LOH's mini (2013 JCW-GP) adventure
Discussion
Its grey, it's rediculously expensive for a mini & it's arrived today.
Very busy at work at the moment so all I could do was look through the windows of a closed mini dealership on a cold dark December night.
More pictures & a much fuller write up to follow, but to say I'm chuffed is an understatement!
Very busy at work at the moment so all I could do was look through the windows of a closed mini dealership on a cold dark December night.
More pictures & a much fuller write up to follow, but to say I'm chuffed is an understatement!
a quick cut'n paste job from another forum, but here's the press release from mini on thge new gp.
it goes into quite a bit of detail about some of the changes that have been made over the standard john cooper works...
Gearing up for its world debut: The MINI John Cooper Works GP
Two seats, 160 kW/218 hp, coilover suspension, sports brakes, model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic body parts – 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time 6.3 seconds, top speed 242 km/h (150 mph), best lap time on the Nürburgring North Loop: 8:23 minutes – the fastest MINI ever built, extensively equipped with John Cooper Works motor sport technology – official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show – will be built as a limited edition of 2,000 units maximum starting 2012.
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. It will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show (29 September to 4 October 2012), and 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 twoseater boasts outstanding performance to match its distinctive looks. An extensively modified four-cylinder turbo engine capable of developing 160 kW/ 218 hp, adjustable coilover suspension, an extrapowerful 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. And to top it all off, with a DIN unladen weight of 1,160 kilograms, the MINI John Cooper Works GP is one of the lightest sports cars in its class.
The balance between the engine, the suspension and the aerodynamics was fine-tuned during intensive testing on the Nürburgring North Loop (the old grand prix circuit), where the MINI John Cooper Works GP promptly clocked up a best lap time of 8:23 minutes – streets ahead of many big-name sports cars from higher segments. With its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph), the GP brings an authentic race car feel to everyday driving.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is the latest incarnation of a racing heritage that dates back more than 50 years, to when the legendary
sports car designer John Cooper developed a version of the classic Mini that was to become the ultimate fun-to-drive road machine. This car also carved out a highly successful career in motor sport, where it was three-times winner of the Monte Carlo Rally. The modern-day MINI has continued this tradition: the John Cooper Works products and models, with their close links to the British-built premium small car, continue to be a byword for top-class motor sport engineering. The most impressive incarnation to date of this shared passion for motor sport was the 2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit. That model, too, was built in a limited edition of 2,000 units, and soon became a coveted collector’s item.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is another stunning example of the time-tested principle of taking the natural sporty DNA of the MINI to a new level by combining it with a whole string of features taken straight from the race track. With this elite sporting machine, the John Cooper Works brand, now a sub-brand of MINI, has raised the stakes yet again – the new model has shaved a whole 18 seconds off its predecessor’s best lap time during testing on the Nürburgring North Loop. This new best time reflects continuous advances in engineering, which have been tuned to the highest performance standards by John Cooper Works.
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 160 kW/218 hp is delivered at 6,000 rpm. It is transferred to the wheels via a sixspeed 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 (62 mph) time of 6.3 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is impressive too, with an 80 to 120 km/h (50–75 mph) time in fifth gear of just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is 242 km/h (150 mph). 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 (39.8 mpg imp), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 165 grams per kilometre.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP’s exclusive suspension technology, too, relies heavily on motor sport. For the first time on a MINI, it features an individually adjustable coilover suspension, which allows ride height to be lowered by up to 20 millimetres. 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.
The front shock absorbers are mounted upside down in the tube, with the piston rod pointing down, in order to increase longitudinal and lateral stiffness.
The front camber has been increased compared with the regular MINI John Cooper Works, so that the performance potential of the sports tyres – which differ significantly from road tyres – can be used to full effect, without the penalties of early understeer, inevitably leading to increased tyre wear. Other features include reduced frontwheel toe-in and increased rear camber, which alters the forward weight transfer so as to give more speed and more neutral steering when driving close to the limit. At the same time, the reduced toe-in improves agility and cornering confidence.
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 hightraction 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 lowtemperature 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.
