Mini GP3 lost its way?

[cerb4.5lee]

I do really like the digital dash in these. The speedo cluster in the normal F56's looks garbage for me and its one of my least favourite things about it.

[tinnes]

Have been driving the new 306 JCW Clubman for 1600 miles. It’s a revelation in terms of performance and roadholding. Serious grunt. The same power unit in the much lighter compact GP3 will be a flyer and much quicker than the headline 0-62 time suggests.

[cerb4.5lee]

tinnes said:

Have been driving the new 306 JCW Clubman for 1600 miles. It’s a revelation in terms of performance and roadholding. Serious grunt. The same power unit in the much lighter compact GP3 will be a flyer and much quicker than the headline 0-62 time suggests.

Yes I agree and 306bhp is a very decent number in something so small(ish). I'd love a go in one for sure.

[tinnes]

cerb4.5lee said:

tinnes said:

Have been driving the new 306 JCW Clubman for 1600 miles. It’s a revelation in terms of performance and roadholding. Serious grunt. The same power unit in the much lighter compact GP3 will be a flyer and much quicker than the headline 0-62 time suggests.

Yes I agree and 306bhp is a very decent number in something so small(ish). I'd love a go in one for sure.

...actually it’s probably like putting the Golf R engine into a Polo!,,

[pingu393]

tinnes said:

Have been driving the new 306 JCW Clubman for 1600 miles. It’s a revelation in terms of performance and roadholding. Serious grunt. The same power unit in the much lighter compact GP3 will be a flyer and much quicker than the headline 0-62 time suggests.

When I looked at the figures, I couldn't understand why they went for top speed over acceleration. Why does a Mini need a 160+mph top speed and only 5.2sec acceleration. I'd have thought that sub-140 top speed and sub-5 0-62 be better?

I've a 1998 BMW that accelerates just as fast, but is 200kgs heavier and has similar power.

Is it similar to the BMW / Alpina thing. BMW don't want a Mini that is faster than their M-tech BMWs?

[tinnes]

pingu393 said:

tinnes said:

Have been driving the new 306 JCW Clubman for 1600 miles. It’s a revelation in terms of performance and roadholding. Serious grunt. The same power unit in the much lighter compact GP3 will be a flyer and much quicker than the headline 0-62 time suggests.

When I looked at the figures, I couldn't understand why they went for top speed over acceleration. Why does a Mini need a 160+mph top speed and only 5.2sec acceleration. I'd have thought that sub-140 top speed and sub-5 0-62 be better?

I've a 1998 BMW that accelerates just as fast, but is 200kgs heavier and has similar power.

Is it similar to the BMW / Alpina thing. BMW don't want a Mini that is faster than their M-tech BMWs?

The GP3 0-62 time is relatively slow as it’s all going through the front 2 wheels...all of the other cars with similar power usually are 4 wheel drive and some with launch control, so show impressive 0-62 times...but once rolling they probably won’t see the GP3 for dust.

[pingu393]

tinnes said:

pingu393 said:

tinnes said:

Have been driving the new 306 JCW Clubman for 1600 miles. It’s a revelation in terms of performance and roadholding. Serious grunt. The same power unit in the much lighter compact GP3 will be a flyer and much quicker than the headline 0-62 time suggests.

When I looked at the figures, I couldn't understand why they went for top speed over acceleration. Why does a Mini need a 160+mph top speed and only 5.2sec acceleration. I'd have thought that sub-140 top speed and sub-5 0-62 be better?

I've a 1998 BMW that accelerates just as fast, but is 200kgs heavier and has similar power.

Is it similar to the BMW / Alpina thing. BMW don't want a Mini that is faster than their M-tech BMWs?

The GP3 0-62 time is relatively slow as it’s all going through the front 2 wheels...all of the other cars with similar power usually are 4 wheel drive and some with launch control, so show impressive 0-62 times...but once rolling they probably won’t see the GP3 for dust.

The potential lack of grip / over-powered chassis is the reason that I wanted a test drive before parting with any dosh. I may be in the market for a second-hand one in the summer, if they are any good.

