[3:00pm EST: Updated gallery with new photos] Here’s the information and photos many of us have been waiting for. This is the official press kit on the JCW GP for the Geneva Autoshow with final pictures of the new JCW GP:
>The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will make its first public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show. The fastest, most powerful production MINI ever will reach 62mph in under 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 146mph. The GP has a power output of 218bhp, a stunning 136bhp per litre, and a maximum torque of 245Nm.
>Only 2000 of this special production model will be built and 444 are bound for the UK from July onwards. The guide price is £22,000 which includes £10,000 worth of additional equipment if specified on a standard MINI Cooper S. Almost three-quarters of the UK allocation have already been ordered by MINI enthusiasts six months ahead of launch.
>In the interests of power to weight ratio, the car weighs approximately 40 kilos less than a standard MINI Cooper S. This has been achieved by modifications to the chassis and engineering tweaks. The longitudinal control arms on the rear axle are now made of aluminium and the sound-deadening material has been taken out.
>The entire rear seat bench has been removed. In its place is a very neat flat loading area that can be folded up in a Z-arrangement for easy access to two additional storage boxes.
>Standard equipment includes: limited slip differential, Dynamic Stability Control, Recaro sports seats in Panther Black leather (standard block cloth sport seats in the US) , single CD, air-conditioning and a multi-function steering wheel. The car also features JCW sports brakes, JCW sports suspension and exclusive low-profile tyres and 18-inch light-alloy rims.
>The special edition will only be available in exclusive metallic paintwork called Thunder Blue combined with a Pure Silver roof and Chili Red door mirrors.
>A new aerodynamics package has been added that significantly improves the car’s drag coefficient and downforce on both front and rear axles, enhancing the driving experience at high speeds. New highlights are the front and rear air dams, the extra low side-sills, and the underfloor cover, as well as a wing-shaped rear spoiler.
>The ‘MINI GP’ will join the existing JCW range of aftermarket and production option kits. The first engine tuning kit was launched in 2003 as an aftermarket option, and over 10,000 have been sold worldwide since that date. From the end of 2005, the kit became available as an Oxford production line fit and a new aftermarket version was launched for the MINI Cooper S with automatic transmission.
MotoringFile Analysis:
It would appear that the rumored spec changes or styling adjustments were just that.. rumored. And despite coming from a very good source (and being posted in MINI2 as well) they simply didn’t pan out. So the GP looks just as we all expected based on it’s early preview at Misano back in October.
But history may just be kind to the GP yet. I have a feeling this model will grow in popularity in the coming months and years, even with the very people who hated it initially (me included).
Expect US prices and specs (including real 0-60 times) in the coming weeks. The GP will debut on US soil at the New York Autoshow in April.
Wow those seats look great (at least the part that I can see of them)!
I just think the red mirrors don’t look right.
sounds like it should list for just over 30k in the US, not bad. i even like the guages.
The interior would look better with Anthracite.
Now that is a strut brace! I didn’t realize there was so much controversy regarding it, with the limited number of GP’s, there will still be people wanting them and not enough to go around? What is the price of the GP? Any news on that? I like the color combo and think that it would make a sweet ride!
It would look better with the JCW Carbon Fiber or Leather dash. It should also have the JCW steering wheel. I’m dissapointed with the interior.
I love the seats and the speedo. The more I see of this thing, the more I like it. Thanks for not putting in that carbon fiber dash. Not a fan.
Now that is a rear seat delete kit done right.
Not too bad.
The colors are nice, the red is a bit distracting, but overall, it enforces it’s limited availability.
This model has some very “interesting” features.
Why do they have passenger grab handles in the back? They could have saved 3 ounces. 😉
Random thoughts:
This is the “JCW GP”; wouldn’t you expect to see the full complement of JCW parts and accessories (dash, downtubes, steering wheel, etc…) in this car?
With Recaro able to supply seats to many other manufacturers for cars sold in the US market, why do the Recaros have to be omitted from US-bound GPs?
They took out the back seat but left the assist handles in the roof. I wonder why?
I like the anthracite gauge faces. I wonder if you will be able to get matching auxiliary gauges…
Maybe there is something to the rear strut brace after all…
I like the lower rear fender arch/lower rear valence black trim.
Will any of these parts be available for purchase/retrofit or will this be another case of needing the correct VIN to purchase them?
I am not sure if I like the car or if I should be disappointed due to all the spectulation over it! I have a deposit down and can withdraw it – but I am not sure what to do? If this car is a complete flop then it will depreciate heavily and I will be stuck with it. Despite this I have always liked the car despite all the adverse comments to it on this website. The car does have a huge list of extras and I do think it will look and feel special – but no doubt my comments will be shot down in flames!