On the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the DSC Dynamic Stability Control is not combined with DTC, as would normally be the case, but with a special GP racing mode. Under hard driving, the driver may often not want ASC engine power reduction cutting in, so instead this system offers just ASC braking, based on the EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) subfunction. The EDLC software brakes the wheel on the inside of the turn, and the drive power that would otherwise be lost at this wheel is redirected to the outer wheel, where the contact forces are greater.
With its conspicuous and distinctive appearance, the MINI John Cooper Works GP is upfront about its performance credentials right from the word go. The body is painted in the exclusive colour Thunder Grey metallic, with red for the edging round the bonnet opening as well as for the exterior mirror caps and the side air intakes in the front apron. John Cooper Works insignia appear on the lower air intake and the tailgate. The final proof of identity is provided by “GP”-badged side stripes running between the front and rear wheel arches. The standard specification of the MINI John Cooper Works GP includes xenon headlights in black shells, foglamps, sun protection glazing, air conditioning, DSC with special GP mode, and a Sport button. The aerodynamic body parts like the large front and rear aprons, striking side sills and model-specific roof spoiler not only add to the eye-catching appearance but also play an important part in controlling air flow. The rear diffusor, together with the underside panelling and the roof-edge spoiler, reduce lift forces at the rear axle by 90 per cent, for impeccable handling control even under highspeed cornering and when driving at or near the limit.
A six per cent reduction in drag is reflected in improved fuel economy and a higher top speed. The air flow round the front of the car has been significantly improved with the help of a large spoiler and full aerodynamic shielding of the engine compartment underside. This aerodynamic shield not only reduces drag and front axle lift, but also improves air flow through the engine compartment. Slits in the centre of the shield help to expel air from the intercooler. The slits are situated in an area of fast air flow and high vacuum force, so that the air is literally sucked out of the engine compartment, thereby improving the performance of the intercooler.
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.
it goes into quite a bit of detail about some of the changes that have been made over the standard john cooper works...
mini press release said:
Gearing up for its world debut: The MINI John Cooper Works GP
Two seats, 160 kW/218 hp, coilover suspension, sports brakes, model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic body parts – 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time 6.3 seconds, top speed 242 km/h (150 mph), best lap time on the Nürburgring North Loop: 8:23 minutes – the fastest MINI ever built, extensively equipped with John Cooper Works motor sport technology – official debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show – will be built as a limited edition of 2,000 units maximum starting 2012.
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. It will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show (29 September to 4 October 2012), and 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 twoseater boasts outstanding performance to match its distinctive looks. An extensively modified four-cylinder turbo engine capable of developing 160 kW/ 218 hp, adjustable coilover suspension, an extrapowerful 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. And to top it all off, with a DIN unladen weight of 1,160 kilograms, the MINI John Cooper Works GP is one of the lightest sports cars in its class.
The balance between the engine, the suspension and the aerodynamics was fine-tuned during intensive testing on the Nürburgring North Loop (the old grand prix circuit), where the MINI John Cooper Works GP promptly clocked up a best lap time of 8:23 minutes – streets ahead of many big-name sports cars from higher segments. With its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph), the GP brings an authentic race car feel to everyday driving.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is the latest incarnation of a racing heritage that dates back more than 50 years, to when the legendary
sports car designer John Cooper developed a version of the classic Mini that was to become the ultimate fun-to-drive road machine. This car also carved out a highly successful career in motor sport, where it was three-times winner of the Monte Carlo Rally. The modern-day MINI has continued this tradition: the John Cooper Works products and models, with their close links to the British-built premium small car, continue to be a byword for top-class motor sport engineering. The most impressive incarnation to date of this shared passion for motor sport was the 2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit. That model, too, was built in a limited edition of 2,000 units, and soon became a coveted collector’s item.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is another stunning example of the time-tested principle of taking the natural sporty DNA of the MINI to a new level by combining it with a whole string of features taken straight from the race track. With this elite sporting machine, the John Cooper Works brand, now a sub-brand of MINI, has raised the stakes yet again – the new model has shaved a whole 18 seconds off its predecessor’s best lap time during testing on the Nürburgring North Loop. This new best time reflects continuous advances in engineering, which have been tuned to the highest performance standards by John Cooper Works.
