MF Review: John Cooper Works GP

Gabe Aug 20th, 2006 Link

Great review Todd. I can’t wait to add my own in acouple months time.

DB Aug 20th, 2006 Link

Excellent review! I can’t wait until Tuesday when I get to see it for myself!

GSKChicago Aug 21st, 2006 Link

How does one best express sheer jealousy? Well, I guess I just did. Congrats. Great write-up. I look forward to seeing one on the road in person.

Eelke Aug 21st, 2006 Link

I absolutely have to agree with the asessment that the GP doesn’t photograph well. A few weeks ago I heard my local dealer had one on display, so curious as I am, I went over there. While having been somewhat doubtful about the rear wing, the very open wheels and the dullish color, in real life it does work. The only thing I haven’t been able to get my head around is the black trim that doesn’t continue in the front apron.

From a performance POV, I have very little reference, but seeing as a friend has had various parts of his S engine molten (!) because of the turbo that was fitted onto it, there must be something in the argument that there is nothing like a factory product when it comes to overall “tightness” of the package, and that having the top BHP on the block really isn’t as desirable as it might sounds.

Mark Hendrie Aug 21st, 2006 Link

Great review – I second the comment about the GP not photographing well. In the metal it looks far better than the pictures!

Jon Aug 21st, 2006 Link

I love the GP and since one will not be following me home I offer my jealous respect to the new owners. Great to see the review, hope to see one of these very cool little cars up close soon.

dickdavid Aug 21st, 2006 Link

Awesome review, Todd. I can’t wait to see the other GPs that come through Dallas.

matt Aug 21st, 2006 Link

envy. i know it’s one of the 7 deadly, but it’s all me right now. if it weren’t for children i’d be writing that reveiw.

Nathaniel Salzman Aug 21st, 2006 Link

Congrats Todd! I LOVE the dark gauge faces set against the silver dash. Awesome!

THE ITCH Aug 21st, 2006 Link

I think it may have been mentioned before but not confirmed, Does the US GP have a glovebox? Thanks Steve

drew Aug 21st, 2006 Link

way to go todd – great review! have a blast!

radiationman Aug 21st, 2006 Link

Yes it does have a glovebox AND a big cupholder…

LMB Aug 21st, 2006 Link

I couldn’t agree more.:o)

Stuart Aug 21st, 2006 Link

Great review, Todd. I’m really excited for you. And I’m glad you’re experiencing the refinements that MINI has made throughout the model’s life.

diego Aug 21st, 2006 Link

what a vicious cycle…every day i want to read more about the GP and then every time i do, it ends up with more longing for the day I finally get mine this fall.

Matt Aug 21st, 2006 Link

I live in Santa Barbara so i got to see a GP today. It looks so much better in person. The color is a cool silver blue. I saw so many MINIs today it was great. I work around the corner from the hotel they are staying at so maybe I’ll get to see the caravan roll out of town tomorrow morning.

The Professor Aug 21st, 2006 Link

same powerband as an e46 m3?? The M3 really comes alive past 5k…

Jeff Aug 22nd, 2006 Link

Todd, I have 800 miles on mine now as of Las Vegas on MTTS. I took it up to 110mph in 5th gear on I-15 today in 108 degree weather and the car had not begun to get close to tiring. The handling is absolutely dialed in and I am thrilled to be so lucky to get one. It has to have been the best bargain in the automotive world for some time. The car rocks. Thanks for the excellent review. jj

Jeff Aug 22nd, 2006 Link

Anyone know how many GPs worldwide there will be? How many RHDs? I’m sure it’s here somewhere, but I can’t find it. The UK model is on eBay now (selling the reservation spot).

timmee Aug 23rd, 2006 Link

2000 cars worldwide.

Glen Nov 25th, 2006 Link

Gabe,

Can you still get one one these GPs or is it too late?

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile JCW GP Test Car Arrives Dec 1st, 2006 Link

[...] As usual if you’d like to see any specific questions answered about the GP, let ‘em rip in the comment section below. While this won’t be my first drive in a GP (or the first review we’ve had on MF), it will allow me to see what it’s like to live with the car day to day. And it’ll be nice to send-off R53 with one final review of the ultimate MINI. [...]