► Only 3000 new Mini GPs to be built
► Stripped-out hatch has 302bhp
► Yours for £33,895 – get in quick
Mini has finally pulled the covers off its third-generation GP – the most hardcore version of the hatch you can get. It’s been revealed at the 2019 LA motor show.
The brand says 3000 will be made – that’s a thousand more than the GP II back in 2012 and 2500 more than the ‘original’ GP in 2006. Out of that 3000, the UK will get the largest share – 575.
I want Mini GP performance specs
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 302bhp and 332lb ft – the same configuration and power output as the new, all-wheel drive BMW M135i. In the Mini’s case, all that power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed auto. No manual version this time.
Mini claims that this is the fastest-sprinting road car it’s ever made, with a 5.2sec 0-62mph launch time. Top speed is 164mph.
As you’d expect, the GP has some tasty performance additions. An aggressive sports exhaust, race-spec intercoolers, a specific map for the auto ‘box and a mechanical differential that divides power to either wheel are all standard. The car is 10mm lower and has a 10mm wider track than John Cooper Works, too.
Looks suitably angry
It does. No doubt you spotted the black panel wheelarch extensions; they’re made out of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), meaning they’re lightweight. In fact, the CFRP uses bits of recycled BMW i3 and i8, so you could call the GP a cannibal.
The extensions exist so that the track could be widened, with cynics like us suggesting that bolting these on will have been cheaper than sorting out an entire set of new metal pressings for a limited-edition car.
Elsewhere it’s quite usual GP fare: the front bumper is gurning and lipsticked, the lightweight wheels have almost the same design as previous GP cars and there’s a whopping-great rear wing – arguably the largest Mini has ever put on a road car. It’s a two-seater, too – just like previous GPs but, sadly, the roof scoop from the GP3 concept doesn’t seem to have carried across from the wild concept from a couple of years ago.
Anything else new about the interior?
Well, Mini is upping the ante on its 3D printing larks with printed wheel-mounted paddles for the auto ‘box and an individual number to signify which of the 3000 available it is. That number will also be displayed on the CFRP wheelarches.
Along with the Mini Electric, the GP is among the first Mini models to feature a digital display for its instruments.
Mini GP3: price and release date
If you’re quick enough, you can order a Mini GP now for £33,895.
Check out our Mini reviews here