Christurbo's Mini Cooper Works GP II 2
Discussion
So here I am again.
For the last 12 months I have been driving a combination of an Audi A6 Avant Black Edition and Golf R which I had from new. I thought the Golf R ticked most boxes for my speed thrills - however it doesn't. Don't confuse what I am saying, the R is an absolute weapon - especially since it is spec'd with a manual box to make the numb feeling less numb. But that is where the problem lays with the R - it's just too good. Even with all the assistance disabled it still doesn't capture my full attention like my past Lotus days did.
So recently I have been getting an itch. I went to BMW to test drive the new M4 and also M2. I couldn't test drive the M2 so was put on the waiting list, however the waiting list got me thinking. 'What am I looking for'? A rapid German tool or just that sense of 'feeling' like I used to get from the days I used to rock up to a track day or group meeting in a tiny soap box Lotus? I decided it was the latter. The M4 is going on ice until end of the year when I decide what to do with the A6.
So instead of replacing the R I decided to add another car just for weekends and track days. The R and A6 will be kept for the commute. I did loads of reading and research and investigated the usual contenders and was surprised at how well the second hand market is for the S2 Exige. An article caught my eye and I well then bitten by the concept of the Mini GP. A frantic little FWD little hatch that has a tendency to go sideways. I then saw how capable it was on track and how highly it was regarded by owners of some proper machinery such as GT3s, etc. I had to have one.
I managed to source a decent example from a main dealer that had the remainder of the TLC pack, low mileage (15k), black bits and decent condition.
I picked it up today and it was completely alien to me. It felt lively, unstable on full power exiting corners at a frantic pace. This thing flys! I soon realised that it demanded respect, something I haven't really done since my Lotus days.
Years ago I bought my wife a new Mini convertible so was a bit put off with this decision however the GP is light and day different. The package feels light, nimble and tight. Instantly I selected the GP mode which transformed the steering making it feel more weighty, the throttle response was much more responsive and the exhaust became more thoaty. Instantly it wanted to shift, and that's where it surprised me. The GP picks up speed so frantically you really need to be careful. Not in the sense of a Golf R where you nail it and let that car do the rest, you are on your tip toes to keep the line perfect and your nose pointing in the correct direction! Steering is nicely weighted with plenty of feedback and throttle is nicely metered for great balance. The ride is not brash, and holds the chassis well on uneven country Tarmac. Howling through my local jaunts lifting off to hear crackles and bangs - what a sense of occasion. I had to pinch myself to realise I was still sitting in a MINI!? I wanted to get used to the oversteer so decided to numerous laps of a local roundabout and bypass, 4 week drifts are so easy to pull off - however I am guessing very high speed lift off could be heart attack enducing!
One thing I need to sort out is the rubber, I have already got my sights set on some Yokohama AD08Rs or Michelin Supersports to try and deal with the torque steer so I do not jump into the next lane or a hedge on full chat! I spin in 3rd in the dry at the moment.
Also the suspension I have been told is set to the tolerances for road and height set to halfway so I want take it into Lohan or another garage to get it lowered for track use.
I'm extremely happy with my purchase and it goes to show BHP isn't everything, it's the sense of 'feeling' that we all strive for in driving and the GP delivers that in bags.
I will keep this going if anything is to note.
For the last 12 months I have been driving a combination of an Audi A6 Avant Black Edition and Golf R which I had from new. I thought the Golf R ticked most boxes for my speed thrills - however it doesn't. Don't confuse what I am saying, the R is an absolute weapon - especially since it is spec'd with a manual box to make the numb feeling less numb. But that is where the problem lays with the R - it's just too good. Even with all the assistance disabled it still doesn't capture my full attention like my past Lotus days did.
So recently I have been getting an itch. I went to BMW to test drive the new M4 and also M2. I couldn't test drive the M2 so was put on the waiting list, however the waiting list got me thinking. 'What am I looking for'? A rapid German tool or just that sense of 'feeling' like I used to get from the days I used to rock up to a track day or group meeting in a tiny soap box Lotus? I decided it was the latter. The M4 is going on ice until end of the year when I decide what to do with the A6.
So instead of replacing the R I decided to add another car just for weekends and track days. The R and A6 will be kept for the commute. I did loads of reading and research and investigated the usual contenders and was surprised at how well the second hand market is for the S2 Exige. An article caught my eye and I well then bitten by the concept of the Mini GP. A frantic little FWD little hatch that has a tendency to go sideways. I then saw how capable it was on track and how highly it was regarded by owners of some proper machinery such as GT3s, etc. I had to have one.
