After a long wait, the day of the debut of MINI JCW GP has arrived.
Its full name is MINI John Cooper Works GP, but behind such a long name there is a lot of substance.
The new sports version of the famous British car is indeed the most powerful MINI ever (record shared with a "friend", but we'll talk about it shortly), as well as the fastest ever with its 265 km / h, deserving a place among the most extreme sports compacts of recent years.
But what makes the MINI JCW GP so special?
Let's discover together its characteristics presented during the online press conference a few days ago, analyzing the life, death and miracles of this little monster of power.
During the online presentation of its first electric, MINI Cooper SE, last month, the Oxford company told us that it had a surprise in store and also in Croatian (... yes, Fjona's jokes are contagious) for all true fans by car.
And we think the 306 HP of the GP is a very welcome gift.
READ ALSO: MINI Electric: price and features revealed in a virtual conference
MINI JCW GP, the first two series: the R53 GP
MINI John Cooper Works GP is now a historic and highly anticipated version of the little Englishman.
In fact, we have reached the third edition of the most extreme road MINI, one for each series.
The first MINI GP in fact made its debut in 2006, as a swan song of the first MINI series produced by BMW, the R50 / 53 for enthusiasts.
MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works GP Kit (Mamma mia, what a mileage name!), despite various physiological differences given the almost 15 years of difference, it marked the footsteps to follow, taken up by all the other MINIs most devoted to sportiness.
Despite the declared racetrack and bad intentions, in fact, the on-board equipment is the same, "bourgeois", of the other MINIs, with radio, climate control, steering wheel controls and on some even xenon headlights and heated seats
What changes and gets nasty, however, is the mechanical part.
In fact, under the hood we find the splendid 1.6 4-cylinder supercharged by a volumetric compressor, able to 218 hp and 250 Nm of torque. All coupled with an excellent 6-speed manual gearbox with hard and very sporty grafts.
The increase over the 211 hp of the “normal” John Cooper Works was limited to just 7 hp, but there were other things that changed.
The engine has been modified to give a more aggressive and "scratchy" delivery than the standard 1.6.
A very welcome presence is then that of mechanical self-locking differential as standard, which allows you to unload all the power on the front wheels in an optimal manner.
La MINI GP gave up the rear seats, effectively becoming a two-seater.
The rear bench is replaced by a crossbar that connects the rear suspension struts.
The purpose of all this? Lighten the car and stiffen the body even more, to make the MINI GP as precise and fast as possible.
Ah, and of course the ultimate goal is to transform the GP into one of the fastest vans on earth, given the 670 liters of trunk available up to window level. Yes, I swear!
The elimination of the rear bench, combined with the reduction of the sound-absorbing material, the use of aluminum for the rear suspension arms and the use of lighter 18 ″ rims with a specific design have brought undeniable advantages at the time of the "costume test ".
The first generation JCW GP weighs in fact just over 1100 kg, over 50 kg lighter than a normal Cooper S.
This is all to the benefit of performance: the 0-100 was covered in 6,5 seconds, for a top speed of 240 km / h.
To be able to show top speed, by the way, the MINI JCW GP needed a different speedometer, with full scale at 250 km / h, compared to the classic one with full scale at 240 of the other MINIs.
To do this they… added a red cleat beyond the normal limit: when we say the art of getting by!
The aesthetic, then, is still very bad today, imagine what it meant at the time.
The 18-inch wheels (unthinkable at the time on a car slightly longer than a 500), the aerodynamic appendages and the large rear wing, taken from those used on the track by the racing MINI Challenges, were in fact of great effect.
As for the colors, you could choose between ... only one color scheme, dark gray with light gray roof, with various touches of black and red around the car.
The specimens to be produced were also already established: only 2000 MINI GPs were produced worldwide, with the identification number stamped on the roof and other interior details.
Last curiosity: this version of the MINI GP was not produced in the classic English factory in Oxford, but in Italy.
The Oxford factory took care of the initial production of bodies and components, but the assembly and the performance modifications were Bertone's “merit”, which assembled all 2000 MINI John Cooper Works GPs at its Turin plant.
