MotoringFile » Archive » Evo Puts the GP Through its Paces

Evo Puts the GP Through its Paces

Senior EVO staff writer Jetro Bovingdon asks the question many MF readers have been wondering for almost a year now; is this a ‘cynical marketing exercise or baby M car?’ His conclusion will delight the GP lovers out there. Here’s an excerpt from the article appearing in this month’s EVO:

More Power, less weight, no compromise. That, BMW would have us believe, is the mantra embodied by the Mini Cooper S works GP. ‘Think of it as a baby M car,’, they say, ‘maybe even a junior CSL…’

Of course, they would say that. Another view is that the GP is just a Chintsy limited special edition pitched at hapless victims who are prepared to pay through the nose for the ‘ultimate Mini’. At Ã‚Â£22000 and with just 8bhp more than the 210bhp, Ã‚Â£19120 Mini Cooper S Works, its tempting to dismiss it as a cynical marketing exercise.

BMW’s reasoning behind the John Copper Works GP kit (unlike the regular ‘Works’ Kit, John Cooper garages had no involvement with the GP’s development) raises your expectations, however, Andreas Dechar, leader of the chassis validation team, is passionate about the car and what it stands for. ‘Some of the tuning products for the mini are terrible and obviously we have no control over it’, says Decher, almost with a wince. ‘The GP gives us the chance to do it properly.’ So what was the target with the GP? Decher smiles. ‘To fulfill the ultimate potential of the Mini’.

…You’ll find the throttle is a great an influence on the GP’s attitude as the steering wheel too… With the chassis fully loaded you can shut down the power and feel the rear gently give up its grip, pre-empting the diff by killing understeer with a bit of rear steering. Through quick corners its particularly satisfying, the GP perfectly poised and obedient to your every whim. Its at moments like these that the GP seems worth the premium over a Cooper S Works. Ã‚Â£22000 is a lot of money but the GP serves up massive entertainment.

EVO rating: 5 stars
+ Storming engine, responsive chassis
– Looks divide opinion, no rear seat

Be sure to look for this month’s EVO at your local magazine shop for the full article and accompanying photos.

Big thanks to Tony for sending this tip in.

codemunkee Jul 9th, 2006 Link

“Some of the tuning products for the mini are terrible…”

i wonder which parts he’s referring to?

Tio Barry Jul 9th, 2006 Link

I’m sure he means anything not made by BMW.

Mark Hendrie Jul 10th, 2006 Link

This is the one I have been waiting for baby – and the outcome is brilliant! Now I am positive the GP is the car for me!

Daniel Chow Jul 10th, 2006 Link

Mark, what makes this review any different from the others so far…the GP has gotten very positive nods all around

tsukiji Jul 10th, 2006 Link

Ã¢â‚¬Å“Some of the tuning products for the mini are terribleÃ¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â

…and some are much better that those made by BMW.

I’m starting to love the GP, but I’ll take a pass on the Kool-Aid.

Mark Hendrie Jul 10th, 2006 Link

I know Daniel and that was also great news, however, Evo magazine is considered to be the motoring bible in the UK amongst people who really know their cars. For example Evo magazine does test drive people carriers or economy vehicles etc like most other UK car magazines and it sole focus is performance cars! It also happens to be my favorite car mag as it always has the best road tests and group tests! I frequently wonder how certain cars rival against each other and as if they could read my mind they write a great article on those very subjects! No other UK car mag does a group test like Evo – the hot hatch tests are amazing! So whilst I was happy the GP reviewed well, to me personally I trust the opinion of Evo above all others.

Mark Hendrie Jul 10th, 2006 Link

Sorry I meant “it does not test drive…..”

Daniel Chow Jul 10th, 2006 Link

I see, I didn’t know that. In anycase, I am thrilled of the positives I am reading so far. I am one of those who is questioning the ‘worth’ of the GP vs a Cooper S with the JCW kit (same price, but more equipment), since I don’t really participate in timed events.

Mark Hendrie Jul 11th, 2006 Link

Me too Daniel I have a GP on order and I have been really nervous about buying it until the recent reviews! Happy motoring!

tonyt Jul 11th, 2006 Link

I concur with Mark Hendrie’s comments about Evo magazine test driving the GP. If they say its good, its good. All the other reports I have read so far have been from the publications that dont hold such kudos.

If your into cars, and live outside the UK, you could do a lot worse than become an international subscriber to EVO magazine.

Mark Hendrie Jul 11th, 2006 Link

Cheers Tony – I have been loving the Evo fleet tests at the minute – what a fleet! You have a 993, a 456 and a Carrera GT etc – what a great magazine!

Hans vd Goes Jul 17th, 2006 Link

Great news! I can’t wait.. It’s a same that i must sell my cooper-s convertibel (1year old) But now i believe i did the right thing.. (and i am a international subscriber to EVO magazine:-) GP1392, Holland.

MotoringFile » Archive » EVO JCW GP Review Now Online Jul 30th, 2006 Link

[...] The EVO review that we wrote about a few weeks back is finally online. And with the car gettnig 5 (out of 5) stars it’ll surely be a favorite of GP owners. Here’s an excerpt: [...]

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Evo Puts the GP Through its Paces

Sections: In the Press | JCW Jul 9th, 2006 14 Comments

Written By: Gabe