More details of the two-seater MINI John Cooper Works GP have been released ahead of its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The "fastest MINI ever" hasn’t just been given a couple of aerodynamic aprons and some racing stripes. BMW has dropped in a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 218 bhp (160 kW) to send this MINI from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 242 kph (150 mph).

On the Nürburgring North Loop, it made the circuit in 8 minutes and 23 seconds – 18 seconds faster than the 2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit.

BMW didn’t stop at the engine either. The MINI John Cooper Works GP has adjustable coilover suspension, an extra-powerful sports brake system and the camber has been adjusted to allow the use of sports tires with minimum understeering. The suspension can also be adjusted to suit different circuit conditions. It’s still a relative lightweight at 1,160 kilograms (2557.36 lbs) and does do well in terms of fuel economy, consuming 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 mpg US).

The MINI John Cooper Works GP is limited to only 2,000 units and is scheduled to go on sale later this year. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

MINI John Cooper Works GP key specifications:

  • Engine: inline 4-cylinder, 4-valve
  • Engine capacity 1598 cm³
  • Max output: 160kW / 218hp at 6000rpm
  • Max torque: 260Nm (280 with overboost) at rpm 1750–5750 (2000–5100)
  • Power-to-weight ratio: 7.3kg/kW
  • Output per liter: 100.1kW/l
  • Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 6.3 sec.
  • Top speed: 242km/h
  • Fuel consumption in EU cycle: 7.1l/100 km (composite)
  • CO2: 165g/km
  • No of doors/seats: 3 / 2
  • Length/width/height1) (unladen): 3774 / 1683 / 1393mm
  • Wheelbase: 2467mm
  • Track, front/rear: 1473 / 1466mm
  • Turning circle: 12.0m
  • Ground clearance (empty): 91mm
  • Tank capacity approx.: 50 l
  • Weight, unladen to DIN/EU2): 1160 / 1235kg
  • Luggage compartment 0.723m3
  • Air drag Cd: 0.35
  • Cd x area: 0.71
  • Front suspension: Coilover suspension, modified camber, upside down shock absorbers, anti-dive
  • Rear suspension: Coilover suspension, modified camber, multi-link axle with aluminium longitudinal struts and centrally pivoted control arms
  • Front brakes: Vented disc, 330 × 25mm
  • Rear brakes: Disc, 280 × 10mm
  • Tires: 215/40 R17 87W
  • Driving stability systems: Hydraulic two-circuit brake system, six-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Brake Assist, Hill Start Assistant, GP racing mode, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), parking brake acts mechanically on rear wheels

    • Source: Mini

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