GP Talk (2006) Discussion of the limited edition, MINI Cooper S (R53)-based, John Cooper Works GP.

JCW vs GP comparsion

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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:24 PM
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JCW vs GP comparsion

Does anybody out there own a GP or JCW, and if so, what are your dislikes/likes? Our GP will be my personal daily driver? ( WHENEVER I GET TIME ) So I was just wondering. Any pictures of GP's out there? Anybody? Anybody?
 
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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:27 PM
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You're very lucky to get a GP.

You do know that a GP is a JCW on steroids ,right?
 
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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:38 PM
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The GP is a sweeeeet ride ! I had the chance to put a few mikle on one durring MTTS and I can honestly say they did an excellent job on the car and its worth the $$ for what you get. If I had the cash I would buy one and park it next to my other MINI.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:39 PM
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Very little steroids.

As I recall the specs, the GP has about 8 more HP, and is a little lighter. Might come down to driver ability.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
You're very lucky to get a GP.

You do know that a GP is a JCW on steroids ,right?
Yes I do! I am trying to explain to the Mrs. just how different the GP is from the JCW, ( shes allowing this car allowance for the next 10 years ) for my daily driver. With our last child leaving the nest in 1 month, there is no reason why a two-seater won't suffice Now if I could only convince her that her daily driver ( 59' Studebaker 2-door wagon, v-8 ) needs a rest, and that a JCW in any color shes wants will be the best choice for her
 
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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Gromit801
Very little steroids.

As I recall the specs, the GP has about 8 more HP, and is a little lighter. Might come down to driver ability.
Don't undeestimate the power of aerodynamics and lighter weight. The car is well worth the money, although I shouldnt say that too loud, because not many people know that, and I'm trying to get one for my buddy. Don't wanna cause a stampede before it's in teh hand..... it aint no MC40.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Gromit801
Very little steroids.

As I recall the specs, the GP has about 8 more HP, and is a little lighter. Might come down to driver ability.
I dont know about steriods but the gp is a much different mannered car than the standard JCW, even though the hp #'s arent that far off they GP is much stronger and crisper than the jcw cars I have driven. Not to mention the fact its lighter and has all the cool parts that were build specifically for the gp.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 03:54 AM
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
Don't undeestimate the power of aerodynamics and lighter weight. The car is well worth the money, although I shouldnt say that too loud, because not many people know that, and I'm trying to get one for my buddy. Don't wanna cause a stampede before it's in teh hand..... it aint no MC40.
Who rattled your cage! Leave the MCS 40 alone. It had nothing to do with this topic. Who are you to insult a thousand other MINI owners taking gratuitous cheap shots at an otherwise fine MCS that many are happy with. Sheesh!:impatient
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 05:48 AM
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I saw one and I NEED a back seat, doesn't seem worth the minimal weight gains to get rid of it. I wish I had JCW and maybe some day I will, but I personally don't see that many gains on the GP, but still the price isn't bad, about the same as JCW, it looked like from the website.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 07:01 AM
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Originally Posted by CDMINI
I saw one and I NEED a back seat, doesn't seem worth the minimal weight gains to get rid of it. I wish I had JCW and maybe some day I will, but I personally don't see that many gains on the GP, but still the price isn't bad, about the same as JCW, it looked like from the website.
There is a ton of stuff specific to the GP, but if you NEED a back seat this isnt the car for you You have to drive the car and really look at it first hand to apreciate the stuff that was done to it to make it a GP. I am not easilly impressed but MINI did a great job on this one !
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by MiniMaxx
Who rattled your cage! Leave the MCS 40 alone. It had nothing to do with this topic. Who are you to insult a thousand other MINI owners taking gratuitous cheap shots at an otherwise fine MCS that many are happy with. Sheesh!:impatient
Whoa. I am SURE camelpilot meant nothing insulting by that. As a former MC40 owner ... I know exactly what he is talking about.

The MC40 was a huge disapointment to the performance junkies who thought they were going to get the full JCW package and all the performance goodies. Insteads, its a bunch of bling. If you like those options, thats great, but they are not performance options. The only truely unique thing you have is the red leather seats. If you like your options (and I did) then its NOT an insult.

Add the full JCW goodies to the car and that makes it even "rarer" although that really dont mean much

On the other hand, the GP is ALL performance oriented with NO bling. Big difference
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 12:34 PM
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you get red mirror caps...well, you can do that too with a regular JCW if you want.

lol
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by creseida
You get red mirror caps
But everyone knows these make the car faster.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 12:53 PM
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hehehlike chow4us said, i meant no disrespect to the MC40, I like them to, all I meant was just what I said, the GP <> MC40. I was implying that the GP is better than the MC40 performance wise, but I didnt mean anything bad towards the MC40. Sorry if I offended you.

