01 Mar 06
The Mini Cooper S GP is the most powerful production Mini yet: it has been tuned for 218bhp, does 0-60mph in less than 6.5 seconds and tops out at 146mph.
The GP weighs 40 kilos less than a standard Cooper S, with the removal of some sound-proofing material, the use of aluminium for some suspension components and further chassis modifications. In place of a rear bench seat, it has a load bay area with foldable boot-floor and storage boxes, plus a bracing strut to aid body rigidity.
Standard kit with this model includes a limited-slip differential, stability control, black leather Recaro seats, a CD player and air conditioning, as well as the JCW sports brake and suspension upgrades, 18" alloys and low-profile tyres. It comes in Thunder Blue metallic paint only, with a silver roof and Chili Red door mirrors; prices start from £22,000.
Just 2,000 Cooper S GP models will be made, 444 of which will come to the UK. Nearly three-quarters of these have already been sold, but there's time to put in an order, with first deliveries starting in July.
The Cooper S GP is a bit of a last hurrah for the current Mini range, as the all-new Mk2 model is due for launch next year.
