http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...mini-ever.html

Even though this will be more rare than our GP's it seems to me this will help our collectable factor and values get back up. The WC50 will be $pendy!!

The WC50 IS nice looking though...what do you think?

 

I'll keep my GP, thanks!

 

As a forever-fan of the R50/53, the GP is my choice. But, I have to admit, the prospect of the WC50's rear seats might tip the balance for me.

To each his/her own. Both wonderful MINIs.

 

$40k FOR THAT!!!
Its a standard(ish) JCW!!! Only 208HP probably just as heavy as the others, and my entire bank account for a special color and a full JCW parts list. NO THANKS, MINI.

With $40 grand laying around, I could make my standard Cooper S WAY BETTER(custom color included). HELL I could probably make a standard JUST-A out perform that in every aspect for the same amount of cash.

What MINI needs to do for the most expencive MINI ever is give US somthing, light weight, with all wheel drive, limited slips at all 3 diffs, some big honkin brakes, a "clean" un cluttered body package, some real race orented seats/steering wheel, and all the nuts one could ever ask for to back it all up. I want a MINI that could in stock form go hunting EVO's STI's and whatever else Japan is calling FAST theese days. Nissan has their marvolus GT-R, why not build a MINI using BMW's racing influences to their MAXIMUM streetable potential to build a car that can compete with that thing(maby call it GP-R).

If MINI could do that I would be in BUT, until then they can keep their special green paint and all the add ons that anybody can go to the dealer and pick up at any time, and I will take to the aftermarket to get what I want.(It will still be less than your $40,000 paint)

 

And a link to Motoring Files' PR...with comments.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/04/...0-is-us-bound/

Seems to me it's kinda like the MC40 from years back with some JCW kit. IIRC the MC40 didn't have any JCW upgrades. I've only ever seen one of the MC40's and I thought it rocked...early on in my Mini quest I almost bought one.

IMO our GP's are still the sweet spot of factory performance and rarity. The only thing that could trump it in the future would be if BMW does a streetable Mini Challenge package, but I can't see that ever happening, so we have the next best thing.

 

This is at least 7k over-priced if you ask me. I don't know what these mini guys are thinking? I suppose they hope to have pricing in the six figures soon.

 

How much do you think they would charge for Flat Metalic paint like I'm spraying my car?

Good call with bringing up the MC40 it is really the same scenario, a body package(thats also a factory option) and in the MC40's case some stickers, maby with a little more optional equipment thrown in.

The GP is the only high performance special edition to date, and it came along on the last year of producing the R53 generation(for hard tops anyhow). Maby when the R56 is about to expire they will get the hint again, and build somthing that is worth the extra cash.

 

I don't mean to degrade the brand because frankly I love my jcw cab, but this car is way overpriced and most of the accessories are basically just eye candy. The carbon details are just cosmetic. If they were talking carbon body panels then that would be different but the carbon details are just replacing equally light plastic pieces. I don't get it? Who's manning the ship? They need to get real.

 

R56 JUNK

 

The hand-built WC50 is, apparently, sold out. Can't wait to see one in person.

 

I wonder about the "sold out". Doesn't that just mean that all 50 have found dealers willing to take them on as inventory???

 

There is a waiting list at most dealerships. MINI USA is bringing more than 50 here according to motoringfile.

 

lol, well good for mini corp.

 

I can not believe it does not have JCW suspension and that it is a showroom floor JCW. Maybe if it had factory additional boost/ECU tuning and better cooling. Adding less weight would be nice too, like aluminum doors, bonnet and boot. No Individual rims either? At the end of the R56 production cycle there will be a proper R56 hot hatch equivalent or surpassing the R53 GP. WC50 is the MC40 (R53) of the R56.

 

+1
Overpriced and nothing that makes it different.

 

First thing that came to my mind when I read this was... can I get rid of my 09 JCW and get this car somehow.

I would gladly trade in my 09 JCW which is almost fully optioned (No NAV or PDC) and almost fully CF'd (no mirror caps) for this new WC50 JCW. I paid way more than $40k with all the OEM and aftermarket parts I have on my car. I am not a big fan of the new green color but I could learn to live with it.

 

Finally, a comment that demonstrates the value of this MINI. It's not overpriced, it's just among the expensive MINI configurations.

Painted individually by hand, built by hand, with several unique details. Add to its curb appeal, the fact that it's going to be 1-in-50(!) in the States, this all makes the WC50 a value, imho...in the $40k MINI category.

That said, I can see why someone who wants a "fast" MINI on a budget would never give the WC50 a second thought. But to the 50 WC50 owners, enjoy! I'm green with envy. Beautiful MINI.

 

Who said anything about a budget, all I want is MINI to make something to compete with the other markets bad boys, regardless of cost.

Ps GP's where NOT cheap, and if you ask me they shuld of had at least 230HP but they dont.

 

I just gave my deposit to my dealer who says they have one coming. They don't know when - apparently with the special models (Laurel, Camden, etc.)they don't find out when they are coming until just before they arrive. Looks like the wife gets to drive the Pepper White Clubman after all

 

You will love the JCW!!! You are paying a premium for a color, but JCWs are a hoot!

 

In person, this is a really nice looking car. My impression was, nice, but its just a carboned up JCW. The paint is a great throw back to the origional BRG. Rare? depends on how you look at it.. Like stated eariler, you can build the identical car. Except the color and seat trim. ( OK, with a total body teardown, and total seat reapolster it can be, but you might as well at that point buy the car ) plus the vin wouldnt be right. The beauty of the GP was that it was built buy Bertone, and built in Italy. So it still is more unique then this will be..

The GP has finally hit the wholesale books, but still has not been value rated due the lack of info in reported sale prices. ( since not a lot changed hands through dealers, most have been private sales. ) This car will have no true add value in the future from what I see at this point. Just loaded up factory car.

I would not mind having one, just cause i like cars that are different. But not for 40k knowing MINIs trade in values of late.. This car will be take a $10k + value hit the first year.. ( Note, not a private sale hit ) And for those who do get them... I will be envous, you WILL have a cool new MINI.

Here is a shot I took of it at MINI United last year.

 

Same here!

GP 1652

 

+1 Thank You

GP0088

 

If you would like a MINI JCW hardtop in non-metallic BRG body color with a pepper white roof with CF bits, this vehicle is for you. If you are looking for something more track performance related, this may not be the vehicle for you. MINI can't make everyone happy with this vehicle but I still think they could have upped the performance level at least a little over a stock JCW. It is still my favorite produciton MINI at this time.
Here is one of my images of it while at MU @ Silverstone: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2420279...33099/sizes/l/

 

Apparently they are not sold out. On a thread on motoring file a dealer posted that he had one available for sale at msrp. I looked again after lunch and the post was deleted. Apparently the posting didn't mesh with the corporate hype. This kind of phone corporate pr makes me sick.