New JCW GP Photos and Debut Info

Sections: JCW | Uncategorized Feb 13th, 2006 44 Comments

The MINI Cooper S JCW GP edition will be publicly debuting in final production trim at the Geneva Autoshow in early march. And with that date fast approaching, MINI.com has a few new JCW GP photos that do a great job of showing the car, well, in a new light. Also listed on the new site are the now familiar performance numbers that were released last October; 88lbs weight reduction and 218bhp. Does this mean they there won’t be any spec changes when the car debuts in production trim at Geneva in three weeks time? We’ve heard recent rumors that suggest that both the changes may still happen and that they won’t. In fact the only thing we really can count on is that we’ll know the answer in about three weeks time.

Speaking of debuts, MotoringFile has learned that the JCW GP is currently scheduled to debut in North American at the New York Auto show in April. It’s assumed at that time we’ll learn more about pricing and availability for the US market. Also around that time we could hear a bit more about some new and unannounced plans that MINI USA may have for the GP and it’s owners. Unfortunately we can’t mention anything just yet, but as usual, check back in the coming weeks and months for all the details.

You can check out the new photos and currently published spec sheet below:

[ MINI Cooper S JCW GP ] MINI.com (English)

[ MINI Cooper S JCW GP ] MINI.de (Deutsch)

MotoringFile Analysis: Am I the only one that is starting to not mind the little oddities in the styling of the GP? One thing that we do know about the GP, it will be the fastest version of the R50/R53 ever made. That means in ten years time it will be the one that we all remember as the ultimate factory MINI from this period. Indeed I believe history be kinder to the GP than current fans have been over the past four months.

Related

[ MotoringFile Analysis: JCW GP ] MotoringFile

[ JCW GP Your Way ] MotoringFile

[ JCW GP MINI USA Announcement ] MotoringFile

[ JCW GP: More Power, Less Weight (first PR release) ] MotoringFile

Written By: Gabe

http://www.kimmelshue.com Chris Kimmelshue

If the GP had 5 spoke wheels and a single color paint scheme then I would find it more appealing. I don’t mind the giant wing and the unique body trim, but the 4 spoke wheels and multi-tone paint are hideous.

Kudos to BMW/MINI for introducing an “///M” -like variant to the line.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

Monterey? ;)
matt

yep, i still want it.
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com Dave

From the photos, MINI doesn’t seem to have taken the rather visceral reaction to heart. Hopefully that’s not actually the case and they do something to at least unify the color scheme of the car. Also interesting that we still don’t have any pictures of the interior.
dickdavid

I’m still on the fence with this. I like most of the look, but the wing is still funky.

I guess the bottom line for me will be the bottom line. I wonder how much this puppy will go for?
JAG

Ugly and over-stated. From 0 to Kitsch in 5 secs.
kelly

The color scheme seems pretty unified to me. dark grey with light grey/red accents. It is very modern and different from a camaccord. It will definetly stand out as the “GP” edition.

This is similar to what Honda does with their type R models by distingushing them by colors not just performance and badging.

Does anyone know anything about the breaking and handling packages?
http://www.giannifrey.com Gianni
just visited my dealer. He has one on order I can have, if I want. I will test-seat it in Geneva and then decide.

The info-sheet he gave me has some interesting statements:
- performance figures of 218 hp and so on are not yet confirmed
- roof is Pure Silver (I thought it was white)
- 16″ brake disks
- LSD
- serial # on roof (we know that) and on the dashboard
- 3-spoke steering wheel with multi-function
- anthracite gauges (looks awesome)
- Recaro seats in Panther Black with red seam (tasty), adjustable thigh support) and heating
- no rear seats, flat cargo space
- climate control (manual, from what I see in the pics)
- boost cd (if I recognize that correctly in the pic)
out of the 90 GPs that come to us, 2 are without climate control.
Giacomo

Still seeing der rote Spiegel, love them and der FlÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¼gel!

Paint is still way too uninspired.
http://www.kimmelshue.com Chris Kimmelshue

Gianni,

16″ rotors? Those would be hard to stuff behind 18″ wheels. I thought the GP came with the JCW front brake kit.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

16ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â³ rotors? Those would be hard to stuff behind 18ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â³ wheels. I thought the GP came with the JCW front brake kit.