I managed to source a decent example from a main dealer that had the remainder of the TLC pack, low mileage (15k), black bits and decent condition.
I picked it up today and it was completely alien to me. It felt lively, unstable on full power exiting corners at a frantic pace. This thing flys! I soon realised that it demanded respect, something I haven't really done since my Lotus days.
Years ago I bought my wife a new Mini convertible so was a bit put off with this decision however the GP is light and day different. The package feels light, nimble and tight. Instantly I selected the GP mode which transformed the steering making it feel more weighty, the throttle response was much more responsive and the exhaust became more thoaty. Instantly it wanted to shift, and that's where it surprised me. The GP picks up speed so frantically you really need to be careful. Not in the sense of a Golf R where you nail it and let that car do the rest, you are on your tip toes to keep the line perfect and your nose pointing in the correct direction! Steering is nicely weighted with plenty of feedback and throttle is nicely metered for great balance. The ride is not brash, and holds the chassis well on uneven country Tarmac. Howling through my local jaunts lifting off to hear crackles and bangs - what a sense of occasion. I had to pinch myself to realise I was still sitting in a MINI!? I wanted to get used to the oversteer so decided to numerous laps of a local roundabout and bypass, 4 week drifts are so easy to pull off - however I am guessing very high speed lift off could be heart attack enducing!
One thing I need to sort out is the rubber, I have already got my sights set on some Yokohama AD08Rs or Michelin Supersports to try and deal with the torque steer so I do not jump into the next lane or a hedge on full chat! I spin in 3rd in the dry at the moment.
Also the suspension I have been told is set to the tolerances for road and height set to halfway so I want take it into Lohan or another garage to get it lowered for track use.
I'm extremely happy with my purchase and it goes to show BHP isn't everything, it's the sense of 'feeling' that we all strive for in driving and the GP delivers that in bags.
I will keep this going if anything is to note.
Edited by christurbo on Saturday 25th June 22:16
Mike1990 said:
Love these, serious Cars, i was watching video's last night on YouTube of these keeping up with just about anything on Track.
Yes - definately a case of David and Goliath syndrome with this little beast which is kind of the appeal. So today I found it's GP number. And early model - 73/2000.
I have spoken to Lohen who are booking it in July for the suspension and geo. I am also pulling the trigger on some Yokohama AD08Rs to be fitted when I have not got such a busy schedule. I can then get some track days booked.
lestiq said:
Cracking cars these, coming up to a year of ownership for me and haven't regretted it one bit. I'm running 215 - 45 super sports, they are superb and very confidence inspiring in the wet. The oem kumhos are blindingly good but a bit harsh for British roads, when warm the turn is violent tho, wet weather is terrifying (aqua plane city) It really is a car that demands respect and is one of those special cars that gets better the harder you go.
Enjoy your purchase :-)
Thanks. I have not considered 215/45 fitment - just 205/45 (because 215 is not common). I'm getting the GP dropped to its lowest setting would 215/45 cause issues with rubbing? Do you have pics of your tyres? Enjoy your purchase :-)
I was considering the Michelin SS they are cheaper and supposed to be good in wet. However like the appeal of the Yokos.
Thanks,
Chris.
lestiq said:
Hi Chris,
I was tempted to drop mine too as I was going to stick with 40 profile, but I still want a good road car, I thought it might make the ride a bit too crashy. Funnily enough after moving to 45 the arches are really nicely filled now, no rubbing whatsoever. I did have to play with the setup a bit at first to get that scalpel sharp turn in, but wow blown away by the ss now they've bedded in, and for the price very good value.
Best, Another Chris
It looks fantastic! Unfortunately I have already ordered 205/45/17 in the AD08Rs that are being fitted this Friday. The price is just so good from Blackcircles. It's then booked into Lohen on the 15th of July for the suspension to be adjusted to its lowest setting then the geometry reset to suit track.I was tempted to drop mine too as I was going to stick with 40 profile, but I still want a good road car, I thought it might make the ride a bit too crashy. Funnily enough after moving to 45 the arches are really nicely filled now, no rubbing whatsoever. I did have to play with the setup a bit at first to get that scalpel sharp turn in, but wow blown away by the ss now they've bedded in, and for the price very good value.