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 160 kW/218 hp is delivered at 6,000 rpm. It is transferred to the wheels via a sixspeed 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 (62 mph) time of 6.3 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is impressive too, with an 80 to 120 km/h (50–75 mph) time in fifth gear of just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is 242 km/h (150 mph). 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 (39.8 mpg imp), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 165 grams per kilometre.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP’s exclusive suspension technology, too, relies heavily on motor sport. For the first time on a MINI, it features an individually adjustable coilover suspension, which allows ride height to be lowered by up to 20 millimetres. 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.
The front shock absorbers are mounted upside down in the tube, with the piston rod pointing down, in order to increase longitudinal and lateral stiffness.
The front camber has been increased compared with the regular MINI John Cooper Works, so that the performance potential of the sports tyres – which differ significantly from road tyres – can be used to full effect, without the penalties of early understeer, inevitably leading to increased tyre wear. Other features include reduced frontwheel toe-in and increased rear camber, which alters the forward weight transfer so as to give more speed and more neutral steering when driving close to the limit. At the same time, the reduced toe-in improves agility and cornering confidence.
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 hightraction 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 lowtemperature 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.
On the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the DSC Dynamic Stability Control is not combined with DTC, as would normally be the case, but with a special GP racing mode. Under hard driving, the driver may often not want ASC engine power reduction cutting in, so instead this system offers just ASC braking, based on the EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) subfunction. The EDLC software brakes the wheel on the inside of the turn, and the drive power that would otherwise be lost at this wheel is redirected to the outer wheel, where the contact forces are greater.
With its conspicuous and distinctive appearance, the MINI John Cooper Works GP is upfront about its performance credentials right from the word go. The body is painted in the exclusive colour Thunder Grey metallic, with red for the edging round the bonnet opening as well as for the exterior mirror caps and the side air intakes in the front apron. John Cooper Works insignia appear on the lower air intake and the tailgate. The final proof of identity is provided by “GP”-badged side stripes running between the front and rear wheel arches. The standard specification of the MINI John Cooper Works GP includes xenon headlights in black shells, foglamps, sun protection glazing, air conditioning, DSC with special GP mode, and a Sport button. The aerodynamic body parts like the large front and rear aprons, striking side sills and model-specific roof spoiler not only add to the eye-catching appearance but also play an important part in controlling air flow. The rear diffusor, together with the underside panelling and the roof-edge spoiler, reduce lift forces at the rear axle by 90 per cent, for impeccable handling control even under highspeed cornering and when driving at or near the limit.
A six per cent reduction in drag is reflected in improved fuel economy and a higher top speed. The air flow round the front of the car has been significantly improved with the help of a large spoiler and full aerodynamic shielding of the engine compartment underside. This aerodynamic shield not only reduces drag and front axle lift, but also improves air flow through the engine compartment. Slits in the centre of the shield help to expel air from the intercooler. The slits are situated in an area of fast air flow and high vacuum force, so that the air is literally sucked out of the engine compartment, thereby improving the performance of the intercooler.
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.
Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Saturday 22 December 10:45
Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Saturday 2nd February 08:29
Managed to pop round this evening & take a few more photos & chat to the lads;
Behind the velvet ropes now-very posh!
The size of the callipers is like nothing I've ever seen on a road car this size;
If the ride height looks a little high, it is. The chocs are still in, plus they have a detailed geo set up to follow before I take delivery. Let's you look into the arches & see the gorgeous (if you like that sort of thing-I do!) H&R coil over set up.
Interior is surprisingly plush, leather trimmed & red stitched it looks really well.
In answer to above, the rear seats are gone, the step up under the rear brace is where the boot well lip is, the part in front that looks like a seat back folded forward is a carpet covered aluminium shelf. Various bits scattered in the boot include spanners for the suspension adjustment, some aero lips for the front splitter & the book pack
Still not sure if the "luggage brace" is structural? It's certainly fixed secure, though whether it'll take some belts or not I'm not sure, the dealer is checking with mini.
I got a bit carried away looking at all the little details & forgot to take many photos! The details do make the car though, the colour is gorgeous-better than I imagined it would be. Yeah the red details & stripes are a bit over the top but I like that kind of thing & it'll look pretty good in the pit lane where it'll spend a lot of its time.
As always all questions or views welcomed
Behind the velvet ropes now-very posh!