Gabe I am really sorry your recent rumours were not correct!
Overall I am really uncertain about what I should do now.
wonder what it would look like w/ MikeytheMINI’s new carbon fiber mirror covers, w/ turn indicator light in ’em….IMHO better than the red ones here….
dissapointed with the interior – the outsdie of the car, whilst not to everyones tastes, is bold. The interior is dull, and i have to ask why its taken so long to release pictures of an interior that has so few special touches.
The bar across the back looks stupid, would rather have a roll cage.
I must get the designer round to decorate my next Xmas Tree.
Does anyone have any suggestions – should I stick or twist?
stick.
Also interesting that they have the red fog light on the back, but no switch to trigger it…
I think the bar in the back is not a strut brace, but something to attach racing harnesses to. The struts are quite a bit further back in the car, aren’t they?
Okay – despite that lack of advice I have decided to stick with the car for the following reasons: –
1. it will be a complete hoot to drive and I am curious about the difference the body kit changes will make;
2. I can look at other ways to get the car up to 230bhp myself;
3. I really like the changes to the back – it is clean and as a result of the cross-bar the little car will be solid;
4. hardly anyone else will have one where I am from as the dealers only had 4 between them for a massive city;
5. I have been thinking about other cars around this price that I would consider and they are just not as good – so get a decent Nissan 350Z it would cost me £28,000 and there is hundreds of them knocking about; and
6. the car is completely loaded with extras – other than uping the bhp there is nothing else that is required – I ususlly spend hundreds on options getting the car the way I want it and you never get it back (this car is a performance bargain).
Sorry Tony I just saw your comment now – cheers and we obviously think the same!
All they would need to do to get the look right is paint the wheel arch trim. It’s a shame that such a car will look like your run of the mill ricer with a bad body kit.
The rear handles are for hanging clothes or whatever else u want to hang.
I really like the way MINI has styled the base car and the S but in my eyes this GP falls short of being considered tasteful. I would have preferred a more aggressive look and less fashion.
I’m so glad i pulled my deposit & got a JCW S instead.
It should come with a Super Hero mask.
;D
I’m really dissapointed that the latest rumors where not true. The 230 hp and aluminum bonnet and boot would have made the car so much more special. Also the interior came as a little of a shock. While their were no pictures before I assumed we were in for somthing really special. The previous photos from Misano showed the speedo and tach over the steering column which made me think we were going to get some sort of special gage panel. Guess not! With all that new JCW interior stuff out there I Think they could have done much better. I know I’m really going to miss the glove box. Guess I’ll have to come up with some sort of bag to keep all the registration and insurance paperwork from shifting around. I was hoping from the early sketches that they would keep the rear strut bar. I suspect that should stiffen the rear up a bit. All in all I still think it is going to be a good value an a great driver. I’ll be keeping my deposite in and awaiting delivery.
I like it, A LOT! And guess what, nay-sayers, I LOVE THE WHEELS TOO! So there. I think this car is awesome, and only wish that I were in a position to own one monitarily. This is the most special MINI you can ever hope to own, and I’m sure its’ value will increase substantially.
It’s a beast!
If anyone of you buys one, and simply must take of those wheels, look me up, I might just buy them off you!
>I know I’m really going to miss the glove box
The US spec GP will most likely come with the glove box.
I have said this before in previous posts relevant to the GP, but I really like it: the color scheme, the aerodynamic additions, even the wheels! The small portion of the seats shown in one photo also make them look promising.
As a few others have said, it is quite disappointing that the rumors of aluminum body pieces and 230hp did not make final spec, however…
I just hope that some of the aero parts like the spoiler, underbody panels, and side skirts may become available for those of us who cannot afford the full car, but want to add some of its parts. (anyone from Mini listening here 🙂
It is wierd but despite the fact that little has changed from the original showing it seems that people do like the car and that the inital reaction was wrong!
Rear strut brace is interesting…
Hasn’t the consensus been that strut braces aren’t really needed for MINI chasis stiffness?
<blockquote>The small portion of the seats shown in one photo also make them look promising.</blockquote>
Those Recaro seats won’t be coming to the US.
Are the Sport Seats in the US Version going to be Cloth or Cloth+Leather?
<blockquote>
matt Feb 21st, 2006 Link
sounds like it should list for just over 30k in the US, not bad. i even like the guages.
</blockquote>
According to the Google Calculator, UK£ 22 000 = 38 225 US$, so more like just under 40k.
straight conversion won’t get you there. try pricing your car on the UK configurator then do the conversion off google. $10 says it overstates the USD price.
I’m back on the fence. At 230HP it was a sure thing.