Best, Another Chris
OK so the latest update is that the GP has had new boots all around and I have managed to scrub them in slightly on some spirited driving.
The car has transformed with the new Yoko AD08Rs fitted. The turn in is brutal and so positive compared to before, it reminds me of driving Go Karts at Thruxton (so cliché I know).
The GP is a twitchy little thing, I've not driven a FWD like it before. You really do need to be a good driver to take this car near to its limits. Turn in is so quick and if you have not committed 100% to your line then it will bite you with dollops of oversteer. Luckily I have not taken it past its limits too many times and the instances where the rear wanted to overtake the front was easily corrected with a quick dose of opposite lock.
I am still enjoying the feedback from the steering and chassis, very communicative which as I said before is very refreshing - especially from a MINI!
Another item that has come to the top of my list is the gearbox. My GP has done only 15k miles and it shows through the slick changes, I have not missed one shift. The peddles are positioned nicely so heel and toe can be performed easily with the right footware. Crackles and bangs are also addictive - I find myself trying to perfect the art of the GP crack!
I won't be driving it for a while now, it is in for some servicing with MINI over the weekend and then it is in with Lohen the end of next week for the suspension lowered to suit and geometry setup for my driving style.
I will be looking forward to driving it soon and then booking some track days.
The car has transformed with the new Yoko AD08Rs fitted. The turn in is brutal and so positive compared to before, it reminds me of driving Go Karts at Thruxton (so cliché I know).
The GP is a twitchy little thing, I've not driven a FWD like it before. You really do need to be a good driver to take this car near to its limits. Turn in is so quick and if you have not committed 100% to your line then it will bite you with dollops of oversteer. Luckily I have not taken it past its limits too many times and the instances where the rear wanted to overtake the front was easily corrected with a quick dose of opposite lock.
I am still enjoying the feedback from the steering and chassis, very communicative which as I said before is very refreshing - especially from a MINI!
Another item that has come to the top of my list is the gearbox. My GP has done only 15k miles and it shows through the slick changes, I have not missed one shift. The peddles are positioned nicely so heel and toe can be performed easily with the right footware. Crackles and bangs are also addictive - I find myself trying to perfect the art of the GP crack!
I won't be driving it for a while now, it is in for some servicing with MINI over the weekend and then it is in with Lohen the end of next week for the suspension lowered to suit and geometry setup for my driving style.
I will be looking forward to driving it soon and then booking some track days.
Edited by christurbo on Saturday 9th July 18:18
Latest update is that Sytner Tamworth has picked up the GP to take it in for some servicing work over the next few days. To my surprise they dropped off a new JCW SD. The GP is my 3rd car so I didn't expect a replacement car.
I took it to work on Friday and also along some country roads today with my family to see our breeder to which it performed nicely for an everyday driver. Chalk and cheese against the GP of course but if someone was looking for a small and nimble everyday driver (namely my wife - however she drives my A6 Avant and Golf R) then this would make a good choice.
Torquey, compliant handling, and a nice little cabin. However the R56 is not 'little', it is surprisingly large for a mini. This is not a negative because it handles like a small car.
Anyway, this is a bit off topic. The GP is visiting Lohen on Friday so I can't wait to test up the new suspension settings.
I took it to work on Friday and also along some country roads today with my family to see our breeder to which it performed nicely for an everyday driver. Chalk and cheese against the GP of course but if someone was looking for a small and nimble everyday driver (namely my wife - however she drives my A6 Avant and Golf R) then this would make a good choice.
Torquey, compliant handling, and a nice little cabin. However the R56 is not 'little', it is surprisingly large for a mini. This is not a negative because it handles like a small car.
Anyway, this is a bit off topic. The GP is visiting Lohen on Friday so I can't wait to test up the new suspension settings.
Edited by christurbo on Saturday 9th July 18:17
Mike1990 said:
I wasn't to keen on the new JCW's, but after seeing them in real life, they look bloody good IMO. Wondef if they'll do a GP version?
To be honest they are a really good little everyday car. I went to Stratford races today and decided to take it over the A6 Avant BE or the Golf R and had a great jaunt in it. Very 'fun'.WojaWabbit said:
Awesome OP, love these! Never been keen on the stickers and wheels, but I'm sure they could be easily sorted to make it a bit less conspicuous.
Totally agree on driving something that demands attention and makes you feel alive, too many modern cars are set up to be safe and inert.