The second series, the R56 GP
After the debut of the second series of MINI by BMW (the R56) in 2006, we had to wait until 2013 for the second series of the MINI JCW GP.
The recipe has remained the same, as all second generation MINIs are strictly derived from the first series.
Always two dry seats, the same weight reduction and the same comforts present for the two front passengers.
However, it changes radically under the hood.
Farewell to the Chrysler Tritec engine with supercharger, welcome 1.6 turbo developed in collaboration with the PSA group.
The new turbo engine shares the same power as the previous GP, which is 218 hp, delivered however no longer at 7100 rpm (!!) but 1000 rpm lower.
Also rises the couple, which comes to 260 Nm. The mechanical self-locking differential is alas replaced by an electronic one, while the gearbox remains manual with 6 gears, to the delight of enthusiasts of the time.
The suspensions then become adjustable, with more and more components derived from the racing MINI Challenge, such as rear suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and other details.
Aesthetically, it is more extreme than the previous one.
In fact, an even larger aileron and a rear diffuser makes its debut, and also the almost bluish gray color of the first series leaves room for a very aggressive glossy black, which like the first series is the only color available for the model.
The weight rises slightly until it touches i 1230 kg, but it is still about fifty kilograms lighter than the "normal" Cooper S.
Thanks to its low weight and new turbocharged engine, the second generation MINI JCW GP is the fastest MINI ever at the time of its debut.
The 0-100 in fact is covered in 6,3 seconds and does not stop until 242 km / h.
The most welcome news, however, was the introduction of a very high level braking system.
In fact, braking is the biggest flaw of the first generation MINI, and on the second series MINI wanted to do things right.
In fact, the second GP was fitted with a very high-performance system with large diameter discs both front and rear, and monobloc calipers with 6 pistons at the front.
All this has led to a car that is even more suited to the track.
Sign of this is the time set at the Nürburgring: 8 minutes and 23 seconds, well 18 seconds lower than the time of the first GP, and truly remarkable for size and power.
Also for the second generation, the total copies destined for customers all over the world are 2000, with the difference that this time they were produced in Oxford together with the other MINIs.
The aesthetics of the MINI JCW GP: extreme and attentive to the image
After 7 years of waiting, the most extreme MINI is back.
It is now based entirely, of course, on the third generation of MINI, the F56.
In this case, however, the GP version should not be the swan song of the generation released in 2014, still destined for a few years of career.
Aesthetically, then, what differentiates the MINI JCW GP from a normal MINI 3 door?
The thing that catches the eye the most are the wheel arches to say the least original.
These are in fact made in carbon fiber reinforced plastic, a material called CFRP.
This material of BMW invention has already been used for several years by the Bavarian house, and in this case it is obtained by recycling the waste from the production of BMW i3 and i8, for years first users of this polymer.
Resistant, innovative and also ecological!
And they are without turning around gigantic.
Their particular shape, however, is not the result of aerodynamic studies, but born from a concept.
From the 2017 MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept, to be exact.
In fact, this heralded the rear lights with the Union Jack, seen on all MINIs for a couple of years now, and these huge wheel arches complete with slits for the passage of air.
This particular design, as the MINI Design Director Oliver Heilmer, was the detail most appreciated by customers, who loved the concept and asked if it was already possible to buy it.
MINI then decided to go into the wind tunnel and verify that these imposing appendages were not a hindrance to the car's aerodynamics.
As we can imagine, the project has passed, indeed, they have proved useful for channeling the air.
So today we have these very aggressive "wings-wheel arches" that make the car very unmistakable.
These mega wheel arches are also useful for containing the wider wheels and the greater overall width of the car, with the wheelbase (i.e. the distance between the two wheels of the same axle) increased by 4 cm.
The wheel arches are then painted in a double matte finish, and embossed with the serial number of their GP.
Then we find muscular front and rear bumpers and filled with vents, it central rear exhaust in stainless steel and the very numerous details painted in Chili Red.
At the rear then we find the double rear wing taken from the MINI Challenge, finished in Racing Gray body color on the outside and Chili Red on the inside.
