Whatever you want to say about the other models in the range, Mini has always pulled out the stops for its GP flagships. Always with two seats, always with more than 200hp and always with heaps of attitude, both GP1 and GP2 have proven to be great driver's cars - as well as sound investments.
Now, after much previewing, we have the third Mini GP (or John Cooper Works GP, to give the car its full name), a model set to deliver "unrivalled performance and dynamics". Which is quite some claim given the calibre of car also competing at the £30k-ish, 300hp-ish hot hatch segment. But then this isn't any ordinary Mini...
The engine is borrowed seemingly wholesale from the JCW Clubman and Countryman, with identical modifications - stronger crank, new pistons, bigger turbo, lower compression ratio - deployed on the 2.0-litre TwinPower four-cylinder unit. While lacking the traction benefits of all-wheel drive found in the larger cars, 306hp and 332lb ft is very effective when you set it against what must be a lower kerbweight; employing the eight-speed automatic only (there isn't a manual option), the GP is capable of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and 164mph. Mini is promising a sound "inspired by motor racing" from the 90mm diameter exhaust pipes; certainly if our experience of similar cars with silly exhausts is anything to go by that should be worth waiting for.
GPs have always been a lot more about straight line speed, though, despite the impressive numbers: both previous ones have only boasted the same power as a JCW Cooper S, after all. Instead they've zeroed in on an extensive chassis overhaul, and the same is true for this one. Again the GP has just the two seats, but the rework is far more extensive. Apparently opening up "a whole new dimension of the characteristic go-kart feeling", this Mini benefits from additional chassis strengthening from standard, the differential lock from the Clubman, Nordschleife-tuned kinematics, wider tracks, a lower ride height, more negative camber through new bearings, metal rear wishbone joints instead of rubber mounts, forged wheels... The list goes on. Those planning on taking their GP on track will be pleased to know, too, that the cars comes with 360mm front discs and four-piston calipers, along with a GP mode for the DSC that raises the thresholds of intervention.
Mini invited a few journalists out to see the GP last month ahead of its LA reveal; PH was in attendance and rest assured it looks just as silly in real life as in these pics. The additional 40mm in the tracks obviously mandated additional bodywork, here provided by those incredible wheel arch extensions. Made of "a thermoplastic substructure and an outer shell made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic", they're actually produced from a material recycled in the production of BMW i cars. Notable extra tweaks include that gigantic rear wing, bespoke spoilers and the wheels that evoke the design of previous GPs. All examples of this generation will be sold in Racing Grey with red accents.
Whether the interior's more demure appearance against the outside is a good or bad thing will be down to personal taste, but there's no denying that it's less drastically altered. There are 3D-printed inlays and shift paddles, plus further red accents and GP logos, but it could be argued - from only a few minutes sat in there, granted - that the cabin isn't all that special. The seats feel like normal Mini seats, the wheel is a bit chubby, the actual gear selector too plain. Perhaps the wild (and likeable) exterior set expectations too high - one to investigate at a later date, certainly.
Fortunately, there won't be long to wait. As mentioned recently, the 575 GP Minis set for the UK are available to pre-order now for £33,895 and are due to be delivered in March. Let's hope there's a drive at some point around then, too. Given the bar set by the two previous models, plus the work undertaken for this car, expectations must be pretty high. Fingers crossed this latest GP can meet them...
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