Is this MINI’s New JCW GP?
Since 2008 we’ve heard rumblings of a higher performance JCW model (in the vein of the 2006 GP) that would close out the R56’s production cycle. The rumors have always centered around more power, better aero and the JCW suspension as standard. Then over a year ago a spy photographer working for Leftlanenews captured these images that seemed to correspond with what we knew of the car. The main feature being the enormous MINI Challenge-esque rear defuser.
Fast forward to today and we see new photos courtesy of Autoblog that appear to show the same formula in an updated prototype form. The key indicators that this is the real deal are:
– Redesigned and re-profiled front grille
– The lower JCW suspension seen in the smaller wheel/tire gap
– Huge rear diffuser clearly derived from the Challenge race car.
– The more subtle and functional spoiler
– Updated front splitter seemingly taken from the Coupe
So what does all this mean? We believe we’re seeing a special edition R56 JCW that will be a limited run sometime next year. We expect more power and torque along with better aero (less lift in the year) and perhaps even a reduction in weight (a la the GP). It’s also not that hard to fathom these tweaks being applied to other JCWs based on the R56 (R58 coupe for instance) and being sold as limited editions in the coming years.
Needless to say this is what we and many of you have been waiting for. Rest assured you’ll be hearing more on this car at MF in the coming weeks and months. Until then go check out the full gallery over at Autoblog.com
<p>A batch of special cars is typical of a car in its final iteration to spark a little added interest to the showroom. These photos look good.</p>
<p>That diffuser is just silly. I seat a rear seat, though, which I like. If they can drop ~200lbs and rework the steering with less assist and a quicker ratio, could be interesting. </p>
<p>Interesting for sure, note sure if I were MINI I would base a GP2 on the R56 platform since the R58 basically would be a better choice in my view. If they developed a GP2 on the R56 and then shared everything from that onto the twins as special models I think this would broadly ruin the special feeling of the GP2. For example would the GP be what it was if its aero kit and performance upgrades were just tacked on the R56 when it came out.</p>
<p>My hope is that they are using the R56 to develop a GP2 and then since its the same base car as the R58 they could toss this only it with no drama</p>
<p>I wonder if this car will be built and finished in house this time and not somewhere else. Looks good so far, I wonder if they will call it the GP, I hope not. I think it would be better to give it a personality of its own and not try to make the R56 GP.</p>
<p>Seems some odd, funny Photoshop work here and there???</p>
<p>can you please be more vague?</p>
<p>My pleasure… ;-)</p>
<p>I see some weird lines not matching up on the wheel arches, but I think thats just cammo/trim. </p>
<p>Wonder what the special color is going to be…</p>
<p>Since Dr.Segler returned to MINI he has commissioned some projects that bares his own signature. Something on the hatch was always on the back of BMW’s mind – nee MINI works GP to end production. But Segler would like to do something interesting with another little Orange number. Â
the Coupe. Â </p>
<p>Those wheels on this car are the same as those on the Coupe in Auto Bild- the front look similar as well. With the rear from the challenge car, looks like Dr. Kay is putting another parts bin project out there- what would be interesting is if the motor came from the bin as well 🙂 -M</p>
<p>They’re the standard JCW wheels since ’09</p>
<p>Given the aggressiveness of the front and rear splitter design, I’m a bit surprised at how basic the rear wing looks atop the bonnet. Especially since the original GP’s most aggressive design feature was arguably its’ rear wing. Wouldn’t the same anti-lift device, (and at high speed, downforce-producing), rear wing be necessary/called for? </p>
<p>I’m all in favor of a GP version 2.0, but make it at least as visually arresting as the first one. They’re well on their way with the aforementioned splitters. I like the idea of a red roof and mirror caps, but pepper white? Really? Snoozers… (apologies to pepper white owners/fans; but it isn’t the most exciting color, visually). I understand this isn’t the final car, so I’ll cut you some slack, but for the final, get aggressive with the paint, MINI!</p>
<p>GP prototypes were painted black.</p>
<p>“from splitter” -> “front splitter”
“defuser” -> “diffuser”</p>
<p>I never understand why people place opinions on test mule cars like this? This car can represent a number of reasons why they used a Cooper Rear Spoiler, camouflage, lowered suspension, or anything else you see. Wait until you see where they are really going before you pass final judgement. I applaud MINI for even considering making a GP Part 2 or whatever comes to fruition from this test car!</p>
<p>The second photo makes the car appear quite long. Perhaps it is just camera angle? I am overjoyed that MINI will create another GP-like car specifically designed for the pleasure of the enthusiast. BRAVO, CHEERS! … Â and please don’t let this direction get detoured or derailed!</p>
<p>I would be shocked that this car would be anything other than some cosmetic items. Cheap, Cheap and Cheap on MINIs part. NO GP!</p>
<p>strange – it looks like the cooper spoiler. I’d hope the GPII would get the full blown challenge car wing, or the street going equal that allowed the hatch to function normally.</p>
<p>Now this is what I’m all about. A special JCW version instead of the regular old vanilla one. This would be awesome in the coupe form. I keep drooling over the undisguised coupe photos from earlier.</p>
<p>Just wait a couple of days :)</p>
<p>I am hoping something running the Ring soon would come to market lol</p>
<p>They’ll have to get rid of those rear seats some time soon….</p>
<p>The MINI tragic in me has noticed the following :-)</p>
<p>The front brake rotors are dimpled like the challenge cars, the wheels are the 17×7.5 challenge wheels with semi slicks and I bet it’s riding on KW coilovers and the camber looks to be alot more agressive than a standard JCW.</p>
<p>Knowing that the R56 can handle a 2.0 little engine (Cooper SD), do you think this might get a tuned version of BMW’s new 2.0 litter?</p>
<p>all MINI’s should sit this low!</p>
<p>So, my guess is that MINI wouldn’t telegraph their ultimate plans for a GP2 this early by fully kitting out a mule. Â Hope, and assume, we’ll see something more extra-strength (read Challenge wing, whatever) at the last possible moment. Â Viva MINI GP!</p>
<p>MINI needs to get hot — really hot (as in white hot hatch!) with a worthy GP successor capable of meeting or beating the new Nurburgring FWD lap record of 8:08.97 set by the Renault Megane Trophy RS. With the expertise of JCW and MINI Motorsport their is every reason to believe it could be done given the corporate green flag.</p>
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