JonnyChimpO
07-01-2006, 12:14 AM
For some of you that dont follow the MINI scene like I do, heres some info on MINIs new hot rodded mini that just came out.
he 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.
Now the pics :D
http://www.motoringfile.com/pictures/jcw_gp_gallery/
he 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.
Now the pics :D
http://www.motoringfile.com/pictures/jcw_gp_gallery/