CAR Reviews

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How much?	£22,000
On sale in the UK:	Sold out
Engine:	1598cc 16v four, 215bhp@6250rpm, 184lb ft@4600rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Performance:	6.5sec 0-62mph, 150mph, 32.8mpg, 207g/km CO2
How heavy / made of?	1195kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	3655/1688/1416

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Readers' rating

3.5

Mini Cooper S Works GP (2006) CAR review

By Chris Chilton

First Drives

20 July 2006 06:49

Another fast Mini? I can't keep up...

This one's a bit special, a road-going evolution of the Cooper S Challenge race cars. Or, as the cynical might say, merely a PR stunt designed to maintain interest in the current Mini range before new New Mini Mk2 appears this autumn. Called the GP it's one of a limited run of 2000. Just 500 are UK-bound and all are spoken for.

What's so special about this, apart from it looking like a 12-year old designed it?

I see you've noticed the unique bits of spoilerage - the carbon fibre monster on the roof is particularly eye catching. Apparently they were actually designed in a wind-tunnel. The 18-inch wheels are new and each of the 2000 cars has its production number stickered on to the top of the roof. Oh, and did we mention that there's no back seat, just a polished brace linking the two rear struts?

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