mikeyb
11-15-2005, 09:58 AM
<TABLE class=ImageBox><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.autoweek.com/images/news/103613
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Super Hot Mini: Stripped John Cooper Works-tuned GP drops weight and gains power
GREG KABLE
Posted Date: 11/15/05
With less than a year to go before an all-new version of the popular three-door Mini hatchback is due in North American showrooms, the rejuvenated German-owned British carmaker is introducing a stripped-out two-seat performance model fitted with an upgraded version of its John Cooper Works tuning kit, dubbed GP (Grand Prix).
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/coooperkit_side.jpg
Based around the strong-selling supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder Cooper S, the new car gains 8 hp over the regular John Cooper Works model via intercooler and engine modifications, taking its output up to 218 hp at 6950 rpm. Torque remains the same at 181 lb-ft at 4500 rpm.
The Mini GP is also on a strict diet. Weight-saving measures include ditching the rear benchseat, dumping sound-deadening material in the floor, adopting aluminum control arms in place of the standard steel arms in the rear multilink suspension, and donning lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.
In all, some 88 pounds has been shaved from the Mini’s curb weight, bringing it down to 2420 pounds. Mini hasn’t revealed performance claims for its new model, which recently made its world debut at the Misano race circuit in Italy, but insiders suggest a 0-to-60-mph time under 6.5 seconds and a top speed around 145 mph.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_front2.jpg
Distinguished from other Mini models by a unique gray-metallic paint scheme with a contrasting silver roof and dark red exterior mirror housings, the John Cooper Works GP model also receives a newly developed body kit that provides added downforce at high speed. It consists of a deeper front bumper with a front splitter designed to cleave the air with added efficiency, larger side sills, an altered rear bumper, a large spoiler above the rear hatch and additional underbody panels.
Only 2000 of the lightweight Minis will be produced, and officials from parent company BMW claim order books are already filling fast.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_rear.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_badge.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_wheel.jpg
source:http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103613
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Super Hot Mini: Stripped John Cooper Works-tuned GP drops weight and gains power
GREG KABLE
Posted Date: 11/15/05
With less than a year to go before an all-new version of the popular three-door Mini hatchback is due in North American showrooms, the rejuvenated German-owned British carmaker is introducing a stripped-out two-seat performance model fitted with an upgraded version of its John Cooper Works tuning kit, dubbed GP (Grand Prix).
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/coooperkit_side.jpg
Based around the strong-selling supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder Cooper S, the new car gains 8 hp over the regular John Cooper Works model via intercooler and engine modifications, taking its output up to 218 hp at 6950 rpm. Torque remains the same at 181 lb-ft at 4500 rpm.
The Mini GP is also on a strict diet. Weight-saving measures include ditching the rear benchseat, dumping sound-deadening material in the floor, adopting aluminum control arms in place of the standard steel arms in the rear multilink suspension, and donning lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.
In all, some 88 pounds has been shaved from the Mini’s curb weight, bringing it down to 2420 pounds. Mini hasn’t revealed performance claims for its new model, which recently made its world debut at the Misano race circuit in Italy, but insiders suggest a 0-to-60-mph time under 6.5 seconds and a top speed around 145 mph.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_front2.jpg
Distinguished from other Mini models by a unique gray-metallic paint scheme with a contrasting silver roof and dark red exterior mirror housings, the John Cooper Works GP model also receives a newly developed body kit that provides added downforce at high speed. It consists of a deeper front bumper with a front splitter designed to cleave the air with added efficiency, larger side sills, an altered rear bumper, a large spoiler above the rear hatch and additional underbody panels.
Only 2000 of the lightweight Minis will be produced, and officials from parent company BMW claim order books are already filling fast.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_rear.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_badge.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2005/1121/cooperkit_wheel.jpg
source:http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103613