The ‘GP’ moniker is reserved for the most extreme, track-oriented versions of the MINI John Cooper Works. Awhile back, the famous British brand launched a MINI JCW GP Concept, which featured some really wild aerodynamics and some quirky design elements. While we never figured any of those designs would make it to a production car, because concepts never seem to go that way, a test mule for the MINI JCW GP has just been caught testing and it features some very concept-like aero. (We don’t own the spy photos but they can be seen here)
While this tester isn’t quite as extreme as the concept, of course, it’s about as close as we could hope a production version to get. So it lacks the Concept car’s crazy, and massive, front lip and rear diffuser, as well as the funky side mirrors and likely its interior. However, it does have the same sort of gigantic rear wing and good blade-like fender flares.
All in, it looks really awesome, actually. It looks like a hardcore track-special and looks like something far more special than the standard MINI JCW. Though, MINI isn’t doing a great job camouflaging the car, as the sides of the wing clearly say “GP”.
This car is said to have around 300 hp from a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. We’re not sure if it’s the same unit that’s in the BMW X2 M35i or not but it will be the most powerful and fastest MINI yet.
Production will unfortunately be limited to just 3,000 units, which is going to drive the price up like crazy, especially on the second-hand market. So that’s a bit of a bummer. Still, this MINI JCW GP should be a very exciting car to own and drive and will feel much more special than anything else with a MINI badge.
[Source: Car Scoops]
