John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit First Photos

Rich (rakh1) Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Not so sure about those red mirror caps….

Rich (rakh1) Oct 29th, 2005 Link

More pics here chaps:

http://users.pandora.be/bart-els/MINI/jcwgp1.jpg http://users.pandora.be/bart-els/MINI/jcwgp2.jpg http://users.pandora.be/bart-els/MINI/jcwgp3.jpg http://users.pandora.be/bart-els/MINI/jcwgp4.jpg

Have to say I am a little dissapointed :(

R

Jimbo Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I dont know. Mixed feelings about it..the wheels are ugly, the rear wing is a bit much. My favorite parts are the front and rear fascias..I guess thlose arent available as stand-alone options..

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I dont know. Mixed feelings about it..the wheels are ugly, the rear wing is a bit much. My favorite parts are the front and rear fascias..I guess those arent available as stand-alone options..

Agreed

indimini Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I don’t like how the black wheel well arches end so abruptly over the side skirt – it just seems unfinished. They should also paint the rear brake calipers red to match the front and tie it to the red mirror covers.

I love the color though.

Karl Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I was expecting a lot more since the disappointment that was the MC40. I know quite a few dealers had to sit on those a while and I thought MINI would have learned a thing or two from that experience.

Is there some historical reason for the red mirror caps? I think I’d have to immediately change those to color keyed with the body color or chrome, but as it sits, I’m getting my deposit back from my MA.

Zeke Wright Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I could forgive them for the odd red mirrors, and the side skirts (main complaints) if it had the numbers / weight that was floated earlier. But as is, the increase in $$$ for exclusivity isn’t worth it, for me.

I sorta like the rims. Maybe on a royal grey. mmm…

dgszweda Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I don’t think it is awful, but I am a bit disappointed. 40kg weight loss is a little weak. Most of that weight is probably saved in rear seat delete (which you can purchase aftermarket for $90 now) and the wheels. I wanted it to be more. I wanted them to do something really unique like CF roof, or body panels, and something cool in the power department.

It is still cool that it is a factory kit. But with all the “one-of” pieces I don’t think too many people will be driving theirs on the street. Could you imagine wrecking this? Not even sure you could get replacement parts for it.

vin. Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Wow. I guess I’m just not all that impressed with the look of the car in the pics.

The color seems pretty close to the standard MINI Dark Silver, but I may be wrong.

Does the car have the chrono pack or navigation? It looks like the speedometer and tach are clustered by the steering column on one of the first pics.

I think a major problem with the MINI special packages is that the cars are optioned only one way (obviously.) With MINI’s, this causes a lot of consternation since each MINI usually has very individualized options suited for its specific buyer. Maybe that’s why everyone has found something disagreeable with this car (and the MC40, for that matter.)

vin. Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I may be seeing things, but does the rear 3/4 shot (3rd image down) look like the car has a pre-2005 dash panels? There’s an extra seam by the passenger side.

Steve Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like the inverted motoringfile logo on the truck in the 1st and 4th photos.

Nice touch Gabe!!

James Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I don’t like anything about that MINI. It looks like a lot of bad aftermarket products, expecially the awful wheels. The wheel arches are especially clumsy in execution. JCW went in the wrong direction with this MINI. Very disappointing.

TonyT Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Such a dissapointment.

And what idiot decided a Mini doesn’t need a rear windscreen wiper – mine gets constant use in the rain.

Whizz Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Some of it works, some of it doesn’t. I like the concept of the inserts in the bumpers but nothing really flows on the car. Seems like a waste.

Matt Oct 29th, 2005 Link

it’s time for me to be a fanboy. i actually like it. the mirror caps would be swapped out for chrome ones immediately. but the rest of the car i like. the spoiler’s a little much and the wheels, gabe, i like.

Tony T Oct 29th, 2005 Link

What, no interior shots…?

Anyone…? Nothing special to see in there…

Looks like it has twin guages on the steering wheel, but no sat nav so probably the silly guages cluster in the middle I’m guessing

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

What, no interior shots…?

Apparently the interior isn’t done.

Charlie Oct 29th, 2005 Link

It just doesn’t seem to all “fit” well together. The convergence of the side skirts into the wheel arches looks disjointed; and the air inlets (brake ducts?) on the front air dam and silver “outlets” on the rear bumper cover don’t impress. Also, to many “GP” on the car.

Any mention of price as yet?

Whizz Oct 29th, 2005 Link

They better come up with some really good bespoke interior pieces or else this look like being a seriously poor show.

Tacky design following on from the equally awful Special Editions. What’s going wrong?

