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The SuperMINI Redefined: 218-hp Cooper S Works GP

One Last High-Powered, Lightweight Hurrah

When youre as big as the little MINI, everythings different. Size is almost never an issue, at least for those seeking the ultimate in compact efficiency; and as far as power, theres no goal too big or challenge too large to accept. Yes, the new MINI has fast becoming an icon of retro styling, thats somehow truly modern, but not merely because of its state-of-the-art engineering.

Now that preparations are well underway for the next generation "new" MINI, BMW, MINIs parent, isnt going to let the last model year of one of its biggest

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

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 MINI Mk.II will be a special commemorative model, the Cooper S John Cooper Works GP. As you might have guessed,

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

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. The tiny, Chrysler-sourced 1.6-liter four-cylinder

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

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 40 kg (88 lbs). (Photo: MINI U.S.A.)

- 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 40 kilograms (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

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 U.S.A.)

modern subcompact standards - and even more when you consider it weighs 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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