Mini’s John Cooper Works Division has taken to the latest rendition of the Mini JCW to create their hardcore GP 3 once again. As the third instalment to the R53 and R56 versions of GP 1 and 2, the GP 3 follows in the footsteps of the previous models as tasty track specialist weapon for those not light-hearted, and free of frivolous afflictions that require practicality and compromise.
Dubbed as the most powerful and fastest production Mini ever, the TwinPower 2Litre turbocharged engine has its outputs boosted to a rather serious 220kW and 450Nm. Driving the front wheels through an 8-speed Automatic Gearbox equipped with a mechanical Torsen Limited-slip diff exclusively. Controversially the option for a third pedal will remain a distant memory of the previous models, as Mini boss’ have sighted the increased development cost and attribute a small percentage of sales to ditching the manual altogether. Nevertheless, the numbers suggest a 0-100 sprint of 5.2seconds and a potent top speed of 265Km/h. Enough to make the GP 3 a properly serious machine and scare off many far larger and more expensive cars capturing some of the character the GP pigeonholes.
The 2020 GP 3 prototypes have mustered a sub 8 minute time around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, enough to hint at some serious driving tenacity. Typical of any ultra-focused performance GP variant it has its fair share of aerodynamic sills, spoilers and lips. Featuring a front bumper with increased airflow, fender flares with arch-based air channels made from recycled carbon composite, a floating two-tone rear wing and rear diffuser.
The rear seat once again is ditched for a rear strut brace to improve chassis rigidity and several GP specific niceties are littered throughout the interior, 3D printed paddles, GP badges on almost any surface possible. The new model will once again have a limited production run with 3000 units globally.
South African production numbers and pricing have yet to be announced but the GP 3 will reach SA in very limited numbers once again and having privileged enough to have driven the previous models, much like many cant wait.
Comments