Humourless Oct 29th, 2005 Link

That’s very disappointing. It looks cobbled together from disparate parts, and half of the 88lb weight reduction could be accomplished with nothing more than a pair of hand tools.

What genius decided to fit Saturn Ion wheels to it too?

R50 Oct 29th, 2005 Link

What are the bulges at the rear of the side skirts? Are they functional air outlets or just “bulges”?

Charlie Oct 29th, 2005 Link

The car is getting an equally-chilling reception over at mini2.com.

Amazingly (not), the comments are the same!

Glen Pascoe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Well, I think the car looks awesome!

Firstly it has my initials all over it, so that makes it a winner and for what it is, (a fun car to hoon around the place) it will do the job just great.

40kg isn’t a great difference but still, the car pulls 185bhp/tonne instead of 172bhp/tonne. i think you’ll easily notice that. and a FW drive hatch doesn’t need huge bhp values when it handles like a MINI!

What has replaced the rear seats? Just a panel or will you see carpet/bodywork?

It could have done with some Carbon Fibre panels to reduce the weight further (M3 CSL style) but alas, I bet the 2000 cars have already been sold!

Glen

Matt Oct 29th, 2005 Link

i was just checking the specs at MINI2. i see no LSD listed. could they seriously be thinking about offering this car without it?

chows4us Oct 29th, 2005 Link

What a dog.

those mirrors got to go along with those fake brakes scoops or whatever they are. Fake brake scoops??? ROFL

Ozbone Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I can’t imagine how those nasty wheels ever made it on to this car…. much less ANY MINI. Really fugly. The side skirts make no sense and look …. well … downright weird. The red mirror caps – no problem – in fact I like ‘em.

Z4MINI Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Whoa! I really don’t understand all the negative comments. THE CAR LOOKS JUST LIKE THE DRAWINGS THAT GABE POSTED THE OTHER DAY….AND EVERYONE LOVED IT!!!

I don’t know what the beef about the wheels is all about.

THE WHEELS ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!

tanya Oct 29th, 2005 Link

What are the bulges at the rear of the side skirts? Are they functional air outlets or just “bulges”?

Those would be bulges, or “special inlays” in marketing speak.

Amit Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Ugggghhh, the black fender liners are cut-off when reaching the side skirts and the front bumper. These parts look thrown on with no thought. The wheels look like dirty butt. Top it all off, Red mirrorcaps? If there is no LSD on the car then you know it’s cause someone popped one before going into the parts department. Looks like a Ricer to me, no one is going to believe that’s a stock MINI. Frank Stephenson….come back!

MINIme Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I am even happier with my ‘05 MCS after seeing these photos. This car is starting to look like one of those rice burners with all the aftermarket junk. Very poor choices by MINI. I would like to have the factory JCW kit though.

kcollins Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Wow! That thing is UGLY! It doesn’t even have an ugly functional look like an STi or an EVO. An MC40 is even better looking than this. This beast is totally out of MINI character. The rear wing and side skirts look totally out of place. Frank Stephenson must be having a cow right now.

Bad Burro Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe, is there a price for this bad boy yet? I like the color combo (minus the red mirror caps) and I even like the fascia. Although the rear wing looks too aftermarket, tacky. But, would I pay extra for the “limited edition” exclusivity? NO! JCW kit or not, it’s not all that special other than the sheer number of cars available. MINI, please offer this color as an option on current cars. Time to call my MA and take my name off the list…anyone want my #1 spot in line???

tanya Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I was a little worried about experiencing some “GP envy”, but now I think that would be more like “GP pity.” I had also toyed with the idea of doing red mirror caps on my DS, along with red grill and boot handle. Such toying will now stop immediately.

Seriously, this is such a huge missed opportunity, imho. BMW/JCW had a chance to send the amazing first-gen new MINI out with a real bang. Now it exits in embarassed silence, all tarted-up like a teenager’s 10-year old Civic street racer. So sad.

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

i was just checking the specs at MINI2. i see no LSD listed. could they seriously be thinking about offering this car without it?

I’ve been promised that it will have LSD.

Matt Oct 29th, 2005 Link

then i stay on the list. there are some bits that don’t sit right with me, but they’re not enough to keep me away. price, however, will be a factor.

RB Oct 29th, 2005 Link

LOVE the RED MIRROR CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE THEM!

That little spot of colour in an otherwise dreary paint scheme is a nice touch. Wheels not my taste, but if they had expanded the open part of the horseshoe to more of a V shape they would have been cool and the rear wing/spoiler should be excellent for track stuff.

