MINI john cooper works GP in mallorca

MINI ‘john cooper works GP’ in mallorcaimage courtesy of BMW group 

designboom was recently invited to mallorca to experience the all new 2014 MINI paceman and john cooper works GP, witnessing at first hand how the new compact sports cars could perform. in the last two articles of our three part series, we featured the concept and design of the new MINI paceman, and spoke with anders warming, the head of MINI design about the philosophy and development behind the sports car. in the final segment, we take the limited edition MINI JCW GP which made its debut appearance at the 2012 paris auto show, around the track to see how it performs.

lapping the nürburgring north loop with a time of 8:23 minutes, the limited edition ‘john cooper works GP’ demonstrates how an extensively modified 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo engine capable of developing 218 hp, with an adjustable coilover suspension and racing sports brake system can adapt to both the race track, and city streets. modeled after BMW group’s valvetronic technology, twin-scroll turbocharging produces high boost pressure, and direct petrol injection ensures precisely controlled fuel supply, helping to maximize engine responsiveness and efficiency. from this, the two-door hatchback is capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph).

MINI ‘john cooper works GP’ 3/4 rear view in mallorca

based off the framework of the current MINI cooper line, its distinctive appearance is coupled with an exclusive metallic thunder grey color way, with red for the edging round the front hood opening as well as for the exterior mirror caps and the side air intakes in the front apron. the GP includes xenon headlights in black shells, foglamps, adding to the aerodynamic improvements made by incorporating large front and rear aprons and a model-specific roof spoiler. together with a rear diffuser, it reduces lift forces at the rear axle by 90 per cent, attributing to highly improved handling in high speeds.

designboom’s technology editor testing the john cooper works GP around circuito mallorca rennarenaimage courtesy of BMW group

interior dash cockpit outfitted with recaro sports seatsimage courtesy of BMW group 

interior viewimage courtesy of BMW group 

front passenger 3/4 viewimage © designboom 

front viewimage © designboom  

rear view image © designboom 

passenger side viewimage © designboom  

the JCW GP lining up for a few laps around the circuitimage © designboom  

martin tomczyk, 2011 DTM champion and BMW works driverimage © designboom 

MINI john cooper works GP in mallorcavideo courtesy of BMW group