That’s a typo that was in the first press release and obviously continues to live on to this day. The GP will have the same JCW brake kit that you can buy at your MINI dealer.
Rollin

I like the color scheme, including the red mirrors. I think it harkens to where a race team leaderÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s mirrors, or camera pod in F1, are red to distinguish to the secondary team mate. http://www.theracersgroup.com/team/photos/2005/wg3/wg3_race.htm

I think it makes it a little continental in flavor too.
mataku527

love it. if only I was about 10 years older, I would get this beauty in a heartbeat. I would change the mirror caps though, even if it in any way makes it “less” GP.
http://lawrenceotoole.com/mini/mini.html Lawrence

Something I didn’t notice before that’s pretty interesting (perhaps it just wasn’t visible in the photos)… the 3rd brakelight is deleted (?), and in it’s place a panel with ridges, possible something along the lines of the Evo vortex generator:

Apparently on the Evo those ridges actually do function, making a vortex and helping the rear wing make more downforce. Wonder how functional it is on this MINI?

If anything, it looks cool.
http://www.giannifrey.com Gianni

it has a third brake light, but it sits on the low end of the rear window.

about the 16″ inch brake disks – sorry for that, that obviously doesn’t make a lot sense.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Something I didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t notice before thatÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s pretty interesting (perhaps it just wasnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t visible in the photos)ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦ the 3rd brakelight is deleted (?), and in itÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s place a panel with ridges, possible something along the lines of the Evo vortex generator:

Actually the 3 series coupe has had a similar design on the top of the side mirrors for quite a few years. The design used on the GP is similar to that – a little less extreme than the Evo.
TJM

I want one!
Micah

If I had the funds, my name would be on the waiting list for sure — I like the color scheme, rear spoiler, front brake ducts, (hopefully the interior with Recaros :), and I may be the only one who actually thinks the wheels are kinda cool and unique.

Of course if I really had the FUNDS an Exige or Cayman S would top the list…
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

If I had the funds, my name would be on the waiting list for sure ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬” I like the color scheme, rear spoiler, front brake ducts, (hopefully the interior with Recaros :), and I may be the only one who actually thinks the wheels are kinda cool and unique.

The US will get black cloth sport seats and not the Recaros due to the US mandated seat airbag sensor regulation. It would seem bizarre but so far all reports indicate that the brake-ducts are not functional.
Micah

The US will get black cloth sport seats and not the Recaros due to the US mandated seat airbag sensor regulation. It would seem bizarre but so far all reports indicate that the brake-ducts are not functional.

Neither would be a deal breaker for me. No surprise too about the Recaros given past issues with these, but still a bit disappointing.

The non-functional brake ducts is really strange, especially since JCW’s website (at least the UK one) lists functional carbon fiber brake ducts as one of the available parts. Having had smoking front brakes myself after a track session at Laguna, I would also say some functional ducts would be a useful addition to the GP :)
THE ITCH

I’m love’n it and can’t wait. I’m hoping the reports on MINI2 of the 230hp and aluminium bonnet are still real. Now they have me wondering what the special news is for U.S. buyers. Three weeks to go and we should have more info from the Geneva show.
planeguy

The offical photos on the site still show that the front bumper is fully painted making it look like a bad ricer body kit.

If all the trim was painted body color the look would really come together nice. But as it stands it is a hack!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Itch – are you talking about these rumors: The JCW GP Gets an Upgrade?
tony T

Very nice photos those Gabe.

Its amazing what a good photographer can do with a little well thought out lighting. The can turn a dogs dinner into a banquet….

(ever had a Big Mac that actually looks like the one in the picture?)
THE ITCH

Itch – are you talking about these rumors: The JCW GP Gets an Upgrade?

Gabe Yes Gabe those are pretty much the same ones I saw on MINI2. You may have posted them on the same day I’m not sure. You also included the boot made from aluminum where they only stated that the bonnet and possibly other parts where now being made from aluminum. Sorry for the miss. Steve
http://whitemaleconsumer.com Zeke

The dealbreaker for me, if I had the money that is, is the rear seat delete. Couldn’t they have just taken some padding out or something to save weight? =P
Allan

I still want one. With working brake ducts, and silver mirror caps, it would be hot hot hot.
Z4MINI

THAT REAR SPOILER IS HOT!!!!!

