A limited-edition road car with race track-developed technology, the Mini John Cooper Works GP is the sportiest and fastest production model ever built under the nameplate of this British premium brand.
Production of a limited edition of just 2,000 units will start later this year. Extensively equipped with John Cooper Works motor sport technology, this two-seater boasts outstanding performance to match its distinctive looks. An extensively modified four-cylinder turbo engine capable of developing 160kW, adjustable coil-over suspension, an extra-powerful sports brake system and model-specific alloy wheels and sports tyres ensure superb handling and outstanding driving enjoyment. The standard-fitted high-traction sports tyres offer awesome cornering grip, impeccable braking response and impressive performance.
The responsive power and excellent revving ability of the Mini John Cooper Works GP’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine are reflected in dazzling performance figures. This zesty character is down to a cutting-edge engineering package and extensive technology transfers from the world of motor sport. Among the highlights are the aluminium cylinder block and bearing mounts, reinforced pistons, sturdier cylinder head, low-weight crankshafts and sodium-filled exhaust valves. Twin-scroll turbocharging produces high boost pressure, and direct petrol injection ensures precisely controlled fuel supply, while fully variable valve control, based on the BMW Group’s Valvetronic technology, helps to maximise engine responsiveness and efficiency.
The state-of-the-art powerplant responds instantly to throttle commands and delivers maximum torque of 260 Newton metres from just 1,750 rpm. For extra punch when accelerating, peak torque can be increased for short periods to 280 Nm from 2,000 rpm, thanks to the overboost function. Maximum power of 160kW is delivered at 6,000 rpm. It is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, which is precisely matched to the performance characteristics of the engine.
The astonishing torque gives the Mini John Cooper Works GP a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is impressive too, with an 80 to 120 km/h time in fifth gear of just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is 242 km/h. The turbocharged engine also delivers outstanding efficiency. This is further enhanced by Minimalism features which keep the average EU test cycle consumption of the Mini John Cooper Works GP down to 7.1 litres/100 km, corresponding to CO2 emissions of 165 grams per kilometre.
Outstanding braking performance is provided by the Mini John Cooper Works GP’s racing-derived sports brake system, featuring six-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes, vented at the front. The front discs are 330 millimetres in diameter and 25 millimetres thick, with 280 x 10 mm discs at the rear. The low-weight 17-inch alloy wheels, again exclusive to the Mini John Cooper Works GP, run on high-traction 215/40 R17 sports tyres. Optionally, standard-size 205/45 R17 tyres are available on the same wheels, offering a good sporty balance between performance and good handling in wet or low-temperature conditions. The 7.5 x 17 H2 ET45 wheels, which were specially developed for the Mini John Cooper Works GP, are derived from the Mini Challenge race car, and feature lightweight contours on flow-formed rims.
The exciting race car feel is raised a further notch by an interior ambience which, partly due to the absence of a rear seat bench, is focused entirely on the needs of the driver and “co-driver”, both of whom can savour the performance of the Mini John Cooper Works GP to the full thanks to Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching.
A cargo guard prevents items from sliding forward out of the luggage compartment in sporty driving situations. The John Cooper Works thick-rimmed leather steering wheel and the gearshift knob with chrome ring and red shift diagram help give the driver a more direct feel for the car. Finally, with features like the anthracite roof liner, the piano black interior surfaces and door grips, and the anthracite rev counter and speedometer dials, this interior also helps to improve the driver’s concentration and focus on the road.
The Mini John Cooper Works GP will go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013, but in very limited numbers.
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