John Cooper Works GP is the fastest Mini yet

The Mini John Cooper Works GP is the latest incarnation of a racing heritage that dates back more than 50 years, to when the legendary sports car designer John Cooper developed a version of the classic Mini that was to become the ultimate fun-to-drive road machine.

The 1.6 turbo four-cylinder engine has been tweaked to deliver 160kW at 6 000rpm, with a torque peak of 260Nm (with 280Nm available briefly on overboost). It’s transferred to the front wheels via a sixspeed manual transmission.

For the first time on a Mini there’s an individually adjustable coilover suspension which allows ride height to be lowered by up to 20mm for track work.

The body is painted in the exclusive colour Thunder Grey metallic, with red for the edging round the bonnet opening as well as for the exterior mirror caps and the side air intakes in the front apron. John Cooper Works insignia appear on the lower air intake and the tailgate. The final proof of identity is provided by “GP” badged side stripes running between the wheel arches.

The rear diffusor, together with the underside panelling and the roof-edge spoiler, reduce lift forces at the rear by 90 percent, for impeccable high-speed handling. Inside the cockpit, the race car feel is created by the absence of a rear seat bench, and a pair of Recaro sports seats.

* If you prefer your Minis with more seats, the automaker has also revealed a JCW version of the Countryman station wagon. The power outputs of 160kW and 300Nm are sent to both axles, making this the first all-wheel drive JCW Mini. Key figures are 0100km/h in 7 secs and a 225km/h top speed.

It will be launched in SA early next year.

Mini JCW GP will be a limited edition with only 2 000 cars being

manufactured