Earlier this year we brought you video footage of the development mules of the latest hot Mini tackling the Nurburgring Nordschleife. BMW revealed the production version of the Mini JCW GP at the LA Auto Show taking place in the US at the moment. Just 3 000 units will be produced at the Mini plant in Oxford.

Boosted fun

The German-owned British brand bills the new Mini JCW GP as the fastest model it has ever produced. At the heart of the newcomer is a 2,0-litre inline-four with TwinPower Turbo Technology. A freer-flowing sports exhaust has been fitted for lower back pressure and a rorty soundtrack. The system ends in two 90 mm tailpipes with matt brushed stainless steel trim that centrally exits the rear apron.

This turbocharged mill is good for 225 kW and 450 N.m; the power figure is 55 kW up on its forebear. That power is fed through an eight-speed automatic sports transmission with an integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheels. Mini says these power outputs enable the little pocket rocket to zip from zero to 100 km/h in 5,2 seconds. It has a top speed of 265 km/h, which means many performance saloons will be staring at its tailpipes after it they hit their speed limiters.

Bespoke touches

To help provide a sportier feel and to effectively harness the increased power of the Mini JCW GP is boasts several model-specific touches. These start with a specialised suspension set-up that is lowered by 10 mm as compared to a regular Mini John Cooper Works. The car features additional body bracing (a tunnel bridge, modified rear axle member, rectangular strut frame and front strut brace)to take advantage of the retuned suspension.

A high-performance braking system comprises four-piston calipers on the front wheels and single-piston floating-caliper for each rear wheel. The front calipers are made of aluminium and combined with 360 mm ventilated discs. They are finished in Chili Red and bear the John Cooper Works logo. The large brakes are covered by bespoke 18-inch lightweight forged wheels.

Mini JCW GP family

Unique appearance

The Mini JCW GP has model-specific design cues that make stand out. Among these are the large biplane roof, front apron surround, carbon-fibre front fenders and the front spoiler lip. All these addenda have been aero-tuned to reduce lift. Each of the 3000 cars will be finished in Racing Grey metallic.

Only two occupants can be accommodated in the cabin each held in place by sports seats. Model-specific John Cooper Works red accentuation seams, the steering wheel rim made of soft nappa leather, shift paddles on the steering wheel and GP logos, are some of the interior highlights.