The size of the callipers is like nothing I've ever seen on a road car this size;
If the ride height looks a little high, it is. The chocs are still in, plus they have a detailed geo set up to follow before I take delivery. Let's you look into the arches & see the gorgeous (if you like that sort of thing-I do!) H&R coil over set up.
Interior is surprisingly plush, leather trimmed & red stitched it looks really well.
In answer to above, the rear seats are gone, the step up under the rear brace is where the boot well lip is, the part in front that looks like a seat back folded forward is a carpet covered aluminium shelf. Various bits scattered in the boot include spanners for the suspension adjustment, some aero lips for the front splitter & the book pack
Still not sure if the "luggage brace" is structural? It's certainly fixed secure, though whether it'll take some belts or not I'm not sure, the dealer is checking with mini.
I got a bit carried away looking at all the little details & forgot to take many photos! The details do make the car though, the colour is gorgeous-better than I imagined it would be. Yeah the red details & stripes are a bit over the top but I like that kind of thing & it'll look pretty good in the pit lane where it'll spend a lot of its time.
As always all questions or views welcomed
philmots said:
Think it looks great..
Re the brakes.. All 197/200 Clios have similar sized Brembos!
No they don't mate, they're 6 pot callipers on this. Not to say they're poor brakes on the renaultsports but these have another 2 pistons on top of the brembo/Porsche unitsRe the brakes.. All 197/200 Clios have similar sized Brembos!
GavBMW said:
Nice motor fella,
I was having a bit peek when it arrived the other day (hope you don't mind).
When are you picking it up?.. I know someone with a 'GP' number plate for sale if your interested??
Ah I was waiting for a comment ginge! I was having a bit peek when it arrived the other day (hope you don't mind).
When are you picking it up?.. I know someone with a 'GP' number plate for sale if your interested??
Let me know about the gp plate, I was bidding on 321 GP on eBay but didn't get it, think my LOH one will have to do Picking up after new years eve, then straight into the 2013 trackday season
GokTweed said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
philmots said:
Think it looks great..
Re the brakes.. All 197/200 Clios have similar sized Brembos!
No they don't mate, they're 6 pot callipers on this. Not to say they're poor brakes on the renaultsports but these have another 2 pistons on top of the brembo/Porsche unitsRe the brakes.. All 197/200 Clios have similar sized Brembos!
Obviously an increase of 400cc would be out of the question to increase performance on this model so I guess an extra 2 pistons per front calliper is a halfway decent method of lowering lap times, though for whatever reason it does look bloody cool!
GokTweed said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
My apologies on the above, I'm comparing the mini GP with the megane R26.R, not the Clio 200
So the clio 200 is lighter than the mini? the brakes do look good, if a little excessive, but they will be worthless if there's crappy rubber on the wheels Weight wise it's all a bit grey-mini released the weight figures of the GP as exactly the same as the standard JCW mini, there's probably a reason for this but what it is I don't know. Perhaps it's a legislation thing where a new kurb weight means new testing or reapplying crash tests etc may be needed, who knows?
However, all three cars are in the same ball park. The Clio 200 is a shade over 1200kg, the R26.R is 1230kg (without cage but with titanium exhaust) & the mini is 1220kg
Confusing things further, is in all mini's advertising blurb for the GP they mention an "DIN unladen curb weight" of 1160kg.
What's DIN unladen? It's the eu specific measurement of weight for a new car, comprising of the car obviously, all fluids & a 90% full fuel tank, all options ticked. No driver or cargo though, and although mini appear to be being pretty transparent by giving that weight for the car it's pretty hard to compare against others as I'm not 100% sure what "curb weight" they're giving. I guess I'll finally know about my car once I get it corner weighted.
So, all in all it's pretty safe to say its pretty light for a car that still has comfy recaro heated seats & a leather trimmed dash, or hediously overweight compared to the original depending on your point of view
Without looking into it further I can't tell you where all the weight saving has come from, rear seats can't weigh that much! Though by getting rid of them I suppose the rear curtain airbags will have gone, as will the strengthening for the rear seat belt points perhaps, but yet they have added weight back on, the rear brace I'm told us now structural so it will need extra metalwork, there's the front brace, all the new aero (flat underfloor & wing) & as I said, it still has a fairly substantial pair of front seats.
