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2006 MINI Cooper S Works GP Preview

The Super-MINI Redefined

Lets forget for a minute that the car Im about to show you might never make it to North America. And in case you happen to fall head over heels for it and are contemplating heading north of the border to purchase one and then import it into the U.S., that probably wont be possible either. No, this little number will most likely be for Euro MINI fans only, which is a giant shame.

Of course, with preparations well underway for the next-generation MINI, many would rather wait for what most believe will be a vastly improved new model than lament lost opportunity to lay hands on what is no doubt the most exciting

The last model year of the current MINI wont simply fizzle into memory - its going to go out with a bang! (Photo: MINI USA)

OEM version of the current generation Cooper S in memory.

It seems that BMW, MINIs parent, isnt going to let the last model year of one of its biggest sellers simply fizzle into memory - its going to go out with a bang! A final edition is being prepared, delivering more of what MINI enthusiasts crave: fun.

The final hurrah for the

The final hurrah for the MINI Mk.II will be a special commemorative model, the Cooper S John Cooper Works GP. (Photo: MINI USA)

MINI Mk.II will be a special commemorative model, the Cooper S John Cooper Works GP. As you might have guessed, the main goal is absolute performance, building atop the current MINI performance king, the Cooper S Works. A credible machine to begin with, in any guise, the MINI has shown time and time again that it can run with even the best of performance sports cars on a windy road.

The Cooper S GP marks the pinnacle in factory-tuned performance for the engine.

To go along with the upgraded motor, a host of minor chassis and drivetrain modifications have been made. (Photo: MINI USA)

The tiny, Chrysler-sourced 1.6-liter four-cylinder has been pushed to its absolute boundaries, up a further 8-horsepower over the John Cooper Works for a total output of 218-horsepower. Torque hasnt changed, with some 180 lb-ft available. The car ought to sound great too, as it features the Works "Sound" exhaust kit.
To go along with the upgraded motor, a host of minor chassis and drivetrain modifications have been made. The tweaked motor is mated to nothing less than a six-speed manual gearbox, which puts power to the pavement through a limited slip differential

Lighter Recaro buckets (they sound nice but no photograph of the interior is available, only an artists rendering) were added, as part of a plan to reduce the cars weight by 88 lbs. (Photo: MINI USA)

- a crucial add-on that limits excess wheel spin. Meanwhile, DSC II (BMWs Dynamic Stability Control) is available, and the rear suspension features additional aluminum links for increased road-holding capability.

An 8-horsepower hike definitely isnt enough to make specialty status, so there must be something else lurking under its unassuming skin. The real difference can be found at the scales, where the GP weighs in at a full 88 pounds less than the equivalent JCW model. This addresses one of the biggest criticisms against the new MINI, a vehicle that is pretty dense by modern subcompact standards - and even more when you consider it weighs

The GPs body kit includes a new front apron with reworked air intakes and air splitters, side skirts and a matching tail apron. (Photo: MINI USA)

nearly twice as much as the original 60s machine.

The slimming plan entails removing most of the cars unnecessary weight, such as the air conditioner (can be re-added at no extra cost), while a strut brace occupies the space where the rear bench seat once was. Up front, lighter Recaro buckets (they sound nice but no photograph of the interior is available, only an artists rendering) and a massive reduction in sound deadening help to pare further mass. Still, the GP is a place of luxury, offering leather trim, power windows and mirrors, and a powerful sound system with CD player as standard equipment.

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