Mini has developed a new sporty and futuristic model built to be a fun racing machine, which took inspiration from the iconic car that won at the Rally of Monte Carlo in the 1960s.
The John Cooper Works GP Concept has the outline of the Hatch model but has tacked on fins, spoilers and aerodynamic bodywork to make it as racy as possible.
Also, the cute MINI image has been replaced by a much more menacing look, including dark grey and black body panels with red detailing, as well as more angular lines replacing the curvy ones usually found on MINI models.
Made mostly out of carbon fibre to be light and sturdy, the GP Concept has kept the ethos of the classic Mini models at heart by having 50/50 weight distribution and an excellent power-to-weight ratio for that signature go-kart feel.
Also the interior is pretty spartan, with next to no creature comforts. It has racing seats, a roll cage for rigidity and safety, and racing steering wheel with gear-shift paddles – and that’s about it. You also get two screens and a head-up display.
Throughout the car, the number 0059 is placed to pay homage to the year the original Mini was created.
Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group’s senior vice president of design, said: “If you know about MINI, you’ll be aware of the brand’s long and successful history in motor sport. The MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept brings together the full suite of defining MINI design features and showcases them at their sportiest and most exciting. What we’re looking at here is maximum performance, maximum MINI.”
The JCW GP Concept will be on MINI’s stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs from 14 to 24 September.
