Mini brought a prototype of the upcoming John Cooper
Works GP to the Nurburgring 24 Hours event over the weekend, with the hot hatch
hitting the famous German circuit ahead of its launch that’s set for next year.
The British car manufacturer first previewed the hot
hatch in concept guise at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2017. Powering
it is a TwinTurbo four-cylinder that produces in excess of 300 HP and
production will commence next year, with just 3,000 units set to be built.
The prototype wore a black and dark red paint scheme
and its aggressive design is virtually identical to the concept. This means
there is a large split rear wing extending from the roof, dual central
tailpipes, and a faux rear diffuser. It also sports flared wheel fenders to
help with aerodynamics and at the front, has been equipped with enlarged air
intakes and a bespoke hood.
The previous John Cooper Works GP was built in 2012
and when let loose at the Nurburgring, set a blistering time of 8 minutes and
23 seconds. Mini will hope to go much faster in the new car and dip below the
8-minute mark, putting rivals like the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS in
the firing line.