Mini has showcased a prototype of its new John Cooper Works GP hot hatch that was seen lapping the Nürburgring circuit ahead of the track’s famous 24-hour race.
As part of the pre-race programme at the weekend, the prototype was spotted driving around the track where much of its testing has taken place.
Mini has already confirmed that the new GP will produce over 300bhp to make it the firm’s most powerful model to date, thanks to a new four-cylinder ‘TwinPower’ petrol engine. It’s likely to be more than the 302bhp found in the new Mini Clubman and Countryman John Cooper Works.
In the testing so far, Mini is saying that the new GP is lapping the German circuit 30 seconds faster than its predecessor – so a time well under eight minutes looks likely.
The GP prototype is seen in a red and black disguise, and with more aggressive aerodynamic features than the standard JCW — namely its huge rear wing and wide wheelarch extensions, which will hopefully make their way onto the production model.
Just 3,000 of the new John Cooper Works GP will be built worldwide, with the model going on sale in 2020.
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It continues the formula set by its two GP predecessors – lightweight is best (there was no rear seats in the first two cars), a racy bodykit and limited numbers to ensure that they remain desirable and popular with collectors.