Over the years I have noted that the Europeans seem to favor broken paint schemes on their race cars. Overall I give the car a B-.

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Wheels not my taste, but if they had expanded the open part of the horseshoe to more of a V shape they would have been cool and the rear wing/spoiler should be excellent for track stuff.

Amen to that. I loathe 4-spoke wheels. They always end up looking inconsequential and weak.

I’ll save all my other opinions for an upcoming MF design analysis post :)

kcollins Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Design skewering I hope! Btw.. where is the carbon fibre hood that was so anticipated?

joe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

ouch .. rings of a cheap civic mod

Tiaan Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Incredible! MINI (the company) continues to dissapoint many of it’s fans. In the short time since I’ve ordered and owned my car (approx. 1 year), I’ve only really ever seen one good decision made by mini: installing the JCW + brake kit at the factory.

At first I thought it was just the way things were: not everyone can win everytime, but I’m starting to expect to be dissapointed by MINI.

It’s like they made an absolutely fantastic car and have had trouble following up with good service and life cycle developments ever since….

…so dissapointing.

Thank goodness the car I bought (05 MCS) hasn’t dissapointed me the way the company has – I love my mini! Even moreso, thank goodness that the ‘MINI community’ is so fantastic…

///ACS330Ci Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Where’s the carbon fibre roof?

rednwhitecooper Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like it alot better than the drawings!

now, will you be able to buy the bumper aqnd side skirts from your dealer when this comes out?

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

BTW for those wanting to know whether the JCW GP will make to America. You should have a nice clue by the fact that the standard spec will include the US mandated front/side orange reflectors.

Steve Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Doesn’t do much for me, I’m afraid. In addition to minor weight savings, no mention of additional horsepower beyond the standard JCW kit. I do hope that what MINI is to BMW should not really be what Scion is to Toyota (SAT fans “BMW:MINI :: Toyota:Scion”). I don’t have any demographic facts to back it up, but I’d venture that the average MINI buyer isn’t really a “import tuner” type.
I understand that MINI and JCW both need to make money, but the associations with drag cars, “just for show” carbon fiber bits and larger wings aren’t for me personally. There’s nothing wrong with them, and I don’t look down on anybody that likes them (I even kinda liked the idea of a drag car), but it’s just not for me.
Maybe the car for me after my MINI will be a BMW 1-series.

mikeythemini Oct 29th, 2005 Link

just got in from the show Personally I don’t like it

Brian Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Mirror caps are good. Front and rear are also a good look for the type of attitude they’re going for..

DON NOT LIKE the rims.. the car would change alot if they change the rims. Anyways im sure it looks alot better in person than in the pics.

Bryn Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Certainly preferred the pre-launch drawings: better colour, co-ordinated mirror caps, no darkened glass, and that intriguing hint of longitudinal seam on the roof. All that styling cohesion has gone. The darkened glass is something that I couldn’t live with – looks like a van or the world’s smallest limo to me. Dark rear glass is surely a cop-out; instead MINI should have gone all the way and lowered the rear roofline to complement the 2-seat configuration. Those dark windows are a cheap alternative and look YUK. Even the red mirrors would be okay if there were a few more flashes of red elsewhere – maybe the front & rear grilles. Overall, far too many compromises — unless the price is a steal and allows for the owner to add mods of his/her own. I’ll leave my deposit in place for now and see if the car grows on me but, overall, I prefer the honest look of a stock Cooper S.

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Let’s see take a look at the score so far for the JCW GP:

• Disapprove: 40 (plus)
• Approve: 2

From what I’m seeing here are the big reasons for most of the disapproval:

• 4-spoke Wheels
• Overall Dis-jointed exterior design
• Body kit doesn’t match-up well with the black arches
• Black Tinted Windows

Rollin Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Hey, it does have the front windshield wipers :-) unlike the drawings. I like the red mirror caps, but wish red was someplace else too for balance. Really like the GP and limited edition # on roof not in a blaring red or bold type. Agree with Gabe on the wheels in not liking the four spokes – odd numbers usually work better in visual compositions; note all the 5 spoked wheels, 7-holes on the R81, 7 spokes on the Bridge spokes.

Gabe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe, is there a price for this bad boy yet?

None officially. However there are strong indications that it’ll be priced around £22,000. Given that I would still expect a USD price of around (or just above) $30,000.

Lucas Oct 29th, 2005 Link

The biggest problem is it doesn’t drop enough weight. If it can drop more weight than a normal MCS with lighter wheels + rear seat delete, then its worth a look. As it is, its a strange looking Mini S and not much more than that.

Tonyt Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I’m running a vote on Mini2….