Where all this becomes interesting (hopefully anyway!) is in the driving
We've mentioned the huge brakes on the GP (incidentally I think they're pinched off the 1 series M cars, they look the same) & you mentioned the tyres. In the GP's case it comes on Khumo Ecstasa track based items, specifically designed for the GP (they'll be cheap to replace then), none run flats too in 17" diameter.
Where the mini gains performance over the Clio is also where it loses the the Megane-torque.
I think this is where the cars will differ the most as the mini has much less twist than the R26.R, will it be enough to make it feel slow against its lower weight? Obviously until we get both out on track I won't know but the first trackday at the nurburgring is booked for April so we won't have long to wait
DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.
There are no numbers this time unfortunately, which is a bit of a shame.Plus as stated, strictly speaking it's only 1 of 200 uk, they're making 2000 of them for worldwide!
The bulk are going to the USA, they didn't get the GP first time round I think. The figures for each allocation are out there as I've seen them somewhere but can't find them now.
Right, there's been quite a few questions & comments & rather than trying to quote & answer each person I'll let you know about how I came to the decision that I needed one of these in the garage, then anything you want to know just post up & I'll try & answer everyone individually.
First of all, as with most things in life I didn't really plan on getting one. When the press first announced details of the car of course I took notice but I figured it probably wasn't the car for me. Stories came & went, there were a couple of articles on pistonheads but although I thought it was a cool car, it wasn't as hardcore as my old megane R26.R, & that was pretty much what I'd decided wanted again.
If you've never seen any of my other cars you might want to take a look through some of my other readers cars threads http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... my old restored 911
http://www.auto-journals.com/journals/Renault?mode... my megane R26.R
Car-wise I've two loves, hot hatches & air cooled 911s but it was my R26.R that I loved the most. It was the only new car I'd ever bought & it coincided with me really spending a lot of time out at the nurburgring, something I still enjoy but certainly not as frequently as back then when me & a mate used to try & get out there once a month in the summer. Steve had bought his R35 GTR around the same time & we both embarked on trying to get the best of our cars on track, particularly the long one in northern Germany!
As much as I loved the megane I sold it after a year to move on to something else, cars don't tend to last that long in my hands but I really did regret selling it. Earlier this year I decided enough was enough & I'd buy another, in fact steve had gotten sick of the huge bills of tracking the GTR & we hatched a plan to buy two. We managed to find one at a good price but trying to get hold of another in particular favoured spec was a nightmare.
So, as always the eye starts to wander to be fair it was actually mini who got in touch about the GP, I'd been in touch with them about buying a mini van for the business & as a few of the guys who work at Lloyd Mini are customers they kept on at how this car would be right up my street.
The more I got frustrated at not getting an R26.R, the more I started looking at the mini & the more sense it started to look. Whatever car I got next had to fulfil a couple of roles & not just as a track car, obviously it would be good to use as a daily as I find the more I tuck cars away the less I tend to find excuses to get the things out the garage. I'd also insisted to the other half that whatever car I'd buy, it was going to get us to & from the church at our wedding next year & then onto our honeymoon drive down through France & into Italy.
Looking at the GP it was missing a couple of key features on paper, namely the lack of an LSD, bucket seats & a cage.
Apart from the LSD the flip side of the racing addenda means it'll be slightly more comfortable pulling into Monaco at a nice hotel. The LSD however might be more of an issue but until I get into the car & drive it I've just got to hope. All the reviews so far reckon the electronics do a good job of mimicking one but we'll have to wait & see.
So, trawling the Internet looking at videos (some about the GP), reading the early reviews, going over the specs it started to dawn that it might just be the car I'm after. I've linked a few of the videos I found so you can get a feel for what the car's about, or at least what attracts me to it. I can see why for some it wouldn't be what they'd go for but different strokes & all that
Mini GP concept & design
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6kGhwV3xA&fea...
Road & track chassis testing at the nurburgring;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w2ZBcanjAI&fea...
Wind tunnel aero testing;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lhgR5x0WiU&fea...
Testing & manufacturing;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e85ZSkCh3xc&fea...
Attempt at the ring;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bep9HUMb18Q&fea...
Totally random red-bull promo but some nice video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsM_GamKZBE&fea...
