Mini John Cooper Works GP (R56)
Discussion
My plan for the majority of this year was to replace my TT Quattro Sport with a Megane Cup S to run alongside my Clio 172 Cup. I know, proper Renaultsport fanboy. However I've had my eye on R56 Mini's for a while now, and when this one came up I couldn't resist and decided to take the plunge. The Megane can wait!
I've had it for two months now, and in two words it's utterly brilliant. The handling characteristics feel very similar to my Clio, but just more grown up with more power, grip and comfort. On the initial test drive it felt potent enough for 218hp, but it wasn't until I picked the car up and was on a B road hack home I realised just how capable the car is. A couple of pics before I get carried away:
The GP2 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged (N18) engine generating 218 hp and 206 ft lb. It has 6-pot Brembo calipers on the front, with inverted Bilstein suspension and some pretty stickers. It's an incredible package and so easy to live with as a daily with some nice comforts including a pair of super comfy Recaro heated seats and Bluetooth phone prep.
I've covered about 2,500 miles already, averaging around 35mpg on a spirited drive around Wales last weekend, and 40-45mpg on motorway runs/commute to work. It pretty much lives in Sport mode and GP mode; the former sharpening throttle and steering response as well as plenty of pops and bangs from the exhaust. Standard traction control cuts power when you start to lose grip, whereas GP mode disables this and just brakes the front wheels.
Turning everything off is a proper hand full, but is so rewarding and the lift off oversteer is just laugh out loud hilarious! The amount of power you can carry in and out of a corner blows my mind; it was only last year that I drove a FWD hot hatch with a clever diff for the first time. More pics to come soon!
I've had it for two months now, and in two words it's utterly brilliant. The handling characteristics feel very similar to my Clio, but just more grown up with more power, grip and comfort. On the initial test drive it felt potent enough for 218hp, but it wasn't until I picked the car up and was on a B road hack home I realised just how capable the car is. A couple of pics before I get carried away:
The GP2 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged (N18) engine generating 218 hp and 206 ft lb. It has 6-pot Brembo calipers on the front, with inverted Bilstein suspension and some pretty stickers. It's an incredible package and so easy to live with as a daily with some nice comforts including a pair of super comfy Recaro heated seats and Bluetooth phone prep.
I've covered about 2,500 miles already, averaging around 35mpg on a spirited drive around Wales last weekend, and 40-45mpg on motorway runs/commute to work. It pretty much lives in Sport mode and GP mode; the former sharpening throttle and steering response as well as plenty of pops and bangs from the exhaust. Standard traction control cuts power when you start to lose grip, whereas GP mode disables this and just brakes the front wheels.
Turning everything off is a proper hand full, but is so rewarding and the lift off oversteer is just laugh out loud hilarious! The amount of power you can carry in and out of a corner blows my mind; it was only last year that I drove a FWD hot hatch with a clever diff for the first time. More pics to come soon!
Thanks both! It certainly is my desktop background 
I haven't driven a Cooper S or standard JCW to see how the GP compares, but the exclusivity of there only being 200 in the UK really appeals to me on top of the bigger spec. My brother is in the market for a JCW, so it'll be interesting to drive the two back to back once he's got one.
I haven't driven a Cooper S or standard JCW to see how the GP compares, but the exclusivity of there only being 200 in the UK really appeals to me on top of the bigger spec. My brother is in the market for a JCW, so it'll be interesting to drive the two back to back once he's got one.Feirny said:
Love it. Always had a thing for these.
Cheers Greg! Going to try and get some more photos this week. 3,000 miles in now and it's hilarious good fun. Having just spent the weekend driving the new Focus ST/RS in Wales, I'm actually happier getting back into the GP. So much more chuckable and nimble through the corners, every input feels more responsive than both Fords.I wanted to clean the car and get some nice picturesque photos last week, but ran out of daylight too quickly. So a nice background is TBC, but here's some more photos for now!
Just had new OEM Brembo pads fitted on the front. There was an oil leak picked up from the oil control solenoid seal, which is apparently common on these, but it was luckily fixed under warranty. I still can't get over how agile the car is, cornering is sensational and you can really feel the weight difference compared to the newer breed of hot hatches.
Just had new OEM Brembo pads fitted on the front. There was an oil leak picked up from the oil control solenoid seal, which is apparently common on these, but it was luckily fixed under warranty. I still can't get over how agile the car is, cornering is sensational and you can really feel the weight difference compared to the newer breed of hot hatches.
Thanks! The handling characteristics feel extremely similar to a 1*2 Clio, it's almost like driving my 172 but just with more power, comfort and a bit more stability. The electronic differential is mind blowing how it pulls the car through corners; I'd love to drive one with a mechanical LSD though to compare.
If it weren't for the bucket seats/harnesses and lack of aircon in the 172, I could happily use that as a daily. My Trophy was for best part of a year!
If it weren't for the bucket seats/harnesses and lack of aircon in the 172, I could happily use that as a daily. My Trophy was for best part of a year!
BenLowden said:
I'd love to drive one with a mechanical LSD though to compare.
Its made quite a big different to my fJCW actually, definitely worthwhile adding one in if/when you need to change the clutch/flywheel. Noticeable on the road, so im sure on track it will be even more obvious 
Edited by Sir_Dave on Thursday 24th November 14:06
Sir_Dave said:
Its made quite a big different to my fJCW actually, definitely worthwhile adding one in if/when you need to change the clutch/flywheel. Noticeable on the road, so im sure on track it will be even more obvious
Good effort! I normally only keep most of my cars 6-12 months so I'll never go to that effort personally as it's one of those things I'd never recover the cost on, but I bet it's sensational.Edited by Sir_Dave on Thursday 24th November 14:06
MG7 said:
Lovely car OP. That rear 3/4 view is fantastic.
Don't know if you're aware (or interested!) but your car was one of the press cars for the launch of the R56 GP. May have featured in the odd road test a few years ago.
Thank you! And that is interesting to know; I was aware that the first owner was registered as a BMW dealer but didn't realise it was a press car. Not sure if that's a bad thing or not, but it's in immaculate condition other than some tiny tiny kerbing, so it's been well kept.Don't know if you're aware (or interested!) but your car was one of the press cars for the launch of the R56 GP. May have featured in the odd road test a few years ago.
TVR MAN said:
Just spotted this in the classifieds - curious to know why you are selling so soon as I am considering a GP2.
Busted! But yes, I am currently testing the water: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...I generally keep my cars for 6-12 months before moving onto the next thing. The GP initially was a stop gap until 275 Megane's have dropped more in price, but I've actually just bought an R26 Megane as I found one that I thought was a bargain, so I'm picking that up on Friday.
I was going to keep the Mini until spring/summer next year but now I've bought the R26 I'll need to sell it sooner. I'm testing the water now but not sure how much interest there will be just before Christmas, if not I'll put it up again early next year. I don't think you'll find a better one for the money so drop me a PM if you want to discuss in more detail!
Edited by BenLowden on Wednesday 30th November 12:18
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