Give it your considerations…

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103016

Rollin Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Also, hope those are not fake brake ducts; that would put it over the top as ricer bling slap ons, instead of the functional Mini GP design that I think we all had hoped for. Those brake inlets in black would have looked better. Windows were dark in the drawings.

Are we disappointed in the weight reduction because it has been called the “rumored light weight” for so long, and not just the “rumored special JCW”? Looking forward to your design critique Gabe.

dgszweda Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe,

I think another main complaint is that it doesn’t go far enough. It is almost like the MC40 taken a little further. Again, I would have liked to have seen a real performance minded version. That was the original hype, but I think reality falls short. Even when Mitsubishi came out with the Lancer RS, they did more performance modifications than this car.

I don’t think the exterior looks bad. But again the car is mostly a cosmetic work of art. Which isn’t necessarily bad, but it is a far cry from real performance. Almost everything there you can get from Mini or aftermarket. This is why the MC40 failed. Since this one is even more limited numbers and there is some performance aspect, I think it will sell well. I was expecting something along the “M” line from BMW. That is what makes the “M” so successful. They are modified beyound the capabilities of aftermarket.

Brendan Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I think the car looks pretty cool, contrary to many people I actually do like the wheels. However, my choice to order a cooper S checkmate won’t be changed for this car.

dgszweda Oct 29th, 2005 Link

This one has the Works seats. Will that be retained for the US market?

Bryn Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Yes, Rollin, I could take ALL the windows dark (at a pinch)- as in the artist’s impression – or none dark or even the rear ones dark (as shown) but with the roof black to match.

NoSoupForYou Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Well I can finnally stop waiting and just order a factory ‘06 MCS-JCW without regrets. Thanks MotoringFile!

mg5904 Oct 29th, 2005 Link

No word yet on gearing, ECU remap or any massaging of the JCW suspension yet, is there?

BelowRadar Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I actually think it looks great: -LOVE the 4 spoke wheels -The color is great -Wing is awesome -Grille trim is painted body color (finally someone realizes how awkward stock has looked) -GP badge and roof number are nice touch -I admit the side skirts are a bit awkward and unfinished looking, but I could certainly deal.

With all of that said, and despite previously being #1 in line at my dealership for the car, I had decided not to get one when the specs came out. I still think the major handicap of this car is the engine, and personally, I’m going to wait for the more powerful, more effiicient, and probably more “tuneable” twinscroll turbo in the MKII. I was really only considering the GP for the rumored 15% weight reduction.

I really like the exclusivity and uniqueness that BMW gave to this car–it is no MC40, thank god–and I think it is well worth the money (especially seeing what people pay for regular MCS’s in So. Cal). However, it’s just not what I’m looking for. It has some really nice looking bells and whistles, but its performance over a regular JCW will be negligible.

joe Oct 29th, 2005 Link

maybe its just me .. but even the paint looks flat. perhaps its all the contrasting shades, looks very very cheap.

Wonderdrug Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Anyone else notice the chrome gas cap, much like the Cooper’s?

Coopernicus Oct 29th, 2005 Link

2 LITTLE 2 LATE, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS

• OOPS – I said ‘2 FAST’

how about ‘NOT FAST ENOUGH 2 JUSTIFY’

…. the ‘06 JCW MCS I currently have on order is looking better and better …. (which includes MY colours, MY options, a back seat and SOME CLASS instead of just being all PUNK’ed out, etc., etc.)

GoofyTruax Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like the wheels. For all of you crapping on MINI for wheel weight, looks like they answered you with a four spoke that cuts it out. What do you want a three spoke? I like the way they look in motion, gives the car a different wheel.

Mark Oct 29th, 2005 Link

With Mini only making 2000 of these units, the few that buy them will absolutely love them. Everyone else will be happy with their current Mini or lust after the 07. It is a win-win for everyone.

I think Mini is on the right track by continuing with R&D and actually getting variants into production. Besides, even if it had 1000 HP and dropped 1000 pounds, someone would say it needed 1001 HP and drop 1001 pounds.

I say keep it up Mini.

minihaha Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Overall it’s looks like it can do the job. I agree the wheel arches need to be body coloured. I really like the red mirror caps. I’m really tempted to do that on my own DS/DS-MCS, along with red brake calipers.

Dan Oct 29th, 2005 Link

If BMW is listening, these reactions are categorical.

Americans claim to not having a class system, so it leaks out in places – cars being one. We the gentry, don’t aspire to out do the surfs. In the US right now, small car + meek performance + over the top styling = every high schooler stereo type piece of junk on the road. This is the same reason for our resistance to hatchbacks.

