 kg / 88 lbs. Fully adjustable suspension and JCW brakes come standard. The unique four spoke wheels are shod in Kuhmo tires designed specifically for the GP.
The first generation GP was generally praised for its abilities, but often derided for its fast-and-furious body kit. Thankfully the new GP uses a lightly modified version of the standard JCW front and rear bumpers. The ostentatious decals are still present, but are befitting of a last hurrah range topper.
The John Coopers Works GP won’t be cheap, but as is the case with most cars like this, you’re partly paying for exclusivity as only 2000 will be sold worldwide. Expect a price of about £25,000 / $40,000. It won’t be cheap, but it should be an excellent drive.
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