The wing side turrets are then painted in a special matt red shade called Red and in which the GP logo is engraved.
Also in this case, then, MINI JCW GP is only available in one color scheme: Racing Gray body, Melting Silver mirrors and roof and Chili Red details.
Complete the look i specific 18-inch 4-spoke wheels with design designed to cool the brakes better, e many visible mechanical components.
The front air intakes in fact reveal the larger radiators to cool liquid and engine oil, as well as the cooling pipes, and it is a look that BMW did not want to hide.
Rather, according to Heilmer this “visible mechanics” gives the car great character, which in this way is even closer to the world of racing.
The interior of the MINI JCW GP: 2 dry seats and 3D printed aluminum
Inside, the changes are less impactful than on the outside, but they are there.
Let's focus on the differences with the normal MINI production.
What catches the eye is obviously the absence of rear seats.
Like any self-respecting MINI GP, in fact, even the third generation does without the rear bench, which has been replaced from the now classic, showy strut bar painted in Chili Red.
Like every MINI GP, this generation does not renounce the comforts of other MINIs such as the infotainment system or automatic climate control.
The environment, however, is decidedly more sporty and racing, and hides some interesting goodies.
To start with what you will look at most at the wheel of the MINI JCW GP, in fact, we find a new fully digital instrument cluster.
After the debut on the MINI Electric, MINI JCW GP is the first “thermal” MINI to feature this 6,5-inch digital screen.
This remains as little configurable as the BMW sisters, but it is very clear to the eye and in the consultation and gives a touch of modernity to the interior of MINI.
The other novelty is always found in the flying area, with automatic shift paddles made of 3D printed aluminum.
This is an absolute novelty for a BMW Group series car, according to which this solution allows you to have a perfect shape for your needs without resorting to plastic or other less noble materials.
At the same time, the robustness of a 3D printed piece of aluminum is almost identical to that of a piece made from solid, i.e. excellent, and far superior to less valuable materials such as plastic.
It's not the only 3D printed aluminum detail.
Also the molding on the dashboard in front of the passenger is made in the same way, and this is personalized with the serial number of the GP on which it is mounted. Very original!
The "experimental" use of this type of aluminum processing on a production car with reduced numbers of units produced could then lead to its use also on cars with larger sales numbers in the coming years.
For the rest, they complete the work isvery sporty and profiled buildings and doors with simplified finishes.
Not only that: at the rear, up to the second series, the side trims under the windows were the same as in the 4-seater versions. This means that they were equipped with storage pockets, armrests and audio speakers.
On the new GP, that panel is also made specifically for use without a bench, to make the car more harmonious and also lighter, eliminating unnecessary parts and using lighter audio speakers.
The rest of the interior, on the other hand, is almost unchanged compared to normal MINIs.
For a more in-depth examination of these interiors, therefore, I send you to our article a few months ago on the MINI world. If you are interested in an English girl, there you will find all the information you are looking for!
READ ALSO: MINI Cooper, Countryman, Clubman or One: which one to choose?
The mechanics of MINI JCW GP: lightness, 306 HP and self-locking
La lightness in fact it is a recurring theme in the new MINI JCW GP.
In fact, there are many measures aimed at reducing weight.
The circles, for example, they are made of magnesium and weigh only 9 kg each, also reducing unsprung masses.
The sound-absorbing coating is then reduced to the bone, and let's not forget the two-seater configuration.
Although the official weight has not been communicated, we expect one significant reduction compared to 1310 kg of the "normal" JCW.
The new GP also differs from the "normal" John Cooper Works under the hood.
The engine is the same as the Cooper S and JCW, which is the excellent 4-cylinder 2.0 B48, equipped with a variable geometry turbo.
The engine however is in the same configuration as BMW M135i, MINI Clubman and Countryman JCW, and has 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
Numbers that already make noise on the older sisters but which on a small compact just over 3 meters long and 80 are truly remarkable.
The increase in power compared to the "normal" JCW with the stwsso engine is a good 75 hp. It is as if a JCW MINI has attached the engine of the MINI One 55kW, crazy! Compared to the previous GPs, then, there is no match: 88 HP more than the first two generations!
