Back at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI came up with a concept that swept us off our feet. We're referring to the MINI John Cooper Works GP. And the time has come to check out the first prototype of the pocket rocket.
There are plenty of provisional elements on the prototype, which makes it clear that we're dealing with a test mule here. However, the massive rear wing, which is lifted straight off the said concept, increases our expectations for the production car.
Other track-savvy elements include the heftier stopping hardware and large exhaust pipes. Of course, while the front fascia is set to receive a more aggressive design, we can't help but wonder if the massive fenders of the concept will make it into the showroom.
The automotive producer didn't drop any numbers when introducing the concept car, but the production model will be animated by a highly tuned 2.0-liter turbo-four. The output could climb up to 300 horsepower.
MINI's parent company, BMW, has plenty of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) experience and we're expecting this to bring weight-saving benefits for the track special.
More importantly, the UKL platform of the car will be tuned to deliver a sharper response. And this is a key element, as the current generation of the non-GP car isn't as hardcore as its predecessors, being focused on offering a more balanced approach.
The Brits first brought back its rallying-nod John Cooper Works GP badge back in 2006, with this once again showing up in 2011. And since each of these two models was limited to 2,000 units, we're expecting the newcomer to follow the same path.
Other track-savvy elements include the heftier stopping hardware and large exhaust pipes. Of course, while the front fascia is set to receive a more aggressive design, we can't help but wonder if the massive fenders of the concept will make it into the showroom.
The automotive producer didn't drop any numbers when introducing the concept car, but the production model will be animated by a highly tuned 2.0-liter turbo-four. The output could climb up to 300 horsepower.
MINI's parent company, BMW, has plenty of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) experience and we're expecting this to bring weight-saving benefits for the track special.
More importantly, the UKL platform of the car will be tuned to deliver a sharper response. And this is a key element, as the current generation of the non-GP car isn't as hardcore as its predecessors, being focused on offering a more balanced approach.
The Brits first brought back its rallying-nod John Cooper Works GP badge back in 2006, with this once again showing up in 2011. And since each of these two models was limited to 2,000 units, we're expecting the newcomer to follow the same path.