The New Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept Is a Pint-Sized Powerhouse
Say hello to your little friend, the new Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept. Designed for both the racetrack and the road, it’s due for debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The concept is a nod to the automaker’s legendary triumphs in the Monte Carlo Rally 50 years ago and also pays homage to the year the first classic Mini was born: 1959. Details all over the car reference the year; from the intense carbon fibre front wheel wells to the two front bucket seats, made out of 3D-printed textiles.
Notice how I didn’t mention the back seats? That’s because there aren’t any. Instead, Mini has replaced the seats with a roll cage; an interior pared down to its core racing elements. You’re not just in any Mini — you’re in a Mini that’s made for the track. And it’s blatantly obvious.
The power specs have yet to be released for the concept, but if we look at the standard John Cooper Works Mini, which has a 2.0-litre turbo four producing 228 horsepower, the GP Concept will presumably have something around 250 HP or so.
The most dramatic styling cues for the concept come from the all-carbon fibre aero kit the car is equipped with, taking Mini from the realm of “cute” to “badass” real quick.