There's loads more videos but I'll post them later in case nobodies still awake after reading this lot
First of all, as with most things in life I didn't really plan on getting one. When the press first announced details of the car of course I took notice but I figured it probably wasn't the car for me. Stories came & went, there were a couple of articles on pistonheads but although I thought it was a cool car, it wasn't as hardcore as my old megane R26.R, & that was pretty much what I'd decided wanted again.
If you've never seen any of my other cars you might want to take a look through some of my other readers cars threads http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... my old restored 911
http://www.auto-journals.com/journals/Renault?mode... my megane R26.R
Car-wise I've two loves, hot hatches & air cooled 911s but it was my R26.R that I loved the most. It was the only new car I'd ever bought & it coincided with me really spending a lot of time out at the nurburgring, something I still enjoy but certainly not as frequently as back then when me & a mate used to try & get out there once a month in the summer. Steve had bought his R35 GTR around the same time & we both embarked on trying to get the best of our cars on track, particularly the long one in northern Germany!
As much as I loved the megane I sold it after a year to move on to something else, cars don't tend to last that long in my hands but I really did regret selling it. Earlier this year I decided enough was enough & I'd buy another, in fact steve had gotten sick of the huge bills of tracking the GTR & we hatched a plan to buy two. We managed to find one at a good price but trying to get hold of another in particular favoured spec was a nightmare.
So, as always the eye starts to wander
to be fair it was actually mini who got in touch about the GP, I'd been in touch with them about buying a mini van for the business & as a few of the guys who work at Lloyd Mini are customers they kept on at how this car would be right up my street.The more I got frustrated at not getting an R26.R, the more I started looking at the mini & the more sense it started to look. Whatever car I got next had to fulfil a couple of roles & not just as a track car, obviously it would be good to use as a daily as I find the more I tuck cars away the less I tend to find excuses to get the things out the garage. I'd also insisted to the other half that whatever car I'd buy, it was going to get us to & from the church at our wedding next year & then onto our honeymoon drive down through France & into Italy.
Looking at the GP it was missing a couple of key features on paper, namely the lack of an LSD, bucket seats & a cage.
Apart from the LSD the flip side of the racing addenda means it'll be slightly more comfortable pulling into Monaco at a nice hotel. The LSD however might be more of an issue but until I get into the car & drive it I've just got to hope. All the reviews so far reckon the electronics do a good job of mimicking one but we'll have to wait & see.
So, trawling the Internet looking at videos (some about the GP), reading the early reviews, going over the specs it started to dawn that it might just be the car I'm after. I've linked a few of the videos I found so you can get a feel for what the car's about, or at least what attracts me to it. I can see why for some it wouldn't be what they'd go for but different strokes & all that
Mini GP concept & design
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6kGhwV3xA&fea...
Road & track chassis testing at the nurburgring;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w2ZBcanjAI&fea...
Wind tunnel aero testing;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lhgR5x0WiU&fea...
Testing & manufacturing;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e85ZSkCh3xc&fea...
Attempt at the ring;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bep9HUMb18Q&fea...
Totally random red-bull promo but some nice video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsM_GamKZBE&fea...
There's loads more videos but I'll post them later in case nobodies still awake after reading this lot
GokTweed said:
Thanks for the info there. I did wonder why you would pick it to start with, after all you love track days and as it doesn't have an LSD,is FWD and a lot of money i thought it wouldn't be top of the pile, for me anyway but if you love hot hatches then this explains it!
Did you think about the Toyota GT86 or were you just purely after a hot hatch? The back seats fold flat and it's RWD with an LSD. IMO it needs a bit more power but that's it.
Wih regards to the GT86, in all honesty & with the greatest respect to the people who love them I really think its one of the poorest cars I've driven in the last few years.Did you think about the Toyota GT86 or were you just purely after a hot hatch? The back seats fold flat and it's RWD with an LSD. IMO it needs a bit more power but that's it.
I so wanted to like it, for pretty much the exact reasons I loved my meg & that I've ordered my GP-cheap accessible fun.
