We may get some limited-edition GP models.
From a styling perspective, the Mini has not changed much over the years. This could explain why our photographers were able to capture this winged wonder without any camouflage. It’s a John Cooper Works GP version of the John Cooper Works GP, which we first saw in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. This test car is running without covers for another reason. It’s likely that we will see a test mule in a standard Mini Cooper S car with some upgraded bits underneath.
The JCW GP Concept was quite extravagant with its body kit and scoops. It also featured a large wing at the back. This Mini’s wing is a clear indicator that something is different. It’s an obvious resemblance to the concept’s wing. But could this be a Cooper S with spoilers on the roof? This is a test mule. The red sensor box and the metal strip at the front fascia suggest that it’s a test vehicle. Also, the brake rotors behind them look larger. The exhaust tips at the rear are also larger to reflect this speed.
What performance enhancements can we expect from this test mule? This exhaust suggests more power than the 228 horsepower (170kilowatts), currently available in the JCW. Although it is not clear how much more, rumors suggest that the range could be between 280-300 hp (209-224 kW). We have seen bigger brakes before, and suspension tuning would be a possibility to improve track position. Carbon fiber infusion may also be available to reduce weight.
Mini produced a limited number of GP models in the past, and now that Mini has seen a car with the big wing on the streets, it appears that a new generation of track-focused, hardcore models is being developed. It is likely that it will be made available sometime in the second half of next year or early 2020.