R56 GP2 - Underwhelmed?

R56 GP2 - Underwhelmed?

Author
Discussion

Uncle Ron

Original Poster:

401 posts

99 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2017
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I guess I'm just looking for someone to tell me I'm an idiot here really. I went to drive an R56 GP yesterday and found it to be a bit soft and somewhat breathless, I am absolutely gutted as I'd set my heart on it!

I have had a GP1 in the past so was expecting the experience to be quite raw but I was left pretty disappointed - is it just me or has anyone else felt the same? Might it be that the dampers had been adjusted? It has 17,000 miles on it and is Mini approved so I was expecting it to be as it came out of the factory..

addz86

1,439 posts

186 months

Wednesday 24th May 2017
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I'm currently on my second GP1 and keep thinking about making the move to a GP2 but have been told the same by a few people, would like a go in one to make my own opinion but can see me being disappointed

SlowStig

839 posts

171 months

Wednesday 24th May 2017
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Don't test drive an F56, would put you off MINI :P

What did you find bad about the GP2? I was tempted to look at one myself and get rid of my f56 but keep hearing various opinions about them either being the best thing since sliced bread or like driving a 3 legged chain smoking donkey...

ghiblicup

605 posts

214 months

Thursday 25th May 2017
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A bit surprised as the R56 JCW is a blast.




Fastest Laps has it at 2 seconds faster to 100 and that's just the works not GP.

Agree about the F56 it's lost all steering 'feel' and really seems bigger but the engine is amazing.

Since I've put PS4's on my JCW I can't get enough of it, so much fun. In fact I can't find anything to replace it so I'm going to pay the ballon and keep it.

lestiq

705 posts

169 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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Did it have the Kumhos on? I've just gone back to them after michelin super sport. tyres make a big difference.

Dr Interceptor

7,773 posts

196 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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GP1 - Fantastic 'out the box' package
GP2 - Needs a manic map to really get the best out of it

I actually skipped the whole R56 generation, and went straight from a Supercharged 1st Gen car to a new F57 JCW Convertible. No doubt the F57 is much softer, but the engine is such a peach.

Pip1968

1,348 posts

204 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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Is that not most modern cars these days compared to more involving older models. There seem to be so many so many 'safety' and automated features on cars now they are more like games than drivers cars.

Shame.

I have a GP1 and like its basic layout and size. Why oh why are they making them bigger???? They were already vast compared to the original and now they are even bigger.

Pip

trawler

178 posts

195 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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Think the GP2 is great fun & far better than the JCW we owned. Need to treat it with a bit more respect as the back will step out.
GP1 is a bit rawer, but would take the GP2.
The new JCW is a nice car to get from A to B, but would never buy one.

Test drive the GP2 again preferably a road with some bends.

Uncle Ron

Original Poster:

401 posts

99 months

Tuesday 30th May 2017
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Funnily enough I actually have a F56 Cooper SD as my daily which, bar the steering feel, is a load of fun. I suspect the R56 GP could be improved greatly with a custom map. I loved the binary nature of the GP1 but couldn't get the GP2 to act like a hooligan without driving recklessly!

I'm now mulling over this JCW Challenge as I've been offered one (I am hearing they have struggled to flog the 50 which does put me off somewhat)..


SlowStig

839 posts

171 months

Tuesday 30th May 2017
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I was looking at a GP2 and noticed they don't have cruise fitted as standard, is this something anyone has retro fitted or knows why they are without cruise?

I am interested as to people's opinions of the F5x series MINI's though, but that might be more suited to another topic.

HJMS123

988 posts

133 months

Wednesday 31st May 2017
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SlowStig said:
I was looking at a GP2 and noticed they don't have cruise fitted as standard, is this something anyone has retro fitted or knows why they are without cruise?
.
It's a stripped out harcore hatch with no rear seats, rear speakers but you expect it to have cruise control? eek

I'm sure you can retrofit the cruise control though

Dr Interceptor

7,773 posts

196 months

Wednesday 31st May 2017
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HJMS123 said:
SlowStig said:
I was looking at a GP2 and noticed they don't have cruise fitted as standard, is this something anyone has retro fitted or knows why they are without cruise?
.
It's a stripped out harcore hatch with no rear seats, rear speakers but you expect it to have cruise control? eek

I'm sure you can retrofit the cruise control though
GP1 had the multi function steering wheel, and cruise.

Leins

9,461 posts

148 months

Saturday 3rd June 2017
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Dr Interceptor said:
HJMS123 said:
SlowStig said:
I was looking at a GP2 and noticed they don't have cruise fitted as standard, is this something anyone has retro fitted or knows why they are without cruise?
.
It's a stripped out harcore hatch with no rear seats, rear speakers but you expect it to have cruise control? eek

I'm sure you can retrofit the cruise control though
GP1 had the multi function steering wheel, and cruise.
Xenons are the one thing I'm sorry they did ditch in the GP1. Not sure if GP2 has them?

jayxx83

504 posts

196 months

Sunday 11th June 2017
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Agree no steering feel on F56 with stock runflats. I swapped out for a set of 17 " wheels and pilot supersports and the steering is night amd day better. Also stuck a quaife in and wow, the thing launches out of bends. No ESP intervention at all.

All in the R53 was mega fun to rev out, the f56 JCW is a bit flat engine wise and sport mode just brings in the boost too quickly. As ever with a hot hatch, keep the momentum and its a right riot.

I had the JCW pro coilovers installed and the car corner weighted. Is absolutely fantastic and does corner like it's on rails.