This engine is then coupled to the automatic transmission with 8-speed torque converter made by Aisin.
The Japanese transmission has improved gear changes in speed and punch compared to the already good results on the other MINIs. Even if it doesn't give the same emotions of a manual as in older generations, this transmission is able to make the most of the power and torque of this engine.
In fact, thanks to the 8 gears it is possible to always keep the engine in the “right” speed range for the best performance.
Not bad this automatic on the track!
Despite the demise of the manual gearbox, we find a welcome "analog" return.
And it is that of the mechanical self-locking differential integrated in the gearbox, essential for unloading the more than 300 horsepower to the ground through the front wheels alone.
The differential is characterized by a 31% locking, and is linked to the DCT traction control system. Thus it is possible to avoid unwanted and minimally invasive power cuts.
There is actually another old analog friend who finds a place on the new MINI JCW GP.
In fact, between the two front seats there is still a lever, to be pulled towards each other. They say it's called handbrake, and that it serves to lock the rear brakes: to the wise ...
A trim lowered by 10 mm compared to the already low JCW, oversized brakes both front and rear with monobloc aluminum calipers e a sports exhaust with double stainless steel tailpipes 90 mm in diameter and dedicated rear catalytic converter.
Performance: the fastest MINI ever, and under 8 ”at the Ring
The performances therefore can only be of absolute level.
The 0-100 km / h is covered in just 5,2 seconds, and the maximum speed is not self-limited and exceeds 265 km / h.
If the power is matched by the "sisters" Clubman and Countryman JCW, and the time from 0 to 100 is even beaten by the "MINI-station wagon" equipped with all-wheel drive, its high speed makes it the fastest MINI ever.
MINI JCW GP, however, is not a car that bases its essence on pure performance. On the contrary!
His bread, today more than ever, is the track.
His proving ground was in fact the legendary circuit of Nurburgring.
On the German track, the little Englishwoman spent several months "training" to be ready for her debut.
In fact, the results are visible, and not a little.
On the fearsome “Green Hell”, in fact, he scored a time of 7 minutes and 59 seconds.
It is the first MINI to drop below the 8-minute mark, a wall that until a few years ago was the prerogative of very few super sports cars.
Price and availability: 3000 copies, 150 for Italy
We come to the painful notes for all, or the price. When do you have to shell out to take home a MINI JCW GP?
In their history, MINI GPs have never been cheap, indeed, and this too is no exception alas.
To take home this Super-MINI with over 300 hp are necessary 45.900 €.
However, the paid options are very few.
In fact, the car is complete with all the equipment available for the other “normal” MINIs, and if we also consider the absolute level performance it is a tag that makes sense.
To be able to have it in the garage, however, money is not enough, you must also have one fair amount of timing.
In fact, there are only 3000 MINI JCW GPs produced for the whole world, of which only 150 will arrive in Italy.
Moreover, despite the not exactly prohibitive price many have already been sold, and few GPs are still "free".
So if you are really interested ... decide quickly!
As for the "first contact" with the MINI Electric, once again we weren't able to test the new JCW GP.
So we can't wait to try it and test its power and racing skills.
In the meantime, we have told you everything you need to know about the new MINI GP, the most extreme and fastest ever!
What do you think? You like it? Or do you prefer bigger and more specialized "hardcore" cars like Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS Trophy? Let us know!
We can't wait to try it on the road and tell you everything here, on the pages of Tech Princess!
Original Mini baseball cap, with flat brim, ...
- Unisex baseball cap.
- With 3D MINI logo.
- Flat visor and adjustable width on the back.
LEGO Mini Cooper Small Building Toys Girl ...
- Toys and modeling
- Brand: Lego
- Dimensions: cm 15x25x40
LEGO Speed Champions...
- Includes 4 minifigures: Mini Cooper S Rally driver, MINI John Cooper Works Buggy driver, Commissioner of ...
- The 1967 Mini Cooper S Rally, buildable and race-ready, features a cockpit with room for one ...
- The lightning-fast and buildable 2018 MINI John Cooper Works Buggy features a cockpit with space for a minifigure, ...
