MINI teased the John Cooper Works GP over the summer
and now an undisguised prototype has been spotted in Germany. Posted online by YouTuber
Shmee150, the images show the high-performance model follows in the footsteps
of the standard JCW variant. However,
the GP adopts a revised grille with a large red band and a mesh lower section.
The red theme is echoed further below as the central air intake appears more
pronounced and features red accents.
The sporty styling continues further back as the GP
has unique fender flares and special mirror caps with silver or chrome accents.
We can also see red side stripes, 2011 logos and four-spoke wheels which are
backed up by a high-performance braking system with red calipers.
Other notable styling features include a massive
spoiler and a modified bumper with new trim that flows into the rear fender
flares. There’s also a center-mounted dual exhaust system and obligatory GP
badging on the tailgate. While MINI hasn’t unveiled the car, the company has already revealed
a lot about it. Back in June, the automaker confirmed the model will have a
TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that produces more than 296 hp.
While the final numbers are still under wraps, the
GP is expected use the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that resides
in the BMW M235i Gran Coupe. As a result, we can expect the model to have 302
hp and 450 Nm of torque. Besides the powerful engine, MINI
confirmed the GP will have “model-specific suspension technology,”
weight-optimized construction and precisely defined aerodynamic properties. At
the time, the company claimed the hatch will set “a new benchmark in the small
car segment.”
Production will be limited to 3,000 units and
deliveries will begin next year. There’s no word on pricing, but MINI has
previously said GP prototypes have lapped the Nordschleife in less than eight
minutes – that’s more than 23 seconds faster than its predecessor.