Yes - I know what you mean about the stickers (don't mind the wheels), it kind of makes me feel a bit of a boy racer however a couple of friends who have cars such as the McLaren 570 and 911 GTS love it...... Might keep them to keep resale. Totally agree on driving something that demands attention and makes you feel alive, too many modern cars are set up to be safe and inert.
Missing it already, the drive doesn't look the same without it! However Sytner should be dropping it off early next week then it's off for its suspension settings.
I quite like the idea of getting the wheel retrimmed in alcantara - not sure if that will impact on resale in a negative way with buyers preferring a leather wheel.
Again Off topic. Here is the little JCW R56 loan car in Stratford looking very middle class. Lol
So the GP has arrived back from a 2 week stint at the dealership. Amongst other things It has had new factory fresh Bilstien colivers fitted, lowered to max lowering height then reset via a Hunter geometry session to factory settings.
It was dropped off at work looking absolutely amazing. I drove it through the back roads on the way home and it has transformed to what it was like before (see comments about hunting camber and also the rear end being very happy to overtake the front a bit too easily).
The GP is much more planted and even though it does hunt the cambers it is not as exaggerated as before. Also the ride is a lot more neutral on turn in and it feels a lot less like it wants to kill me on fast turn ins!
It really is a decent little car that surprises you how quickly it can gobble up the road ahead. I think it will shock a few higher end cars on the track, a little David and Goliath motor.
One thing that is bothering me is the strong fragrance in the car, like the dealership has done something to mask a previous smell. I will order a new pollen filter and attempt a 'bomb'.
Some photos on the way back home on Blithfield Reservoiur.
It was dropped off at work looking absolutely amazing. I drove it through the back roads on the way home and it has transformed to what it was like before (see comments about hunting camber and also the rear end being very happy to overtake the front a bit too easily).
The GP is much more planted and even though it does hunt the cambers it is not as exaggerated as before. Also the ride is a lot more neutral on turn in and it feels a lot less like it wants to kill me on fast turn ins!
It really is a decent little car that surprises you how quickly it can gobble up the road ahead. I think it will shock a few higher end cars on the track, a little David and Goliath motor.
One thing that is bothering me is the strong fragrance in the car, like the dealership has done something to mask a previous smell. I will order a new pollen filter and attempt a 'bomb'.
Some photos on the way back home on Blithfield Reservoiur.
MrC986 said:
I'll keep an eye out for you as I'm local. I've also got a friend with a GPII although with the exception of running Lotus Elise wheels for track use & a slightly different geo setup for track days, his is standard. Lohen have a really good reputation & they'll hopefully do my geo setup up too. I'd be interested in what they do set your geo to for reference.
Hi, yes let me know if you are up to anything local, I.e. Curborough, etc... Long story - however due to the coil overs being swapped out by Mini Tamworth I decided just to opt for their standard geo.... To be fair it seems good to me on the road. I've told Lohen that I might be in to see them if I want some tweaks doing. So not a lot has happened since my last post. However I attended a Mini meet at Lohen last Saturday morning where they were putting their motors on the Dyno. There were some very nice examples and even 3 x GPs (2 x GP2s and 1 x GP1).
One of the GP2s had only done 3k miles since new and had never been out in the moist stuff. Concourse material.
There were also other cars there including a nice Caterham 160 which delivered on its name.
I didn't go there to have the GP dyno'd however I was curious as to how healthy it was so decided to put it on. It achieved a healthy 220 BHP however that was with standard fuel, a dirty air filter and also a very hot dyno because it was very hot a outside and I was one of the last to get it into the dyno room so temps were already high. The curves were nice and linear with no lumps.
On another note I am going to Cuba shortly so no track time is scheduled until I get back. I am also booked into Palmersport day in September so will at least get some decent track time in!
One of the GP2s had only done 3k miles since new and had never been out in the moist stuff. Concourse material.
There were also other cars there including a nice Caterham 160 which delivered on its name.
I didn't go there to have the GP dyno'd however I was curious as to how healthy it was so decided to put it on. It achieved a healthy 220 BHP however that was with standard fuel, a dirty air filter and also a very hot dyno because it was very hot a outside and I was one of the last to get it into the dyno room so temps were already high. The curves were nice and linear with no lumps.
On another note I am going to Cuba shortly so no track time is scheduled until I get back. I am also booked into Palmersport day in September so will at least get some decent track time in!
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