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The Fastest Mini Yet Arrives | MINI
MINI John Cooper Works GP
The Sportiest MINI
The Fastest John Cooper Works GP Arrives
Within the MINI lineup, models bearing the John Cooper Works name are positioned as descendants of racing machines, imbued with the sportiest character. It has been decided that the "MINI John Cooper Works GP," a model possessing even greater sporting performance than the "MINI John Cooper Works," will be added to the John Cooper Works family, with a limited production of 2,000 units.Paris Motor Show 2012It will debut at the.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
A Sports Edition of 2,000 Units, MINI Refined to the Extreme
It has been revealed that the "MINI John Cooper Works GP," the fastest MINI, which is a further sporty refinement of the MINI John Cooper Works, will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show 2012, held from September 29th to October 4th. Simultaneously, its outline has been announced.
Production of this MINI John Cooper Works GP, which is set to begin at the end of this year with a limited run of 2,000 units, is effectively the successor to the "MINI Cooper S with JCW GP Kit" that was offered on the previous generation MINI in September 2006, also with a limited production of 2,000 units worldwide. The rear seats have been removed, making it a two-seater. The car has undergone extremely detailed enhancements throughout.
The most noteworthy feature is the engine. While it shares the 1.6-liter four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine with the "Cooper S," it achieves a maximum output of 160 kW (218 ps) at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 260 Nm is available from 1,750 rpm, and with the overboost function, it temporarily generates 280 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The cylinder block and bearing mounts are made of aluminum. The pistons and cylinder head have been reinforced, and the crankshaft has undergone weight reduction. To enhance cooling performance, the exhaust valves are filled with sodium, which has excellent thermal conductivity. Direct injection technology andBMWvariable valve control technology, related to the "Valvetronic" system within the BMW Group, are also employed, resulting in CO2 emissions of 165 g/km. Fuel consumption is 7.1 L/100 km (approximately 14 km/L) according to EU test cycle values. A 6-speed manual transmission is paired with this powertrain.
For the first time in a MINI, the suspension features independent adjustment for each of the four wheels, and the ride height can be lowered by up to 20 mm. The brakes utilize ventilated discs with a diameter of 330 mm and a thickness of 25 mm at the front (rear are 280 x 10 mm). It also sports exclusive lightweight 17-inch wheels. The camber angle is steeper than in standard models, and it is fitted with 215/40 sports tires.
In terms of control systems, software is incorporated that prevents the stability control program from automatically cutting engine power when the car loses its composure. This software allows skilled drivers to achieve more aggressive throttle work during cornering.
Aerodynamically optimized parts have been added to the front, rear, and roof. Meanwhile, the vehicle weight is a light 1,160 kg.
This MINI John Cooper Works GP, which has undergone extensive testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, boasts a best lap time of 8 minutes and 23 seconds, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, reaches a top speed of 242 km/h, and can achieve 80 to 120 km/h in 5.9 seconds in 5th gear.
The body color is a gray called Thunder Grey Metallic, with red accents applied throughout.
Mondial de L’Automobile 2012 Salon de Paris
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