LA MOTOR SHOW: New MINI JCW GP unveiled

UPDATED 21/11/2019: MINI Australia has announced local pricing of $63,900 plus on-road costs for the new MINI JCW GP, just 65 examples of which are confirmed for Australia (and another five for New Zealand) next year. We understand demand is already high and may exceed supply, so MINI Oz is working to secure another dozen or so.

The wraps have come off the new MINI JCW GP, the most powerful model the British manufacturer has ever put on the road.

And, given the previous two models were sold in Australia, it’s almost certain that some of the 3000 to be made will end up here – but be prepared to pay around $65,000 if you’re keen.

Unveiled ahead of tomorrow’s Los Angeles motor show opening, the front-wheel drive MINI John Cooper Works GP promises to hit 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds thanks to its 225kW/450Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine.

That’s an increase of around 55kW over other MINI JCW models, courtesy of upgraded internals, a larger intake, free-flowing exhaust and a tweaked turbo, as well as upgrades to its oil and cooling systems.

Power will be delivered exclusively via an eight-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The new MINI JCW GP also sports lighter 18-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in ‘high-performance’ rubber and plenty of aero tweaks to keep it on the ground – check out the rear spoiler.

Bigger high-performance brakes are another obvious inclusion, while the rear seats have also been ditched in the pursuit of weight-saving.

The MINI GP sits 10mm lower than its JCW-badged cousins and also gets a specific chassis set-up, beneath what MINI says is an extremely rigid body structure.

Flared carbon-fibre wheel-arch covers and more aggressive front and rear bumpers add to its staunch look.

A bunch of exterior elements are blacked-out too, including the fuel filler flap, door-handles and headlight and tail-light surrounds. GP badges can be found around the exterior and inside the cabin, where you’ll also find red seat belts and multi-coloured leather on the sports seats.

In terms of tech, a 6.5-inch infotainment unit sits centrally in the dash, while a 5.0-inch instrument cluster shows a digital speedo and key vehicle functions.

First deliveries of the most ferocious MINI ever will begin in March 2020 globally and we’ll let you know as soon as MINI Australia confirms whether the new JCW GP will come Down Under and, if so, how much it’ll cost.