![MINI Drops New Photos and Details on the 215HP John Cooper Works GP Special [Updated]](https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2013-MINI-JCW-GP-I24.jpg)
Even though MINI first told us about the new John Cooper Works GP back in March, the BMW Group-controlled automaker held back photos of the interior as well as several specification details including the engine output and performance numbers.
With the Paris Motor Show just around the corner, MINI is now ready to share those details with us.
The second generation of the John Cooper Works (JCW) GP special follows pretty much the same recipe as it predecessor with a slightly more powerful turbocharged engine, a tweaked chassis, improved aerodynamics and a two seat setup.
Under the hood, you will find MINI’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine tuned to deliver 215hp (218PS), up from the regular JCW’s 208hp (211PS), while peak torque remains the same at 260Nm (192 lb-ft). A six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the front wheels.
MINI quotes a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.3 seconds, versus the regular JCW’s 6.5 seconds, while 80 to 120 km/h (50–75 mph) in fifth gear takes 5.9 seconds (versus 6.2 seconds). The JCW GP can reach a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph), compared to the normal JCW’s 238km/h (148mph).
As far as fuel consumption is concerned, the GP returns a combined figure of 7.1 lt/100 km (33.1mpg US or 39.mpg UK), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.
Perhaps of lesser importance for everyday use but quite significant when it comes to bragging rights is the fact that MINI says the new JCW GP lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 8 minutes and 23 seconds, or 18 seconds faster than the older model that sported a 1.6-liter force-fed engine with 210hp and 180 lb-ft (244Nm).
According to MINI, a lot of work has gone into fine-tuning the chassis with the GP boasting an individually adjustable coilover suspension that allows ride height to be lowered by up to 20mm (0.79 inches), as well as front shock absorbers mounted upside down in the tube, with the piston rod pointing down to increase longitudinal and lateral stiffness.
Other features include the different front and rear cambers, reduced front-wheel toe-in, a high performance brake system with six-piston fixed-calliper discs, vented at the front, and lighter 17-inch wheels wrapped in 215/40 R17 sports tires that were developed especially for this model by Kumho.
In addition, on the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the DSC Dynamic Stability Control is not combined with DTC, as would normally be the case, but with a special GP racing mode that doesn’t cut the engine but continues to brake an inside wheel during cornering.
On the outside, the GP is painted in an exclusive Thunder Grey metallic, with red accents for the edging round the bonnet opening as well as for the exterior mirror caps and the side air intakes in the front apron. There are also GP decals, and a bespoke aero kit that includes larger front and rear aprons, side skirts, roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser.
Inside, apart from the removal of the rear seat bench, the limited edition MINI gets Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching, a thick-rimmed leather steering wheel, gearshift knob with chrome ring and red shift diagram, anthracite roof liner, piano black interior surfaces and door grips, and anthracite rev counter and speedometer dials.
Worldwide production of the John Cooper Works GP will be limited to 2,000 units with prices to be announced.
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