Wednesday 13th September 2017

Mini JCW GP concept - Frankfurt 2017

It "radiates pure power and uncompromising sporty flair", and it previews a production car too!

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Those people who want a track focused Mini buy a Challenge, right? Cup 2s, Nitron adjustable suspension, bigger brakes - it's a proper little circuit weapon, even if it is quite an expensive one.

Seemingly that's not enough for Mini, which is an attitude to admire if it results in a production version of this wild JCW GP Concept. A genuine GP1 and GP2 successor, perhaps? And that's not a far-fetched fantasy either, the official press material stating that the Frankfurt show car offers "a genuine foretaste of an extremely dynamic serial production model." Intriguing.

So, what's new? Well the 'because racecar' vibe is fairly evident from the off, this Concept boasting bigger wheels, bigger brakes and much more aggressive aero than ever seen before on a Mini. Perhaps it's the not the prettiest thing you've ever seen, but that should really be a secondary concern for a racer...

Mini says the car "conveys spontaneous readiness... constantly able to demonstrate its race track suitability while at the same time reaching a new level of excellence in terms of driving fun in day-to-day traffic." While specifics are limited at this stage - it is still a concept - the car has a turbocharged engine and suspension "designed for used on the race track". Remember that the Mini is rare in its class for using a 2.0-litre engine; with the JCW producing 231hp - and most 2.0-litre hot hatches now at 300hp and beyond - you would have to assume there's the potential to yield more power from it.

Track car by summer, Mr Plow in the winter!

This GP concept makes do with just two seats, a clear nod to the previous GP Minis. The pair up front sit in two bucket seats, with a roll cage and "puristically designed cockpit" too, including a new head-up display. The suspension can be adjusted by the central touchscreen, meaning no ungainly fiddling on your hands and knees for tweaks like the Challenge.

Whether Mini would really produce a car this focused, this racy, this... carbony remains to be seen, but there's clear intent in the GP Concept. And it's a hell of a lot more interesting than the electric Mini concept that's also at Frankfurt. Mini GP3? Bring it on!

 

[Fetchez la vache]

Oh, I do hope it has "MINI" in 1 foot tall letters when it comes to production...

[Tuvra]

I'd be interested in one.

[David87]

Cool rear lamps. Otherwise? Hmm...

[nickfrog]

I predict that most comments will be about how it looks.

[loose cannon]

It's ugly and looks nothing like a mini
And why do they keep making mini rear lights so big they look ridiculous, the original BMW mini was ok since then they have all looked pants
Sorry bmw I think it looks pap

[lestiq]

this should be a cheery thread, with lots of positive comments. I think its mental, in a good way.

[arkenphel]

lestiq said:

this should be a cheery thread, with lots of positive comments. I think its mental, in a good way.

I am expecting so too.

Can't imagine not going to the shops with that aerokit. Should be good at Pikes Peak too...

[GiveItSomeWellie]

[TheDrBrian]

[quote]
uncompromising sporty

[/quote]
Is front wheel drive.

[lestiq]

TheDrBrian said:

Is front wheel drive.

hehehe, you must be from the 90s and have never driven a decent FWD before to say that lol

[DeltaEvo2]

It needs bigger lights, front and back, more red everywhere, bigger MINI font, can't really see the one they've slapped on the boot and that should be it. I wouldn't feel at all embarrassed driving that.

[phil1979]

I would love one of them. Not usually my thing, but I think it looks really good.

[wab172uk]

Looks like a dogs dinner!

Uncompromising? Read, It can't be driven on anything other than a smooth road or track.

[Carl_Manchester]

Can a PH forum member airbrush out the 'MINI' logo off the back and repost the picture ?

[culpz]

It looks epic! That means it will look absolutely nothing like this come production time

[culpz]

nickfrog said:

I predict that most comments will be about how it looks.

Considering that no one has driven one, is that really a surprise?

[jonosterman]

Carl_Manchester said:

Can a PH forum member airbrush out the 'MINI' logo off the back and repost the picture ?

[Loyly]

It looks tremendous. I absolutely love the GT car style touches, especially that rear wing. I guarantee the final model will look nothing like that though. However, BMW have never made a hot Mini that wasn't a superb drive so it's credentials are hardly in doubt.

[MrBarry123]

Loyly said:

It looks tremendous. I absolutely love the GT car style touches, especially that rear wing.

[loose cannon]

I can't really see those side ducts passing passenger safety tests, they are in a similar vein to a potato slicer