The ‘Ring gym was home to the fastest and strongest Mini ever.
Since Mini presented the hatch with a named concept in September 2017, we have been waiting patiently for it to make its debut as a production car. Although it has been seen multiple times and teased in road-going form, we will have to wait until the official debut. Spy videos like this one make it easier to wait for a possible debut at the IAA in a few months.
This video features two prototypes. It was shot at the Nürnbergring, where Mini is currently located to finish its fastest and most powerful road car ever built. Despite the yellow and black swirly camo covering the body, it is easy to see the aggressive body reserved by John Cooper Works GP.
We are now looking at a prototype that boasts almost all the production bits. This will be a much more refined version than the concept we saw two years ago. It’s actually a good thing, as the showcar’s excessive racy design was perhaps too much. The version that you can buy is just right. The car is quite aggressive with a huge wing at its back that is wider than the actual body. Meanwhile, the larger air intakes up top indicate something more beneath the vented hood.
The Mini JCW GP will indeed feature the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the BMW X2 M35i The newly revealed M135i. This means that the output should be at 302 horsepower (332 kilowatts) & 450 Newton-meters (332 pounds-feet). The flagship Mini will differ from the other Bimmers in that the 35i models have all-wheel drive. The JCW GP will have front-wheel drive.
Although the footage from the Green Hell does not reveal the interior of the prototype, we have attached some spy photos taken recently on a test vehicle that shows off the body-hugging seats as well as the gear lever for an automatic transmission. Although it is not clear if a manual will ever be available, we believe the ultimate mini will only come with an eight-speed, two pedal setup similar to the BMWs, with launch control.
Mini’s 8:23 Nurburgring lap record was mentioned in the press release that came with the teaser pictures. This leads us to believe that the new car will be faster due to its higher power and lighter weight. Mini has a long way ahead if it hopes to break the Nordschleife record for fastest production car. It would need to complete the lap in less than the Renault Megane R.S. 7:40. Trophy-R.
Mini will only build 3,000 JCW GPs to keep it unique and justify the high price tag.