And for the record, there was nothing wrong with the drawings everyone loved, they were just fantasy enough to avoid this reality.

Sean Bancroft Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I love everthing except the wing and the side skirts.

PS roof color looks great. I love the wheels.

Jon Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I LOVE IT!

Those are some wickedly trick rims. I want them on my MCS right now.

I don’t understand the huge backlash against this car…

I applaud MINI for thinking outside the box on this one. Good job!

GMINI Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I tend to be affected by the opinions i read. However, I think the car looks great. I would like to see the rear calipers as well. And yeah, I too would really like it if the GP (formerly known as Light Weight) delivered on all the rumoured specs I had expected.

RB Oct 29th, 2005 Link

“Anyone else notice the chrome gas cap, much like the Cooper’s?”

Huh? The S has the chrome gas cap not the Copper.

Damn Dan I think I need a Cliff’s notes on that statement.

Allan Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like it, I like it a lot. If it was my choice I would get rid of those side skirts though. ugh.. I just wish they would let you pick more colors (maybe a few NEW colors) and more carbon fibre showing.

Kaelaria Oct 29th, 2005 Link

PEE-UKE!!

GSKChicago Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like where they tried to go with the wheels, I unfortunately do not like where they ended up with them. Too bad. Conceptually, good thought, in reality, bummer.

Something about the red mirror caps though, kind of odd, but strangely interesting.

Brian@Webbmototsports Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Wow… I think everyone is agreement, what is MINI thinking! About the only thing I can see that I like is the little roof graphic, and the seats. So much for a MINI csl…

greg Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Are they kidding? Are they drunk? Red mirrors? Those wheels? A whopping 218 HP? An embarrassment. I feel for you people who made commitments to dealers for this for what…$35k?

Jeff Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Gabe, I actually halfway like it. Do you have any high res photos that would work as a wallpaper?

dickdavid Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I dont know. Mixed feelings about it..the wheels are ugly, the rear wing is a bit much. My favorite parts are the front and rear fascias..I guess thlose arent available as stand-alone options..

I agree. I ALSO LOVE THOSE RED MIRROR CAPS!!!!

groland Oct 29th, 2005 Link

If you don’t have a MINI already, have a lot of money and want to buy a fun driver’s car you can get one of these and make it your own by getting some lightweight aftermarket wheels and maybe swapping out the spoiler and sideskirt for the aerokit parts. And for a final touch maybe debadge it.

Rob Rudorf Oct 29th, 2005 Link

what a let down. I am not in the market for this car anyway since I just got my MCS 3 weeks ago.

MINI should have used some discretion, it looks like something I’d find in a high school parking lot.

paul Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like it. I think the spoiler looks a little too much like an aftermarket Ford Focus add on, but other than that… pretty good. I agree the red mirrors should have more red bits to go along with them though.

RoccosModernLife Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I must admit, it’s growing on me :)

cj Oct 29th, 2005 Link

A true “Matchbox” car. No class.

Rob Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Not for me, thanks. It looks like an ugly over modded CRX I saw the other day. Wheels are just nasty. Can you say Saturn anyone? The whole execution worries me about MINI and thier future direction if this is the best they can do for a special model. Besides, 88lbs is almost nothing. My ‘03 MCS will carry on for now.

tsukiji Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Hmmm……I think it should be green with bolts sticking out…y’know, like Frankenstein!

ryan Oct 29th, 2005 Link

i am underwhelmed…

Erik Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Hi Gabe, First off this site is such a great resource for MINI info, keep up the good work.

I can imagine that redesigning a truely “special” lightweight edition of a modern car is quite an undertaking with the multitude of regulations in a global market place. This car just seems to (just looking at the numbers) fall short in it’s execution of performace gain, all poof and no substance. I think the next time MINI should pull out all the stops or at least $10-15K worth of stops and make a truely special performace oriented version.

ChiliCooperS Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I think the car wouldn’t look half bad if they removed the side skirts. After all if you look deeper into the pics/design the rest of the body sculpting is just the stock aero kit, but with it’s own touch. the wheels are ok, but I think others, ie 18″ JCW R90, would be a heck of alot better. I like the color, could go without the stickers, etc. but other than that I think it’s still a good car. I wish Frank Stephenson would come back. PEOPLE REMEMBER THOUGH, THIS ISN’T THE PRODUCTION VERSION YET, GEEZE. ALSO IF YOU THINK THEY’RE GOING TO MAKE A MINI THAT IS 200 OR EVEN 100 PLUS POUNDS LIGHTER YOUR INSANE! IT WOULD TAKE AWAY FROM WHAT IS A MINI. I think the side skirts make it ugly, but other than that I really can’t seem more to complain about, I MEAN WHAT DID U X-PECT FROM THOSE DRAWINGS, IT LOOKS THE SAME. I like the car minus a few things, for instance if you look at the front bumper in the 2nd pic, I think it almost make the car look like it has a splitter the way it’s painted, I like that. I really think JCW should stick to very little body design and more performance. Any news on what makes this have 218 instead of 210??

