While there’s nothing really new in the story, Autoweek does an admirable job of summing the JCW GP up. Except for perhaps the negative initial reaction by most MINI enthusiasts. Here’s an excerpt:
>With less than a year to go before an all-new version of the popular three-door Mini hatchback is due in North American showrooms, the rejuvenated German-owned British carmaker is introducing a stripped-out two-seat performance model fitted with an upgraded version of its John Cooper Works tuning kit, dubbed GP.
>Based around the strong-selling supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder Cooper S, the new car gains 8 hp over the regular John Cooper Works model via intercooler and engine modifications, taking its output up to 218 hp at 6950 rpm. Torque remains the same at 181 lb-ft at 4500 rpm.
>The Mini GP is also on a strict diet. Weight-saving measures include ditching the rear benchseat, dumping sound-deadening material in the floor, adopting aluminum control arms in place of the standard steel arms in the rear multilink suspension, and donning lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.
You can read more below:
[ Super Hot Mini ] Autoweek
Related:
[ MotoringFile Analysis: JCW GP Kit ] MotoringFile
[ JCW GP Kit – Your Way ] MotoringFile
[ JCW GP US Announcement ] MotoringFile
“With less than a year to go before an all-new version…”
Doesn’t this contradict the timeline that was recently posted?
I haven’t read that publication in a long time……now I see why.
<blockquote>“With less than a year to go before an all-new version…â€ÂÂ
Doesn’t this contradict the timeline that was recently posted?</blockquote>
I wouldn’t think of that leaked document as the definitive timeline. Before seeing that timeline for instance, everything I’ve heard would indicate the new MINI will start production in September or October of 2006. Now which model(s) that is remains to be seen.
“I haven’t read that publication in a long time……now I see why.”
Don’t see why that was said, all they did was list the facts. Autoweek is one of the best automotive publications in existence – it’s not to be confused with Autocar at all.
I don’t agree but whatever.
^”AutoCar” gives me ideas for magazine titles: NewsInformation. ArchitectureBuilding. or GardeningPlanting.
Would a Car Manufacturer of the Year Award maen more from AutoWeek? Or is the disreputed car mag really autoexpress?
<blockquote>…and donning lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.</blockquote>
Translation: “We added weight-increasing bling…but it’s not that heavy!” 🙂
Article doesn’t mention if the aircon and/or radio can be chucked in the spec.
Q: Is the next gen’s PSA engine lighter?
<blockquote>Q: Is the next gen’s PSA engine lighter?</blockquote>
Yes. For one the block goes from iron to aluminum.
<blockquote><em>Q: Is the next gen’s PSA engine lighter?</em>
Yes. For one the block goes from iron to aluminum.</blockquote>
Excellent, although I wonder if that devalues the GP in some respect. If the next gen MINI is going to shave some pounds off under the bonnet, will today’s 88 pounds mean even less?
To answer my own question, who knows? If the next gen MINI bloats elsewhere it’ll gobble the engine weight savings. I hope MINI manages to hold the line on the exterior dimensions and tweak the cabin a bit for more interior space efficiency (e.g. the pedestal seats).
RB, I’ve got to agree with Gabe. Autoweek does a good job and is generally very sober and gimlet-eyed in their reviews and news. I’m really not sure what your complaint is regarding Autoweek.
JK
JK……
I don’t think Gabe suggested anything about my review of the review but even if he did I haven’t been a fan of Autoweek, or any mag, for sometime but it goes way back and to tell you the truth I can’t really remember my exact reason for my dislike. I have stopped and leafed through it from time to time and just found it fluffy. I don’t think any mag has the guts to really review any cars, you know advertising $’s. But if everybody likes it well that’s nice but I can take it or leave it and I choose to leave it.
Besides it wasn’t really a review of anything, was it? I’d say more of a statement of the the cars specs just kind of a Fluffy advertisement for the car…………….is that their job?
<blockquote>I have stopped and leafed through it from time to time and just found it fluffy. I don’t think any mag has the guts to really review any cars, you know advertising $’s.</blockquote>
I completely agree. That’s why I find Evo, Car and <a href="http://thetruthaboutcars.com">thetruthaboutcars.com</a> so refreshing. Granted I’m still a happy subcriber to both Automobile andd Autoweek.
Gabe, good choices in my book.
RB,
You’re right…Gabe didn’t say anything about Autoweek. Rather, it was 05DSMCS. My mistake. I like Autoweek but I’m not a rabid fan. Personally, I think Jamie Kitman’s column in Automobile is awfully good. To each his own.
JK
Jamie Kitman’s work in both Car and Automobile is fantastic. Always one of my first reads in each mag.