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2021 MINI John Cooper Works GP Is World's Quickest FWD Car

Previewed by a near-production concept car at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest MINI John Cooper Works GP is finally here and is not only show, but a heck of a lot of go as well.
2021 MINI John Cooper Works GP 51 photos
Photo: BMW AG
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So much go, in fact, that BMW didn't even realize to mention that the new pocket rocket is the quickest-accelerating front-wheel-drive on the planet this side of a WTCC racing car or a purpose-built FWD drag racer.

In an unusual show of understatement, MINI only states that it's the “fastest model of the British brand that has ever been approved for road use.”

Well, take it from us, the 265 kph (165 mph) top speed is indeed impressive for such a fun-sized sports car, but the 5.2 seconds required for it to sprint from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) is a downright record among production cars with front-wheel-drive. Only the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R comes close, with 5.4 seconds.

Unveiled in the flesh at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show on 22 November, the meanest MINI yet will be produced in a limited edition of just 3,000 units at the Oxford plant, in the UK. Worldwide delivery should begin in March 2020, with an MSRP of $44,900 plus an additional $850 Destination and Handling fee. Not exactly peanut money, but the performance, looks, and exclusivity will definitely find enough customers.

The model is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops a healthy 306 horsepower and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque. All that grunt is sent exclusively to the front axle through an 8-speed automatic transmission with a very needed differential lock.

Apart from the obvious body-kit, the limited-edition GP differs in several ways to the more standard-looking Cooper S JCW. GP-specific suspension, braking system, wheels, and the addition of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) on various body parts have truly transformed the new John Cooper Works GP. During its development, the model also managed to lap the famed Nurburgrng Nordschleife in less than 8 minutes.
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About the author: Alex Oagana
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Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project.
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