The MINI John Cooper Works GP, the most
hardcore of them MINIs, is now available in Thailand. Our neighbour has been
allocated 30 units of the GP, and each costs a hefty 4.2 million baht.
But this ain’t no normal hot MINI.
Unveiled in November 2019, the JCW GP is based on the 3 Door body and is
powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 306 hp and 450 Nm
of torque from 1,750 rpm to 4,500 rpm.
This is the same engine found
in the JCW Countryman and Clubman, but unlike those larger ALL4 models, drive
goes solely to the front wheels in this petite 3 Door, via an eight-speed
automatic with an integrated mechanical locking differential. The 0-100 km/h
sprint is done in just 5.2 seconds, and top speed is 265 km/h.
To compare, a Cooper S has a mere 192
hp/280 Nm, while the “regular JCW” gets 231 hp/320 Nm. The latter does 0-100
km/h in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 246 km/h.
The specially tuned suspension includes
swivel bearings of a new design for greater camber angles for the front wheels.
Rear wheel camber is also increased, and stabiliser bearings with higher
preload help optimise roll support. The underbody tunnel bridge has been
replaced by a solid support for the modified rear axle member, while the front
suspension is augmented with a strut brace.
No shortage of visuals to help it stand
out, too. The GP is distinguished by red highlights applied to the lower bumper
intakes, front grille strip, within the large tailgate spoiler and the lower
sides of the car; while the distinctive carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
aero trim above each wheel also serve as wheelhouse extensions. Compared to the
John Cooper Works, the GP has a wider track and 10 mm lower ride height.
Speaking of wheels, these are 18-inch
forged alloys with 225/35 tyres. Each weigh less than nine kg and wear the GP
logo on the hub caps. Braking is handled by four-piston 360 mm ventilated discs
in front. The matte-brushed exhaust tips are 90 mm in diameter.
The John Cooper Works GP is a strict
two-seater with reduced sound insulation and an aluminium cross-brace residing
where the rear seats would have been. Standard cabin equipment here includes
JCW sports seats trimmed in a leather and Dinamica combination with silver side
edges, red accent seams, red belt straps and a GP badge under each integrated
headrest. Ahead of the driver is a steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather and
a metal centre marking at the 12 o’clock position. The gearshift paddles are
metal, 3D-printed items like the numbering badge, with a honeycomb structure on
the surfaces. The MINI John Cooper Works GP is a 3,000-unit limited run model,
which means Thailand gets 1% of the global pie.