[GaryF]

I've now got 270bhp and 280 lb/ft with a Quaiffe diff and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on my R58 - it is very hard to get that power down in first and second gear through just the front two wheels (they spin up so easily). Once rolling though it is mightily quick. I expect the GPi$$3 will be rapid, especially with the auto box to keep it on the boil.

The auto box in the GP3 will have more ratios as well to keep it in the sweet spot but maybe it will also have torque limiting in the lower gears to help prevent the fronts being overwhelmed (even with the diff).

Look forward to the real reviews coming through. If only it didn't have the flaps or the auto...

[fatboy b]

Looks like the Yaris GR4 could trump the GP3 a little.

[tinnes]

fatboy b said:

Looks like the Yaris GR4 could trump the GP3 a little.

What do you base that on?

[fatboy b]

tinnes said:

fatboy b said:

Looks like the Yaris GR4 could trump the GP3 a little.

What do you base that on?

Price / looks / handing with the selectable bias 4wd.

[tinnes]

fatboy b said:

tinnes said:

fatboy b said:

Looks like the Yaris GR4 could trump the GP3 a little.

What do you base that on?

Price / looks / handing with the selectable bias 4wd.

The 4wd is a possible plus, still lots of unknowns!

[fatboy b]

tinnes said:

fatboy b said:

tinnes said:

fatboy b said:

Looks like the Yaris GR4 could trump the GP3 a little.

What do you base that on?

Price / looks / handing with the selectable bias 4wd.

The 4wd is a possible plus, still lots of unknowns!

At least they let the journos drive it at the launch, unlike the GP3. So I'd guess more unknowns on the GP3.

[Phooey]

fatboy b said:

At least they let the journos drive it at the launch, unlike the GP3. So I'd guess more unknowns on the GP3.

I find it a little strange MINI are a bit hesitant to release the weight of the GP3. They seem more than happy to bang on about light-weight wheels, 306horses under the hood and super duper quick gear-changes etc etc... but I want to know the true power-to-weight ratio!

I personally think MINI will struggle to sell all 550 cars without some discount / pre-reg offer of some sort

[fatboy b]

Phooey said:

fatboy b said:

At least they let the journos drive it at the launch, unlike the GP3. So I'd guess more unknowns on the GP3.

I find it a little strange MINI are a bit hesitant to release the weight of the GP3. They seem more than happy to bang on about light-weight wheels, 306horses under the hood and super duper quick gear-changes etc etc... but I want to know the true power-to-weight ratio!

I personally think MINI will struggle to sell all 550 cars without some discount / pre-reg offer of some sort

A friend of mine put a deposit down before Christmas. He tried to get more info about it from the dealer & Mini, but nothing forthcoming. Then he was pressed for a confirmation of order, so he withdrew.

[Bigwod]

I’m yet to be pressed for confirmation of order.

[gravy13]

Bigwod said:

I’m yet to be pressed for confirmation of order.

I was pressed for my order before Christmas, I was told I had to confirm by 31st December - I confirmed and nothing has happened, didn't have to sign anything further or pay anymore money. I must admit I've not been impressed with the process or they way the provide information.

[shoestring7]

shoestring7 said:

At the weekend I saw some internal Mini dealer briefing documents. The 'base' (its referred to as 'weight optimised for performance') GP will not come with any form of a/c, so unless you like sweating the £2k 'Touring Pack' is a must in the UK for a car used regularly. Mini expect 90% of UK cars to be so specified.

They quote 1255kgs for the base GP vs 1340kg for a JCW - a saving of 85kgs. A lot of that must come from ditching the a/c.

At the point of writing, there were 100 of the UK's 575 allocation available. Those who have pre-ordered have to state a base/Touring preference this month, firm order next month (PCP pricing will be available), production starts in March and customer deliveries are complete by end June. Mini are trying to prevent stock or demo cars being ordered and will not allow any changes to confirmed orders.

Weight figures are available; I took the figures above from a Mini dealer briefing document.

[GaryF]

shoestring7 said:

They quote 1255kgs for the base GP vs 1340kg for a JCW - a saving of 85kgs. A lot of that must come from ditching the a/c.

Two less seats as well.

[tinnes]

The other interesting weight comparison is between the new Clubman JCW 306 which has the same power unit and the GP3...it looks like the GP3 is about 200kg lighter!,,,,