Mini John Cooper Works GP showcased at LA Motor Show

The latest performance oriented variant of the Mini is faster than a 996 Porsche 911 GT3

We already knew quite a lot of stuff about the Mini JCW GP before its launch at the LA Auto Show; we knew it could lap the Nurburgring faster than a 996 Porsche 911 GT3 and we knew that it would get some serious aerodynamics. We also saw the car with the camouflage but it’s here now in all its glory for us to see.

Firstly, its fast. The JCW GP can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 265kmph! In a Mini! All this is thanks to the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine lurking underneath the clamshell bonnet that makes 302bhp and a staggering 450Nm of torque! The power is transmitted through an eight-speed auto transmission that also features a mechanical differential lock.

It gets a bespoke oil supply, cooling system and exhaust system to aid performance. The JCW GP gets four-piston disc brakes on the front wheels and single-piston floating-caliper brakes on the rear and yes, the calipers are red. The suspension setup is tuned too featuring a lower stance and wider track, to handle the extra power. All this means the JCW GP will be very very fast on the track. The bonkers aero also helps in adding extra downforce and improves cooling as well. The car features a ‘GP’ mode on the DSC that reduces the electronic aids, making it sharper.

On the inside, the JCW GP gets a stripped out interior, minimal sound insulation and a strut bar instead of the rear seats. The steering wheel and paddle shifters are manufactured using 3D printing. There are a bunch of GP logos around the cabin to remind you about the model’s racing intentions. It also gets the specific chassis number of the car among the 3000 units produced totally.

The standard Mini John Cooper Works costs Rs 43.5 lakh in India so, if it ever does come here, expect the John Cooper Works GP to be priced at a Rs 10-12 lakh premium over that. If you’re on your way to the airport to go and grab a John Cooper Works GP for yourself then note that the production is limited to 3000 units, so take the earliest flight.

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