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
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!