The 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP, of which only 2,000 will be produced, made its world debut at the MINI United festival in France last weekend. The John Cooper Works GP is the fastest Mini ever, but it is also a swan song for the second-generation Mini – as the third-generation car is already in development.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for production, part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the ‘ring in 8 min. 23 sec. 19 seconds faster than its predecessor.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP features a powertrain, chassis and aero kit inspired directly by motor sport. The twin-scroll turbocharged engine offers improved power and torque, while the adjustable race suspension helps get the most out of the chassis setup. Larger brakes – with six-piston calipers up front – and specially developed Kumho tires complete the handling upgrades.
Large front and rear aprons, deeper side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP is decidedly competition-like – with the rear seats removed and Recaro sports seats up front.
Jorg Weidinger, head of chassis and suspension development on the Mini John Cooper Works GP said of the vehicle: “This is a track car, but it is also developed for everyday use. It is not a car you put on a trailer to take to the race track; you drive it there.”
Source: MINI