My ’02 has 60,000 miles on it with a lot of track miles. With a 19% pulley, intake, exhaust, swaybar and camber plates, it is perfectly balanced and fast. But it has 60,000 miles. The GP will be new, under warranty, and probably quicker with good track tires and wheels. Did I say my ’02 had a lot of miles on it?
If the GP is much over $35,000 I will pass for sure.
Are the mirror caps in a metallic version of the Chili Red?
re: that rear stut brace – look forward to seeing MINI’s claims for torsional rigidity; given what folding seats do to any car the brace can’t hurt.
also is it just me or are the grey faced gauges a bit predictable and passe? i guess i’m a bit harsh on things that are purely cosmetic or blur te line between what M and JCW are associated with, respectively.
Gabe
The US spec GP will most likely come with the glove box.
Is this part of the quote:
“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.”?
No rear speakers?
And does it have a sunroof? Surely that would add too much weight – but it looks a bit like there is one (check the headliner, top center of <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/pictures/jcw_gp_gallery/pages/P0024388.htm" rel="nofollow">last picture</a>)
>And does it have a sunroof?
No sunroof.
Itch – I can’t figure what if you’re asking me a question or quoting something I said in the previous GP story on MotoringFile.
“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.â€ÂÂ
Perhaps the dealer won’t void your warranty for taking your GP to the track…lol
Gabe
To clarify I was wondering if The glove box was part of the special news the US was suppose to get. You had mentioned in a previous article “JCW GP Photo’s and debut” feb 13th that the US was going to get some special news.
While I’m at it I’m a little confused. I just saw over on MINI2 <a href="http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110623&d=1140547275" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110623&d=1140547275</a>
Post #1265 Paul had a enlarged picture of the Recaro seats. Now that the photo was blown up a bit you could read the little sticker on the side of the seat that says “airbag”. Was it not this reason that we were not getting these seats in the US? Has something changed here? Please tell us we’re getting these seats now.
Thanks Steve
>To clarify I was wondering if The glove box was part of the special news the US was suppose to get. You had mentioned in a previous article “JCW GP Photo’s and debut†feb 13th that the US was going to get some special news.
No… imagine something way more special for GP owners. Hint, it’s not something really pertaining to the car itself… 🙂
>Post #1265 Paul had a enlarged picture of the Recaro seats. Now that the photo was blown up a bit you could read the little sticker on the side of the seat that says “airbagâ€ÂÂ. Was it not this reason that we were not getting these seats in the US? Has something changed here? Please tell us we’re getting these seats now.
No. Those are the same Recaro’s that are optional on MINIs outside the US currently. The reason they aren’t available in the US isn’t a lack of side airbags. It’s the lack of seat airbag sensors that work with the new 2005 airbag system in all US spec MINIs. It’s also why the US only gets the three spoke wheel where most of the world still has a choice.
They should make that rear-seat delete a no-cost option on all MINIs!!! It looks incredible!
I really like the fact that the interior is so simple and based on the original black/silver colour scheme that the MINI was launched with — seems an appropriate way to finish the model run. It’s also consistent with the stripped back Club Sport theme of the GP.
Although the interior is much more understated than the exterior, adding all the JCW interior bits wouldn’t do anything to add power or save weight, which is the basis of the design.
There are aspects of the body kit and wheels that still don’t grab me, but given the chance I think this would be a special car to own and a good investment. Considering how filthy the rear of MINIs get, the lack of rear wiper could prove a bit annoying in day-to-day driving.
I couldn’t have said it any better Stuart.
In a perverse (and selfish way) I’m relieved. Having just bought a JCW-equipped MCS I’m glad I’m not lusting after this. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” (or so the saying goes) and this does absolutely nothing for me. I really loath the wheel design and, for some reason, these rims look too big(unlike the 2 JCW 18″ rims which seem to suit the MINI better). I also don’t think much of the bodykit and the standard sport seats (US spec). I do like the rear seat delete design though; very nicely done. I also suspect the US price will be circa $33-35k. It may become a classic in time, but……not for me.
The GP (“Greatest Price”) is the answer to the question, “What if MINI’s designers decided the car needed more cowbell?”
What’s that red line at the 250 km/h mark on the speedometer? Will it lit when you reach 250 km/h, or will it be lit all the time to remind you how fast this car can go?
And 250 km/h is 10 higher than the standard 240 km/h?
I like this thing more everytime I see it. Definately a fan of the JCW GP. Now about those red bulges in the back of the car…
like others before me, i am in awe of the inclusion of oh-sh!t handles in the seatless back area and the obscene bulge for a wiperless rear window.
Is it illegal to scalp waiting list positions?
It just dawned on me that I actually am starting to like the red mirrors!
Checking the comments on this board every day now and it appears that opinions still now remain in favour of the GP.
