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'MINI GP' at Geneva Motor Show
Photo: MINI
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The MINI
Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will make its
first public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show. The fastest,
most powerful production MINI ever will reach 62mph in under
6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 146mph. The GP has
a power output of 218bhp, a stunning 136bhp per litre, and
a maximum torque of 245Nm.
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Only 2000 of this special
production model will be built and 444 are bound for the UK from
July onwards. The guide price is £22,000 which includes £10,000
worth of additional equipment if specified on a standard MINI Cooper
S. Almost three-quarters of the UK allocation have already been
ordered by MINI enthusiasts six months ahead of launch.
In the interests of
power to weight ratio, the car weighs approximately 40 kilos less
than a standard MINI Cooper S. This has been achieved by modifications
to the chassis and engineering tweaks. The longitudinal control
arms on the rear axle are now made of aluminium and the sound-deadening
material has been taken out.
The entire rear seat
bench has been removed. In its place is a very neat flat loading
area that can be folded up in a Z-arrangement for easy access to
two additional storage boxes.
Standard equipment
includes: limited slip differential, Dynamic Stability Control,
Recaro sports seats in Panther Black leather, single CD, air-conditioning
and a multi-function steering wheel. The car also features JCW sports
brakes, JCW sports suspension and exclusive low-profile tyres and
18-inch light-alloy rims.
The special edition
will only be available in exclusive metallic paintwork called Thunder
Blue combined with a Pure Silver roof and Chili Red door mirrors.
A new aerodynamics
package has been added that significantly improves the car's drag
coefficient and downforce on both front and rear axles, enhancing
the driving experience at high speeds. New highlights are the front
and rear air dams, the extra low side-sills, and the underfloor
cover, as well as a wing-shaped rear spoiler.
The 'MINI GP' will
join the existing JCW range of aftermarket and production option
kits. The first engine tuning kit was launched in 2003 as an aftermarket
option, and over 10,000 have been sold worldwide since that date.
From the end of 2005, the kit became available as an Oxford production
line fit and a new aftermarket version was launched for the MINI
Cooper S with automatic transmission.
(Feb
21, 2006)
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