ChiliCooperS Oct 29th, 2005 Link

seriously I kinda like the design of side skirt if it was on a smaller scale, more like the aero kit side skirt.

Andrew Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I know MINI monitors this site closely so listen up guys. I said it after the MC 40 and I’ll say it again… FOCUS GROUP! If 4 out of 5 enthusiasts disapprove, you did not do your homework. Try consulting with your customer/dealer base next time.

Charlie Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Questions I would have include:

1. Are the front silver “brake ducts” real? What’s behind them. (The lower front bumper doesn’t appear to be either a stock unit, or an aero kit piece)
2. Is the tint on the rear glass a removable film…or is the tint in the glass?
3. Will an Aero grill fit in the upper portion of the front bumper cover? (getting rid of the solid insert)
4. How does the rear spoiler attach?
5. How are the silver pieces over the rear bumper grills attached?

Also, the specs on mini2.com say that the front apron is in pure silver…unlike the photos of the car above.

Rocketboy Oct 29th, 2005 Link

I like the new side skirts, and the front and rear bumper ‘remix’es. Much better looking than the blandish ‘Aero’ kit. And I don’t get the red mirror caps. Or why it’s sliver on silver (bland on bland). But i LOVE the rims. It’s one of THE best rimsfor a MINI yet. (I cannot stand the horseshoe spoke rims. Blech.)

And when did this site start turning into piss and moan file? First the Tokyo concept, and then this…

Siddhartha Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Look what Lotus did with the Exige! Can you say “downforce”? Now THIS is what we were expecting!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=107587

Well, at least the GP will make pretty floor decoration . . . kinda like the MC40 in that respect.

ChrisW Oct 29th, 2005 Link

Red mirror caps = nice!

Rear wing = horrifying! Do you get a complimentary Type-R sticker with that?

M1N1GUN Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Wow, this really sends out our 1st gen MINI with a whimper. :(

Performance/weight wise; major disappointment, don’t really need to say much more. What happened to JCW, I would still rather get a stock MCS, then go aftermarket any day.

Appearance wise; I agree with most that the car looks to be a mish-mash of tacky ricer aftermarket pieces. I liked the rear wing in the sketches, but here it looks terrible. Not a fan of those wheels at all, and the side skirt design is too heavy and doesn’t work well with the wheel arches. I don’t mind the red mirror caps in theory but it doesn’t work with the rest of the colours. It may have looked better with a body coloured roof or even red roof.

I hope this underwhelming styling exercise doesn’t continue on to the R56, because I’m really looking forward to the engine.

brian Oct 30th, 2005 Link

An MCS loaded with JCW performance parts is more than enough for me to handle and I think the car actually looks good. Unfortunately I won’t be able to pay the premium it will undoubtedly command. Ironic being one of the few (VERY few) people that fully appreciates the GP but can’t secure one.

Xan Oct 30th, 2005 Link

I want those wheels . . . and provided that they are the right weight- I WILL have them.

Dan Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Here is how a limited edition italian built race inspired Mini is not supposed to look:

http://laughatrice.com/galleries.htm

Philip Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Hi again from Misano,

I just talked to Gerd Hildebrandt, the designer of the MCS JCW GP. He confirmed again that the interior is not yet finished but the car will be a two-seater.

The color is not standard darksilver it is a special color that has a blueish touch. The roof is silver as well as the hood decal.

On the roof above the driver side door will be a special sticker with the car’s number. Remember, only 2,000 will be sold and according to a MINI official only about 35 are left.

Some other observations: There is no rear wiper and the third brake light which sits in the roof is replaced by a silver painted bezel. Because of the wing, you won’t see it anyway.

The rims are 18″ and look really sexy. No insights about their weight though.

I didn’ read all of your comments but I think there is quite a debate going on whether the car is worth being called GP edition. This is a marketing special edition, not a pure race car. If you want to shave of weigth of your MINI you are better off by doing a few things yourself.