But after my local dealers lent me one for an extended test drive I honestly hated the thing. In the past I've bought Nissan 350Z's & Toyota Mr2's so I'm not against Japanese cars at all, nor rwd, rear or mid engined (& the mr2 was a particular favourite) but I can't remember driving such a poor modern performance car. In a car worth £25-30k you've got to accept that certain parts of the equation will be lacking, be they engine, handling, damping, steering, quality, fit & finish etc.
My problem with the GT86 was that to me it was lacking in every area.
Obviously I'm going against what pretty much every road tester has said but I found it such a half arsed attempt at a performance car I couldn't wait to give it back.
Personally I'm starting to think that the holy grail of rwd is just make beleive. Drive a well sorted fwd chassis & it gives you as many challenges & options for fun as anything out there, though obviously that could just be me
right, quick update on the car as i finally got my hands on it yesterday. apologies for the lack of pics but there was driving to do.....
so, what's it like? nice!
it's obviously a little disconcerting buying an expensive car that you have never driven before, will it perform as well as you hoped? what will be the little niggles that you never expected? etc etc
to remind everyone, these are limited to only 200 uk models & none were available for test driving. mini carlisle did lend me a JCW mini a couple of times for extended test drives & although it was a nice little motor it wasn't the best. it really needed a limited slip differential, the steering feel wan't all that & it just felt a little.....i can't think of the right phrase, safe might be the word i'm looking for.
the reason i trusted in the reviews in the GP were mainly due to the fact that mini obviously tried to address the short-comings of the standard car.
bespoke none run flat tyres
bespoke coil over suspension
new geometry
esp that mimics an LSD to name just a few of the large changes.
does it all work? yes & no on the road, we'll have to wait & see what it's like on track....
the ride is definitely more compliant, the roads around cumbria are pretty ropey this time of year but there's no crashing in the suspension & the steering wheel weights up nicely with plenty of feedback. the road noise from the khumo ecsta tyres is truly atrocious though! no howling like toyo r888's but just VERY LOUD! the pay-off though is truly superb grip, it was a damp cold greasy kind of day yesterday & it just clung on like nothing else until......
you lift off mid-bend! wahey, lift off oversteer is there for the taking! we did quite a number of laps of one particular roundabout to get a feel for it & it really does drift very easily for a fwd car, quite how welcome that will be on track i don't know but obviously the suspension can be adjusted to tailor it one way or another.
as for the still missing LSD i'm not sure that electronics can ever really compensate. you can certainly feel it doing a job, but the car still torque steers.
i think i'll only really fully get a feel for what it's doing when i get a chance to play with the cars limits on track.
only other things to mention are a few options that are maybe lacking-rear parking sensors! not very PH & i'm sure i'll get used to it but with no rear wiper it would have been handy, no steering wheel controls for the DAB stereo either.
apart from that everyone seems to like it, especially the disco interior lighting (might have to figure out how to deactivate that one!).
the big question for me though is how does it compare to the car i hold in most high regard, my old megane R26.R?
i think i'll be able to answer that one after a few more spirited miles with the car
i'm sure everyone's a little tired of seeing pictures of it sat in the dealers but you'll have to wait until i get some better photos!
tucked up at home
his & hers
so, what's it like? nice!
it's obviously a little disconcerting buying an expensive car that you have never driven before, will it perform as well as you hoped? what will be the little niggles that you never expected? etc etc
to remind everyone, these are limited to only 200 uk models & none were available for test driving. mini carlisle did lend me a JCW mini a couple of times for extended test drives & although it was a nice little motor it wasn't the best. it really needed a limited slip differential, the steering feel wan't all that & it just felt a little.....i can't think of the right phrase, safe might be the word i'm looking for.
the reason i trusted in the reviews in the GP were mainly due to the fact that mini obviously tried to address the short-comings of the standard car.
bespoke none run flat tyres
bespoke coil over suspension
new geometry
esp that mimics an LSD to name just a few of the large changes.
does it all work? yes & no on the road, we'll have to wait & see what it's like on track....
the ride is definitely more compliant, the roads around cumbria are pretty ropey this time of year but there's no crashing in the suspension & the steering wheel weights up nicely with plenty of feedback. the road noise from the khumo ecsta tyres is truly atrocious though! no howling like toyo r888's but just VERY LOUD! the pay-off though is truly superb grip, it was a damp cold greasy kind of day yesterday & it just clung on like nothing else until......
