RE: Driven (briefly): Mini GP

[PlugUgly]

Twincharged said:

5ltr V8 said:

Looks Cool, but sounds like it need a fruitier exhaust, like a Miltek?

The exhausts on the R56 Turbo engines seem to run in and be a bit more fruity with use, so it may just be a case if the car tested being fairly low mileage.

Mine's nicely run in at 55,000 miles and the exhaust is hilarious! Around town it booms and bellows like a 1.6 has no right to. It also likes to dump petrol down there every so often to keep pedestrians on their toes. Windows up and working hard though it still definitely sounds like a generic 4-pot.

On an unrelated note, is that an actual strut brace in the back this time? IIRC the last one just stopped luggage from moving about too much.

[BBS-LM]

///Mike said:

Its M135i money, no chance.

I also prefer the previous effort. I know it hasnt changed much but the previous incarnation just looks like a neater package imo.

I think you hit the nail on the head there, "it hasnt changed much".

[nickfrog]

Actually, it's about 10% more than the M135i as I doubt they'll discount the GP while 9% off can be achieved on the BMW.

Although strangely, I'd be more excited about driving the GP than the M135i. Don't know why, but the MCS and JCW are such grippy / tractable / neutral / communicative handlers, the GP must be pretty impressive what with the added neg camber.

[simonpeter]

You would have to be a mini nut to pay that kind of price. Especially when you can buy a very good porker for that kind of money.

[nickfrog]

Not new though. But I kind of agree anyway...

[TTmonkey]

"Strut Brace".

errr, no its not. Its not a Brace, it ha no real structural integrity. On the last GP it was fixed to the metal work that usually holds the rear speakers. I believe the metal tube wasn't even welded to the two red mounting points, it was just held there in place like the clothes rail in a wardrobe! Highly unlikly to add to the handling characteristics of the car.



Its just to stop people carrying rear passengers in the car really. Don't know why they just don't admit it.

[Nikolai Petroff]

I think people really need to drive one before they comment. I got mine and haven't regretted it one bit. It's certainly MUCH better value then a regular JCW (just look at the residuals) and MUCH more fun to drive then a M135i which feels like a soft family hatch with a big engine. The GP is a little touring car for the road but is actually not too uncomfortable. Price wise, here in Switzerland the difference with the JCW is just insignificant when you factor what the GP has as standard.