Big on performance,
small in number: The MINI John Cooper Works GP
Munich - Only once has
there been anything like it, but even that wasn’t as quick. With the
MINI John Cooper Works GP, the British premium brand has come up with
another car of exceptional talent designed to deliver extreme
performance on both the race track and the road. The sportiest
road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a
limited run of 2,000 cars.
It is currently
completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production,
part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the
Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped
the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new
model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from
loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the
MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.
Underpinning the performance characteristics of the MINI John Cooper
Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology
inspired directly by motor sport. Its twin-scroll turbo engine generates
outstanding torque, displays remarkable elasticity and demonstrates a
healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race
suspension channels this superlative output into spectacular yet
precisely controllable handling.
As well as being undeniably imposing
visually, the design of the body also gives the MINI John Cooper Works
GP ideal aerodynamic balance in extreme driving situations – a key
element in delivering that handling flair. Large front and rear aprons,
striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a
newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the
underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP also
contributes to the car’s inspirational racing feeling; with the rear
seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and
co-driver.
Concentrated motor sport expertise –
faithfully embodied at MINI by its John Cooper Works sub-brand – is the
not-so-secret ingredient in the MINI John Cooper Works GP recipe. The
“GP” tag on the model title tells you exactly where the extreme sports
edition of the compact MINI most tellingly reveals its potential. The
GP’s chassis configuration, the effectiveness of its race-spec braking
system, the grip offered by its likewise bespoke racing tyres, and its
aerodynamic properties have been honed into a high-performance whole on
the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, erstwhile venue for Formula One
races and lauded as the world’s most challenging race track. The
noteworthy lap time set by the MINI John Cooper Works GP is the product
of this extensive testing programme.
The unadulterated transfer of motor sport
expertise into the everyday driving environment has history at MINI; it
was this approach that made the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP
Kit the epitome of extreme driving fun in a small car when it was
unveiled in 2006. Specific output of 100 kW/136 hp per litre of
displacement and similarly impressive reserves of racing technology have
secured its status as a sought-after collector’s item today.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP follows
eagerly in the tyre tracks of its predecessor – and with an even greater
spring in its step. It will be in similarly short supply; the world will
have to make do with just 2,000 examples. Hosting the preview of the new
model is another grand prix race track with history etched into every
corner. The MINI John Cooper Works GP was unveiled publicly for the
first time at Le Castellet in France, venue for the MINI United festival
on 11 – 13 May 2012.
