MINI’s fastest production model ever, the
John Cooper Works (JCW) GP, has received a complete tuning job from Manhart
Performance and some of its partners, along with a new name: the GP3 F350. By
remapping the ECU and installing an intercooler, replacement pipe for the
particulate filter and Remus exhaust system, the tuner has managed to squeeze
out 345 HP and 530 Nm of torque from the
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine.
That’s an extra 43 HP and 80 Nm of torque over the stock model. While Manhart hasn’t released
any acceleration figures, it likely shaved a couple of tenths of a second from
the 0-100 km/h which according to MINI, is completed in 5.2 seconds
with the GP maxing out at 265 km/h.
In addition to the engine boost, Manhart
turned to Dutch company JDCustoms to give the MINI a more distinct look with a
full black matte wrap contrasted by decorative gold accents and stripes. The
aftermarket wheels, 8.5×19 inches on all four corners, shod in 235/30 tires,
sport a similar look, while the tune is completed by by shorter springs from
AST Suspension, which drop the body height by 0.8 in (20 mm) at the front and 15 mm at the rear.
You’ll have to shell out € 3,850.42
(US$ 4,418) in Germany to get the Performance Kit, while the exhaust system is an
extra € 1,725.62 (US$ 1,980). The carbon air intake will set you back € 973.82
(US$ 1,117), the lowering springs € 191.74 (US$ 220) and the wheels start at € 1,800
(US$ 2,066). As for the foil wrap and gold decal set, that would be an additional
€ 3,411.76 (US$ 3,915).
Manhart has other parts in development for
the JCW GP, including a coilover suspension, new exhaust systems and additional
power boosts, as well as another color scheme that will be released later this
year.
