The MINI brand has flourished under the BMW Group ownership, which is responsible for giving a helpful hand for the development of three generations of the hatch and its variations.
Right now, the hatchback can be had, in its top form, in JCW (John Cooper Works) spec, unlike its predecessor, which was also available with the GP designation, but that could change, as Autocar writes, citing the brand’s chief, Peter Schwarzenbauer, who answered a question on the model making a comeback.
“I think so“, Schwarzenbauer said. “It’s an important part of the MINI brand. It has worked well for us in the past, and I don’t see why not in the future.“
The previous JCW GP was capable of an impressive performance and it was even more overwhelming to drive, as it benefited from serious chassis modifications, adjustable coilover suspension, better brakes and a power boost. The subcompact hot hatch also had a stripped out interior with a strut brace instead of the rear seats, so its successor is believed to follow a similar recipe. If it will eventually return, then expect it towards the turn of the decade.
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