BMW at Halliwell Jones.
MINI at Halliwell Jones
The New MINI John Cooper Works GP
Published 28th June 2019
Warming up on the Nürburgring
A prototype of the new MINI John Cooper Works has been presented to the public for the first time this week at the iconic Nürburgring, in Germany. Production models won't go on sale until 2020, meaning fans will have to wait just a little longer before getting their hands on the finished article. Those eager get a GP of their own will have to be quick too, as MINI have announced they'll be producing a limited run of only 3,000 units.
Frightfully Quick
Few race tracks can put a prototype model through its paces like 'The Green Hell'. At 12.8 miles long, the Nordschleife is home to 73 demanding corners and huge changes in elevation. Although the MINI John Cooper Works GP is only in its testing phase and won't be pushing the limits, it still lapped the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes, 30 seconds quicker than its predecessor.
300bhp to Play With
We don't know the exact figure but MINI have announced that the John Cooper Works GP produces "more than 300bhp" which to be honest is a little bit terrifying. Anyone who has had the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of a JCW will know that they're quick off the line. Throw another 70 plus horse power into the mix and you can be sure it'll accelerate like no other MINI before it.
Aggressive From Every Angle
As far as aesthetics go, we love it. The GP is like a JCW turned up to 10. It's mean, aggressive and sporty. That bi-pane rear wing is unmissable and the bodywork just screams aerodynamics, particularly the wheel-arch extensions found on all 4 corners. The alloys have had a complete re-design too. It's hard to know whether the new 5-spoke design will remain on the production models but we certainly hope so.
Expectations of the MINI John Cooper Works GP
We suspect that like its predecessors, the new MINI John Cooper Works GP will be heavily track focused and do away with creature comforts such as rear seats. Previous generations of the GP have always been well received by motoring enthusiast as they embody everything that is great about MINI. It's a tall order to follow, but given the speed displayed around the Nordschleife, it seems to be on the right track.
