The top model Mini->ke57 from the last generation was the JCW GP - a special edition with just 2,000 units. Now it seems history is about to repeat itself as Mini has just unveiled the official details on the new John Cooper Works GP, described by the company as the fastest Mini ever built: it laps the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 8 min. 23 seconds.

The new John Cooper Works GP will be offered with powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motor sport, but Mini did not announced any specifications just yet. However, they did confirmed it lapped the Nurburgring ring in 8 minutes and 23 seconds - an improvement over the previous GP model by 19 seconds.

On the exterior the new model will be distinguished by large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts, a bespoke roof spoiler and newly developed rear diffuser. This impressive package continues on the interior where the car has the rear seats removed in order to get a more racing appearance.

The new model will go on sale later this year in a limited run of 2,000 units.

UPDATE 11/29/12: The new Mini John Cooper Works GP made its North American debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. With the occasion Mini announced that only 500 units will be imported to the U.S. market where it will be priced at $39,950 (includes $700 Destination and Handling charge).

mini-john-cooper-works-gp

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mini-john-cooper-works-gp
Pros
Cons

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 218 @ 6000
  • Torque: 191 @ 1750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior and the interior

The new Mini John Cooper Works GP is painted in a very cool Thunder Grey metallic paint combined with red on the edging round the bonnet opening exterior mirror caps and the side air intakes in the front apron. A JCW logo appears on the lower air intake and the tailgate, while a GP logo appears on the side stripes running between the front and rear wheel arches.

The car comes with a pretty cool aerodynamic package which includes a large front and rear aprons, striking side sills and model-specific roof spoiler. On the front a large spoiler has been used in order to reduce drag coefficient by 6%.

The model comes equipped with xenon headlights in black shells, foglamps, sun protection glazing, air conditioning, DSC with special GP mode, and a Sport button

For the interior Mini opted to remove the rear seats and focused on the needs of the driver and "co-driver". The model comes equipped with Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching and a very cool cargo guard that prevents items from sliding forward out of the luggage compartment in sporty driving situations. The interior package continues with a thick-rimmed leather steering wheel and the gearshift knob with chrome ring and red shift diagram; an anthracite roof liner, piano black interior surfaces and door grips, and an anthracite rev counter and speedometer dials.

The engine

Under the hood Mini has placed a heavily modified 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine that delivers a total of 218 HP at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 191 lb-ft from just 1,750 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, accelerates from 50 to 75 mph in fifth gear of just 5.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 150 mph. The turbocharged engine also delivers outstanding efficiency: 39.8 mpg imp.

The new JCW GP is the first MINI model that comes equipped with an individually adjustable coilover suspension that allows the ride height to be lowered by up to 20 millimeters. Among other things, this means the suspension set-up can be fine-tuned to different circuit conditions whenever the MINI goes out onto the track.

Next to this system, the model is also featuring racing-derived sports brake system, featuring six-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes, vented at the front and a very cool set of low-weight 17-inch alloy wheels.

Prices

The new Mini John Cooper Works GP will be making it world debut at the Paris Auto Show with production set to begin later this year. Prices will be announced at a later date.

The competition

The new Mini JCW GP is a limited edition models, and just 2,000 clients will actually have the chance to drive it and we are pretty sure they won't care about the car's competition. Still, for those who do, the list of competitors for the new GP model includes cars like Mazdaspeed 3, Fiat 500 Abarth and Volkswagen GTI.

The Abarth 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers a total of 135 HP and a peak torque of 152 lb-ft of torque - way down when compared to the GP, but at least it is not a limited edition. Mazdaspeed3 is powered by a 2.3 Liter four cylinder MZR DISI Turbo engine that produces a total output of 263 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. The GTI is preparing to enter its seventh generation: it will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver up to 260 HP.