Two-seat MINI with 218bhp

20/11/12

By Peter Hayward
Driving Force

WHEN I heard MINI was bringing out a special edition I thought it seemed a bit daft, since that’s usually a ruse to sell more cars and they can sell everything they make twice over.

However, this limited edition is very special, not just a tarted-up version of an existing car.

Called the John Cooper Works GP, the company claims it’s a road car with race developed technology.

It’s based on the hatch but will only be a two seater and it will be the fastest car the company has yet produced, with no less than 218bhp on tap and acceleration to trouble supercars.

Just 2,000 will be produced, starting about now, but at an eyewatering £28,790 each.

It will come with adjustable, coil over damper suspension, and extra powerful brakes to tame all those horses under the bonnet.

Ultra-grippy tyres are said to offer awesome adhesion, and with an unladen weight of 1,160 kilograms, it will be one of the lightest sports cars in its class.

Interior

The distinctive outside appearance, with thunder grey metallic paint and red edging is enhanced by an interior focused entirely on the needs of the driver.

It comes with Recaro sports seats, leather covered steering wheel, an anthracite roof liner, piano black interior surfaces and anthracite instrument dials.

FAST FACTS

MINI John Cooper Works GP                            

Price: £28,790

Mechanical: 218bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 150mph

0-62mph: 6.3 seconds

Combined mpg: 39.8

Insurance group: n/a

CO2 emissions: 165g/km

BIK rating: 24%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Main rival: BMW 125i M Sport