The people who say it is not, don’t know what they are talking about.

Doesn’t “Working brake ducts” means water and road crap all over your brakes? I mean, this is a street car, right?
Rob Livesey

8HP extra. Wow. I’ll get me chequebook out straightaway
Max

Crap! At first I noticed the vortex generator built into the third tail light. But then I noticed the tail light is moved to where the rear wiper used to be. Crap! I guess I’ll just have to get the regular clear version.
Greg W

Apparently the 2000 produced are restricted to limited markets. In RHD only UK and Japan specs are available. Other RHD markets have to take either of these. Most of the allocation is going to the UK. If you can get one – good luck! I can see these appreciating in value by the minute.
Micah

DoesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWorking brake ductsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â means water and road crap all over your brakes? I mean, this is a street car, right?

Hmmm…actually it means cooler brakes that stop better and are more fade resistant. It just seems plain silly to me to design something that looks like a brake duct and has no function. And if I owned one of these it would definitely be seeing some track time!
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

HmmmÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦actually it means cooler brakes that stop better and are more fade resistant. It just seems plain silly to me to design something that looks like a brake duct and has no function. And if I owned one of these it would definitely be seeing some track time!

The probably reason for not using real brake ducts is the personal responsibiliy environment in the US where people are worried about a little rain on theirr rotors. Nevermind that they would perform better in stop and go driving.
http://www.webbmotorsports.com Brian@webbmotorsports

Did anyone happen to notice the stated max power was at 7100rpm? That sais to me that they have actually done REAL work to the head! I look forward to seeing how JCW interperates this challenge. Also notice, at the bottom of the spec sheet that these are preliminary numbers, that will be updated closer to the release date.

All in all, this press release does more to confirm our hopes of a REAL overhaul.

Also, I would like to say that I have grown to really love the look of this kit. Apart from the wheels, I think the over all makeover is quite stunning, including the red mirror caps ;-).

As for the brake duct issue, I dont think we can talk smack about not including them until the final version is released. For all we know, the front bumper “ducts” could be a representation of things to come.

-Brian
http://www.blokspeed.net Eelke

Heated seats? Climate control (is there such a thing as manual climate control? wouldn’t it be regular aircon then? isn’t climate control automatic by definition?)? And yet, removed rear seat… Mini continues to send out mixed signals on what it wants this car to be… Hard core track day car, or luxurious special edition, what’ll it be?
IanF

I agree… I’ll reserve final judgement until the NY Auto Show. We’re definitely going now.
Bryn

Eelke. The write-up says something like, “equally at home on street or race-track.” That’s like “one size fits all,” and we know what THAT means. This model has a lot going for it — but not EVERYTHING. Marketing restraints will always produce compromises. That’s where customising and modding and individualising come in and take over, I suppose. The trouble is that modifying a Limited Edition rather defeats the object of buying it, if you want to maintain the rarity value.
http://motoringfile.com Mark

I am annoyed that people keep bigging this car up one minute and then downing it the next – you should only report actual facts about the car and not just rumours which appear unfounded! As a result of all I am not sure whether to keep my deposit down!
Charles

Gabe,

How much confidence do you have in the higher horsepower rumors?
http://motoringfile.com Mark

Gabe,

How much confidence do you have in the higher horsepower rumors?

I am not sure about the rumours and where they originated, however, after the information appeared on the Mini.com website I am sceptical about the 230bhp. I really hope that it happens as it would make a big difference! I hope that Mini pull something out of the bag with this car and produce a car that is leagues ahead of the current Works. Overall however I have decided to stick with the car due to the fact that it may turn out to be a bargian due to all the extra spec. I can’t wait until the Geneva Motor Show and I have my fingers crossed!
http://motoringfile.com Mark

I forgot to say Gabe, I think the new pictures make the car look better as a result of the darker grey metallic paint used in the picture. What does everyone else think? Furthermore, I have checked with my friend who works for Mini and he reckons that all the UK cars are completely sold out – thus one of the articles mentioning that only three-quarters of the 2000 run being sold must relate to global sales and not UK. Some people in the UK have been selling their orders on Ebay for Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£5,000!!!!!
http://minicooperclub.activeboard.com Rocketboy

I still want the rims…

Erik…
simone m.

it’s really or not the upgrade of 230cv total and more reduction of weight ???

simone
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