A few people have mentioned that they are glad they did not purchase a GP and opted for the Works instead -technically unless you need the rear seats the GP is surely a much better deal especially as there is high-spec Works cars sitting at my dealer for £25,000!!!! – so at £22,000 I am a happy man and I do not need the rear seats.
Can Canadian friends buy the Recaros separately from the dealer? I have canadian friends. . .
Anyone else notice that they are still quoting 16″ brakes disks on Mini2 – I thought that was suppossed to be a mistake?
I’ve always liked the rims…
I think the rear seat delete…is terrific!!!.
I’d never buy one.
It has a Frankenstein-ish look to me…nothing smooth about it..
Just MHO 🙂
Peace,
D
>Anyone else notice that they are still quoting 16″ brakes disks on Mini2 – I thought that was suppossed to be a mistake?
Yeah – funny how that just keeps on being mentioned.
>Can Canadian friends buy the Recaros separately from the dealer? I have canadian friends. . .
Theoretically yes. However if you have an ’05 or ’06 you might get a nasty airbag light.
It seems strange that they have put the 0-62 time as under 6.5 seconds instead of just the actual time – does anyone know why they have done this? I am hoping the car is on the 6.0 second marker.
I was wondering will the GP have the new four wheel
drive system or will it still be front wheel drive.
My local dealer is telling me that just 6 will arrive in Ireland and they will be in the late 40k euros.
although its expensive If i was getting 4 x 4 i’d buy one
Okay I have been thinking about other UK cars which I like for £22,000 and the only one I can think of is the current Golf GTI (which is exactly the same price). As far as I am concerned the GTI is the GP’s only real rival unless you buy used. I really like the Golf and for practicality it is the hands down winner, however, for pure performance I am sure the GP would thrash it. The current hot hatch winner in the UK is the Renault Clio Cup which costs about £15,000 and whilst it is a great stear the exterior and interior are rubbish – I am really looking forward to the GP being put head to head with the Clio and the GTI in UK car magazine reviews. The obvious admission from my reply in the Mazda RX-8 which also costs £22,000 but whilst I appreciate the car, since its launch I have just lost interest in it. If you had an extra £3,000 you could go for a base spec nissan 350Z(or Fairlady) which I rate highly, however, whilst I love the engine and look of the Nissan the quality is not as good and to get a decent spec you are talking £28,000 (yes we are ripped off in Britain when it comes to non-UK cars in comparision with the US). So having the final spec for the GP above I am still left wondering if any £22,000 could challenge it?
It’s starting to grow on me. hmmm
growing to wonder: is the rear pull-up bar removable?
I’ve been told it’s functional so that would be definitely not removable.
This strikes me as silly. Weight savings negligible, performance gain modest. As a reasonably priced performance vehicle with four seat utility, the Mini stacks up very well – as a not-so-modestly priced two seater there are several better performing choices(in the USA at least) assuming it comes in at over $30K. The fact that 90% of the responses above focus on style rather than performance is telling. Production numbers are modest, so it should do well enough for BMW purely as a fashion statement, but this is a more tasteful factory equivalent of a slammed Civic with a five foot wing and curb-dragging chin spoiler. Nominally about performance but really about ‘show.’ As for the contention that the quality of the Mini is superior to that of the Nissan Z, I’m afraid I’m unable to associate myself with that thesis.
also: are these brake ducts stili faux?
The spoiler would get pulled and replaced with nothing. A big brake kit would accent those wheels nicely as well. Otherwise very nice.
Tom – I am rather familiar with American pricing and you are correct in America for your money there are better alternatives. In relation to the Nissan 350Z the Mini is a vastly superior product with higher quality plactics etc – although if you are referring to build quality the Nissan is superior. My mate has a 350Z and the plastics are scratched to bits and the seats look awful from wear and tear to the point where he will have to replace them. Furthermore, my point is that to have an equivalent specced 350Z in the UK it would cost me £6,000 more than the GP and I would be falling into good second hand Porsche Boxter territory.
I agree about the wing on the GP as it is not my taste either – but overall this is no boy racer mobile as all the components are high quality and the overall product through the Works is a highly polished piece of machinery – just take a look at the exhaust for example.
The GP’s style and performance does absolutely nothing for me other than the rear seat delete.
The opportunity to really make a statement got
lost in the translation.
The availablity of this vehicle is so close to
the 07 release one really has to ask the question,
“Why?” Is it performance? You are kidding yourself.
Is it style? The 07’s give you that. Is it price?
The car will be above $35K US. I have already taken my $35K somewhere else.
Call
Actually BMW have been producing the current Mini on a narrow margin and whilst the new version has better engines and plastics overall the design has been cheapened down so that BMW will make a larger profit this time around. Furthermore the new works car will not be launched for at least another year and will definately be subject to a price hike!