I’ve met a guy from Munich with a true lightweight MINI. His MCS – which is painted in the Gulf design – is a not only an eye catcher but also a professionaly made track car with number plates. No radio, nor air-con, much of the interior is gone, recaro special lightweight racing seats, roll-cage (ok, that is not a leight-weight but a safety feature) and racew tuned suspension and Brembo brakes.

Ciao di Misano Philip

firconel Oct 30th, 2005 Link

9.5 lbs at each corner, v’s 22 lbs at each corner with standard ‘S’ spokes is quite a weight reduction :D

Gabe Oct 30th, 2005 Link

First off where did you get 9.5lbs at each corner? Frankly that would scare me knowing the condition of my local roads. I can’t imagine any 9.5lbs wheel still being round after a few weeks or Chicago roads. And secondly… the s-lites are closer to 25lbs… but who’s counting :)

dickdavid Oct 30th, 2005 Link

I STILL LIKE THOSE RED MIRROR CAPS!

They are a nice compliment to the painted calipers. Why didn’t they paint the back ones?

Why couldn’t they find a better design for the wing? One that’s a little more integrated with the lines of the car.

Larry Clemens Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Well…it looks like the factory had some extra red mirror caps sitting around. This car is more than a dissapointment. I think it is a late April fools joke.

modboi Oct 30th, 2005 Link

That’s very very “rice”….

O(=^=)O Capn Oct 30th, 2005 Link

um, Okay,

about the only thing I like is the numbering.

This looks like a good demolition derby car, what with the safety package and all.

So, when is the light weight, limited production coming out?

Tony T Oct 30th, 2005 Link

“Marketing Special Edition” – spot on.

Not worth the name “GP”….

Glen Pascoe Oct 30th, 2005 Link

I’d say very clever design of the sideskirts and rear wing has eliminated the need for a rear windscreen wiper.

The resulting air swirl patterns and vortex at the rear of the vehicle, with a wing such as that would carry water and dirt away from the screen, not against it, like the standard MINI rear-end.

Well done for trying something different, which as per usual is met with critisism from customers who think something has been left out to save the company some $$$…

In response to a previous comment about the brake ducts, i’d say the GP edition will be kitted out with the brake duct/throat kit, as per JOHN COOPER Challenge S Class racers.

(See, http://www.johncooper.co.uk/JohnCooperSite/category/Motorsport%5FBrakes/ for more info.)

Glen

Charlie Oct 30th, 2005 Link

“No third brake light” equal No US Production?….or will MINI USA tack it onto the wing somehow?

Humourless Oct 30th, 2005 Link

“I’d say very clever design of the sideskirts and rear wing has eliminated the need for a rear windscreen wiper.”

…and I’d say there’s a lovely bridge for sale in Brooklyn. ;)

HERBIE Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Just like your name says, humourless.

:p

Jim Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Given the hype that arose with speculation about a 300 lb weight decrease & a (possible) 240 HP motor, I can understand the disappointment. Some thoughts centered on the wheels & the aerokit–with a bit of speculation on why only a 10HP gain.

*The aerokit looks interesting, but it needs to be clarified. The chopping up of the wheel arches into blue & black gives the kit a tacked on look. Possible solutions: 1) color key the wheel arches, and 2) color key the rear diffuser moldings as was done on the front air dam?

*218 hp? A 10-hp gain does seem on the small side. I’m betting the gain is at least a little higher base on the up to 2004 SAE standards. Is BMW/MINI looking to the longer term, though? Meaning: is the 10 hp gain meant to keep the GP2 from intruding on the power levels coming from the next gen S?

• 4-spoke rims? They work–if the surrounding body parts flow around the wheel openings. This design doesn’t flow. (See above re: the aerokit looking chopped up). A 5-spoke iteration of this design, with each spoke slightly smaller would be a better alternative.

*IMHO 18’s are meant to fill the wheel opening–adding the vertical bump stop to the back end of the side skirt gives the visual impression of a larger wheel opening, which defeats the purpose of larger rims. Pull the trailing end of the skirt closer to the wheel, in a curve that follows the wheel arch?

RB Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Thanks for the UPDATE Philip.

RB

matted Oct 30th, 2005 Link

& 4 this i waited how long? ne1 want my place on the list in pdx or? i’m taking my $ & getting an elise. nice job bmw/mini, can u say mc40 all over again.

RB Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Whatever!

MA Oct 30th, 2005 Link

The offical word from MINI USA is that each dealership in the US will be allocated 5 each.

rob Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Brake caliper colors – note the JCW big brake kit has only the front calipers painted. Not the back. Also if you order JCW from factory it automatically comes with LSD. So I would think GP would have it by default.

