Photo: MINI
The previous generation of the John Cooper Works GP managed to lap the Nurburgring in 8 minutes 23 seconds. But the newcomer is posting sub-8:00 laps even though development hasn’t been finalized. In other words, this is the most hardcore pocket rocket from the British automaker, ever.
Previewed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2020 MINI John Cooper Works GP features a deeper front bumper complemented by wider fenders, a roof-mounted wing, and lots of carbon fiber. Limited to 3,000 examples of the breed, the special edition also comes with “model-specific suspension technology.”
An output of more than 220 kW (300 PS) has been confirmed, likely from the 2.0-liter turbo that MINI utilizes in the John Cooper Works without the GP suffix. B48 is the codename of the engine, and the most potent incarnation of the powerplant cranks out 225 kW (306 PS) in the Clubman JCW, Countryman JCW, X2 M35i, and M135i xDrive.
Distinct air intakes up front and lightweight alloy wheels are also included, and chances are that MINI will pair up the engine with the eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission. Don’t look forward to a three-pedal setup, not even as an optional extra. Paddle shifters and manual mode will have to make do in the John Cooper Works GP.
MINI is benchmarking the newcomer against the Cooper S with the John Cooper Works GP kit, one heck of a pocket rocket back in the day. But even with these upgrades and the exclusivity of limited numbers, we can’t shake the feeling that MINI is losing focus.
Remember what made the original JCW performance upgrade so good? How about the original Cooper S? Simplicity used to be one of the biggest attributes of a hot hatchback, but nevertheless, the automotive industry thinks otherwise for quite a few years now.
The uber hatchback appears to be the performance yardstick for many manufacturers these days, including Mercedes-AMG with the A 45 S 4Matic that develops more than 400 ponies from 2.0 liters of displacement.
An output of more than 220 kW (300 PS) has been confirmed, likely from the 2.0-liter turbo that MINI utilizes in the John Cooper Works without the GP suffix. B48 is the codename of the engine, and the most potent incarnation of the powerplant cranks out 225 kW (306 PS) in the Clubman JCW, Countryman JCW, X2 M35i, and M135i xDrive.
Distinct air intakes up front and lightweight alloy wheels are also included, and chances are that MINI will pair up the engine with the eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission. Don’t look forward to a three-pedal setup, not even as an optional extra. Paddle shifters and manual mode will have to make do in the John Cooper Works GP.
MINI is benchmarking the newcomer against the Cooper S with the John Cooper Works GP kit, one heck of a pocket rocket back in the day. But even with these upgrades and the exclusivity of limited numbers, we can’t shake the feeling that MINI is losing focus.
Remember what made the original JCW performance upgrade so good? How about the original Cooper S? Simplicity used to be one of the biggest attributes of a hot hatchback, but nevertheless, the automotive industry thinks otherwise for quite a few years now.
The uber hatchback appears to be the performance yardstick for many manufacturers these days, including Mercedes-AMG with the A 45 S 4Matic that develops more than 400 ponies from 2.0 liters of displacement.
Google News