I wish I had a GP to go with my current S. :(
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by chows4us
But everyone knows these make the car faster.
Not the reds, but the yellows are the fast ones.

The chrome ones are too heavy for any performance benefit and everyone knows CF is just a "lighter" chrome bling.


_
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
hehehlike chow4us said, i meant no disrespect to the MC40, I like them to, all I meant was just what I said, the GP <> MC40. I was implying that the GP is better than the MC40 performance wise, but I didnt mean anything bad towards the MC40. Sorry if I offended you.

I wish I had a GP to go with my current S. :(
Sorry for the blast but its irksome in that this thread had nothing to do with the 40. I've read countless threads about it(halfway expecting someone to actually count them ) and that's fine. That's what this place is about; appropriate discourse with varying opinions. I'm not offended about peoples' opinion about it because I or more accurately, my gf knew what we were getting and more importantly, knew what we wanted. No its not a JCW, thats why I got my own.....heheh.
When you belittle it by comparison, you belittle someone's choice, a fellow MINI owner no less. (et tu camel?) We're prepared to deal with it in a thread about the 40 but to trot it out when we're not expecting it.......Man! 'nuff said.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:39 PM
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Well, maybe my second post is an overreaction. Nevermind. Back to the GP.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 03:24 PM
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I got the JCW kit almost a year ago. For me it still needs some pepper off-the line. Perhaps I got used to it. Still it's like a heaven - earth comparison to the stock S.

The GP how much really saved from the back seat? Does it got plastic windows? Haven't seen one.

I believe the Works suspension is not worth it. Is much better an Eibach for example. Next week I'm getting the springs.

I have read a lot of compliments about the brakes, how are them compared to Brembo's?

Did I get offtopic? sorry.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniMaxx
No its not a JCW, thats why I got my own.....heheh.
You do realize you can add all the JCW stuff to the MC40?

I had a FULL JCW car ... brakes, suspension, CF bits, TC, etc.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by vm
...
The GP how much really saved from the back seat? Does it got plastic
windows? Haven't seen one.
...
Having removed my rear seats today and replaced with an inexpensive rear seat delete kit, I'd guess around 35 lbs. As far as seats go, they aren't very heavy. But 35 lbs isn't anything to scoff at when looking to shed weight.

Daniel
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 07:55 PM
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I am getting my GP late October or early November and can't wait. I have a 2003 Cooper that is the rare Velvet Red. I ordered it loaded. It is excellent condition and has 22,800 miles on her (ANY INTERESTED PARTIES??). For me the GP will be a change but how could I pass up one of 4 coming to my dealer (who has 5 states)!!

I have found some great reviews and pics of the GP so message me if you are interested in links.

The GP is not perfect in every way for everyone then again is any car? One can not disagree that the GP is the most limited production Mini to date. It is unique and is already in high demand.

I love my Mini and I'm looking forward to my GP!!!
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 08:15 PM
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hello iflymini - i thought you would enjoy to know the license plate on my GP is "I FLY BY" ... at any rate, yes indeed, i predict you will love the GP (although you may also find your current MINI is still wonderful to drive, too)

and hello TagURit - yes, those of us in the US who participated in the "early delivery" program, have been enjoying our GP's for a while ... i've had mine (GP 0102) since August 18th, just passed 3,500 miles this pm, and i'm enjoying it more and more every day ... i think this one's gonna be a keeper!
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 08:23 PM
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Roger that. I am tagged in Colorado FLYMINI. I have GP1292. Nice to know you like the car. I am indeed excited. Thanks for your message!!
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 01:21 PM
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i know a guy around my area that got one.

was the first or one of the first in the GTA considering only 64 to Canada. he loves it. i didn't bother to ask to drive it since its fairly new.

but my JCW is fun. i do like the interior on the GP. its fully loaded with JCW components and carbon fibre everywhere. looks sweet.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 09:35 PM
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and hello TagURit - yes, those of us in the US who participated in the "early delivery" program, have been enjoying our GP's for a while ... i've had mine (GP 0102) since August 18th, just passed 3,500 miles this pm, and i'm enjoying it more and more every day ... i think this one's gonna be a keeper!
Hi GoodFinder, I will be heading your way come late October in order to pick up our new baby (GP 0706). I appreciate your response. From your post, it sounds like you've put some miles on your GP and I was just wondering what your impression was on comfort on these trips. What are your likes/dislikes? Do you have any pictures of your car? We are picking ours up from Mini San Antonio. Are you any where near there? If so, it would be nice to touch base with you when we pick up ours, if at all possible...one Mini GP owner to another!
 
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