May 15th, 2012
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Fresh from MINI United! Todd & Gabe had the chance to interview Roderick von Ostrowski (Product Manager for the R58, R59 and JCW products) about the just announced GP. continued →
May 15th, 2012
The debut of the MINI GP at MINI United 2012 was what one would call a “soft-launch”. There were no details (other than that 8:23 ‘Ring time) and no peak inside. Likewise there was no mention of the engine or details on the suspension, braking or those new tires. And while some of those secrets will be saved for the Paris launch, we managed to unearth a bit more about the car than the press release gave us via sources familiar with the development of the new GP. These exclusive details give us a better look at the car and technology behind it. However please keep in mind that some of what you read below isn’t completely confirmed and/or minor changes for production may happen.
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May 15th, 2012
[Official Release] For the worldwide MINI Community there was only one place to be from 11 – 13 May: MINI United 2012 in Le Castellet, France. Last weekend’s event once again pulled in MINI fans from around the world, and the MINI faithful from almost 50 countries were greeted by a unique combination of live music and car-fuelled action at the Circuit Paul Ricard. continued →
May 14th, 2012
Winding Road is currently running a story about small, fun rides that offer driving excitement to rival larger, more expensive sports cars. They’re taking their “Involvement Index” and pulling out the fun cars that are actually affordable. Ranked at #2 is MINI’s new Coupe. They like it. They like it a lot.
Mini Cooper S Coupe: Involvement Score 78, Starting Price $25,300. So good we ended up booking a year-long loan in one. The Cooper S Coupe is the ultimate sub-$30,000 performer for the Mini brand, and goes toe-to-toe on our Index with Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and V-6-powered Porsche Panamera. It’s go-kart-like driving dynamics and zippy turbo make this two-seater an affordable Involvement alternative.
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May 12th, 2012
The JCW GP is here. We’ve just returned from a preview and briefing of the car by Jorg Weidinger, head of development of the new GP and were allowed a hands-on look of the car. Through this and few other sources we were garner some exclusive details about the car, the development and why it’s perhaps a bit more special than even looks would suggest.
MINI isn’t releasing many figures at this point but there is one that they are speaking publicly and quite proudly about; the GP’s Nurburgring lap time of 8:23. That’s a full 18 seconds faster than the previous GP and puts it in a rare company of front wheel drive cars on the ‘Ring.
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May 12th, 2012
It’s here. A MINI six years in the making. The next generation follow up to MINI’s most R53: the JCW GP. The family resemblance is immediately recognizable. The colors, the graphics and the aggressive body pieces. The formula is the same. More power, less weight and more performance refinement. Right about now in the south of France, MINI is drawing the curtain back on this car in the flesh. Gabe and Todd are on-hand and I’m sure we’ll see their in-person shots any moment. In the meantime, here are the official photos.
Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works GP
May 11th, 2012
Look for updates on MotoringFile.com and via twitter at twitter.com/Motoringfile.
(latest updates are at the top)
@whiteroofradio on Twitter: “Iggy Pop is performing”
@gbridger on Twitter: “Iggy Pop MINI”
- There will be no JCW dealer engine kit or suspension for the R60.
- Countryman accessory matte black trim: coming soon. http://t.co/5CzhOOPP
- The ultimate roadster? A JCW with every accessory. http://t.co/Ky7RlLJM
- Shopping at MINI United #MINIunited http://t.co/nR5W2RCK
- The 2013 JCW GP is behind this door. Check back tomorrow morning (French time) for full photos. http://t.co/BvFCqQOp
- Paul Ricard Circuit http://t.co/OLdLR4js
- MINI United is Here http://t.co/tE7zVbdJ