Craig Oct 30th, 2005 Link

I am not changing the specs on my order come the first of the year. This build is for the buyer who wants more tickets and less riders. Why don’t they wait for the 2 seater that is in the wind? Special builds that stand thet test of time are few and far between. Personally I will wait a few more months until I finally order to replace my ‘03. But on the postive note it is good to see MINI isn’t standing still!!!

Lawrence Oct 30th, 2005 Link

Wing – great shape, looks good, but let’s get it in body color or, better yet, silver roof color. After all, even if it is CF, nothing else on the car looks like it – let’s integrate.

Front fascia – like the color-coded grille and lower grille blockoff. Not too big a fan of the brake-duct-things, unless they are functional. I do like the front lower lip.

Side Skirts – only way to make these look good is integrate the wheel arches (like others have said) and make the rear bulges functional, perhaps rounting side-exit exhaust through them? Otherwise, why have them?

Rear – kinda like the rear vent additions (look similar to the Oricari front cowl vents) and I do like the rear lip as well. Deletion of rear wiper is slick.

Wheels – Ugh.

Red Mirrors – CF would be better, or silver.

Badging – terrible. I do like the face, but it’s way too big. Numbering the roof is novel, but I’d rather have just a small dash plaque somwhere, especially if those numbers on the roof are just gonna be stickers. The highlight band around the bonnet scoop is ok, but the GP inside is not. I guess I’m biased, as I like to de-badge everything, but all that plastic lettering on the boot is unfortunate.

Overall, exterior is a letdown. Not nearly as integrated from the factory as I’d hoped. I dunno, I think special editions should make you drool, wishing you had changed your order or been lucky enough to get on a list or something. Hearing the original rumors of power and weight savings, that’s how I was feeling. Now, I’m very happy with my existing car!

Dan Oct 31st, 2005 Link

Here are more pics:

http://media.mysan.de/index.php?action=showgal&cat=312&page=1

Imagining the deletion of the wing on the rear view pictures, the ricer stigma melts away and it actually looks cool. However, 88lbs still isn’t enough savings to give up “removal of the rear seats and the air conditioning system, elimination of sound-deadening material, and replacement of the rear axle control arms with aluminum units”

When I 1st dreamed of this car, I imagined it being taken apart and major body panels (if not pieces) being recast in aluminum and carbon. That would be worth any fuss.

GMINI Oct 31st, 2005 Link

Dan, the photos you link to wüss the car out by displaying a car in motion, on a trackl, with a helmetless driver. Makes the car look like it’s going thirty for photographs. Parade laps. :0

Ian F Oct 31st, 2005 Link

I don’t really think the car looks bad but my dissappointment stems for the fact that MINI simply missed the mark of what the LTW hopefulls were looking for: A lighter MCS.

Doesn’t really need to be more powerful or look all that different from a stock car. Just be lighter. A LOT lighter. And many autocrossers and track-fiends would be willing to pay a premium for that.

However, that being said, there are likely some underlying reasons for the car being what it is. A completely re-worked MCS would likely need to be re-federalized here in the US which would increase costs (and lead-time) substancially. From what I can see, this car does not represent a big enough change to require that.

So… what we’ve got here… is basically an MC-40 of a different color. An option package that maximizes profits for MINI.

Tony T Oct 31st, 2005 Link

Like it or loath it, there really is only one reason why Mini did this project in my mind – to ensure high volume sales in the run out last months of the Mk1 New Mini. Not only will they sell each and every one of these during that period, but those people dissapointed with not being able to get one will end up buying a standard Works during this period as the sales advisor will happily point out that ‘the two cars are virtually the same anyway’…. perhaps sales of DS coloured cars will actually increase too…

Its starting to grow on me. i can’t believe its finished or that they won’t take our comments on board for minor styling tweeks. However, you can’t live without a rear wash wipe in the UK imho… so it will be hard to live with as a daily driver.

rob Oct 31st, 2005 Link

The officeal word as of 5 minutes ago. The US will NOT get the Recaro seats. grr

RW Oct 31st, 2005 Link

So… what we’ve got here… is basically an MC-40 of a different color. An option package that maximizes profits for MINI.

That’s crazy. A company in business trying to maximize profits?! Good for them.

Maybe they’ll stay around and continue to make not only cars like this, but inexpensive, obtainable cars like the Cooper.

RHT3 Nov 1st, 2005 Link

I think it’s a great look overall. The fact is, the original styling is so solid a design that departures from it offend everyone a little. But. . . I like this departure!

Personal preference.

k Nov 5th, 2005 Link

i hate it

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