Back in 2006, MINI released a special edition Cooper John Cooper Works GP model. Limited to just 2,000 vehicles, the JCW GP Cooper S blended the best out of the John Cooper Works catalog with some GP-specific parts.
Dr. Kay Segler was the head of the MINI brand back when the JCW GP first came out in 2006, and now that he’s back as the head of the brand, it’s no surprise that the successor to the JCW GP will be coming by the end of this year. It’s now believed that the GP2 will be based on the R56 chassis (not the new MINI Coupe) and will feature unique parts inside and out.
One can expect a race-inspired rear diffuser and spoiler, 18-inch wheels, and a unique JCW body kit. And no limited edition MINI would be complete without a modified powerplant. We should be seeing at least 220-hp from the JCW GP2 with fine-tuned suspension to back it all up on the track.
Unfortunately the specs behind the new GP model are still being held in secret, as is the price. But chances are the new price tag won’t exactly resemble the $31,150 price that the original GP bore six years ago – it’ll be higher.
The 2006 MINI Cooper S JCW GP had a 1.6L supercharged, SOHC four-cylinder engine with 215-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It hit 60-mph in 5.9 seconds and only 415 of them made it to America.
GALLERY: 2006 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works GP
[Source: Motoring File]