you lift off mid-bend! wahey, lift off oversteer is there for the taking! we did quite a number of laps of one particular roundabout to get a feel for it & it really does drift very easily for a fwd car, quite how welcome that will be on track i don't know but obviously the suspension can be adjusted to tailor it one way or another.
as for the still missing LSD i'm not sure that electronics can ever really compensate. you can certainly feel it doing a job, but the car still torque steers.
i think i'll only really fully get a feel for what it's doing when i get a chance to play with the cars limits on track.
only other things to mention are a few options that are maybe lacking-rear parking sensors! not very PH & i'm sure i'll get used to it but with no rear wiper it would have been handy, no steering wheel controls for the DAB stereo either.
apart from that everyone seems to like it, especially the disco interior lighting (might have to figure out how to deactivate that one!).
the big question for me though is how does it compare to the car i hold in most high regard, my old megane R26.R?
i think i'll be able to answer that one after a few more spirited miles with the car
i'm sure everyone's a little tired of seeing pictures of it sat in the dealers but you'll have to wait until i get some better photos!
tucked up at home
his & hers
Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Monday 7th January 11:41
myles1972 said:
Looks very purposeful, does that. I'd be a little hesitant to do the 150mph stated, I am a coward though!
I think the 150mph, although not overly optimistic may take some achieving! If you watch the videos I posted earlier they have done extensive wind tunnel work to stabilise it (the flat underfloor, diffuser & wing reduce rear lift by 95%) but its gets to (an indicated) 135 surprisingly quickly. Then you grab 6th & it boggs down a bit although this was on an uphill stretch (of a private road of course!).jamieleehodgson said:
If you fancy a wee photoshoot with maybe a megane 265 that could be arranged... my cousin is a keen beginner photographer and loves cars!
Yeah that'd be great, nice to have done better photos than my crappy iPhone ones!Ordinary_Chap said:
I'm not surprised esp is no match for a proper diff and given how much slower it is around the ring than a R26 it all seems to make sense. Although comparing it to an R26 maybe a little unfair given how much more raw and focused the R26 appears.
It's only 4 seconds a lap at the nurburgring slower than the R26.R (mini gp posted 8:21 v's the megs 8:17), which over 14 mile ain't to much believe me, not in our ham fisted hands anyway I suspect the lack of LSD wont make that much difference to the time, the big loss to the megane is in the torque figures-the mini is almost 70 ft/lbs shy & torque gains you a lot especially on the back straight from bergwerk through kessalchen & up the high hut. The straight from flugplatz to schweidenkreutz is flat to down hill, the other big hill will be on the home straight so I guess that just means not lifting to make up any time under the bridge!
Mini is lighter by a good chunk though but it's that back straight I'm most looking forward to, if it can keep up with the megane there I don't think I'll lose anywhere else on the lap
Ordinary_Chap said:
Ah ok, I was going off the wiki times which the R26 is over 6 seconds quicker which would equate to a long distance between the two crossing the line.
Mini 8.23
R26 8.16.9's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_N%C3%BCrburgr...
Anyway I take your point its a long circuit so the R26 gets a long bit of track to pull out its advantage.
I'd be interested too see what you think of it on track!
Lee
Well it's always a bit iffy bigging up your car when there can be a little wiki decripency on the times (a case in point!) but that has the GP as faster than some pretty trick machinery-not bad for a little 1.6 hairdressers car Mini 8.23
R26 8.16.9's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_N%C3%BCrburgr...
Anyway I take your point its a long circuit so the R26 gets a long bit of track to pull out its advantage.
I'd be interested too see what you think of it on track!
Lee
Won't be long until the first track report though-booked oulton park for next month
Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Monday 7th January 19:59
Every car I have is a hairdressers car
Seriously looking at getting a go-pro, they make great footage. I've still got a roll cage mount from my old bullet cam but I think the rear bar in the mini may be a little low & all you'll see is that dinner plate of a speedo, I'll try & get something rigged up though & take some footage.
Seriously looking at getting a go-pro, they make great footage. I've still got a roll cage mount from my old bullet cam but I think the rear bar in the mini may be a little low & all you'll see is that dinner plate of a speedo, I'll try & get something rigged up though & take some footage.
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