Why don't you guys just get regular JCWs and mod them out for less than the GP would cost? Then you will be able to have your back seats and NAV, etc.

 

I agree on that pricetag, I was thinking the same thing.

I was looking at pricing on the 996, and it seems you can get one for right around 40k.

The car is likely a beast, but I don't have to commit to putting in any extra dollars with the mini, with the Porsche, it may turn into a VERY expensive purchase if something goes wrong... I'm not done thinking about it though

 

The factory limited edition is really getting me.

The way I see it, if I pay $35k for a modded JCW, it will lose SIGNIFICANTLY more value than the GP. I also can't see myself modding the engine/ killing the factory warranty.

 

..

 

I thought so too, however the last one had the multi-function steering wheel, making me wonder.

Also, does the Mini-Connect add weight? If not, as a product manager, I may think that this car may catch a LOT of attention, and if anyone asks about it, it may be a great opportunity to show off that feature.

 

I agree, Itsallmuscle. I'm not so sure the weight savings warrants removal of what is rapidly becoming a must-have connectivity/entertainment function in cars. If it's really that important, why include a radio at all? Those speakers, amp and head unit do add weight and they aren't required for racing. I'll say it again: No car is made for just one kind of buyer. There are people who are okay with driving rear wheel drive cars in the snow. I'm not. There are people who want a GP as a daily driver and some who think it should only be for racing, others think it should stay in a garage for ten years and collect dust.

I too like the unique-factor of the GP. When I spec out a JCW that way I want it, it always comes out to about $40-42k anyway. Why should I deny myself the excitement of this special edition because it doesn't fit someone else's definition of where or how it should be enjoyed? I'll put snow tires and wheels on it and enjoy it in the winter like I did my 2004 MCS. I'm a MINI enthusiast and to me this is the pinnacle of MINI performance so I'd like to partake of that. I'm not going to let where I live stop me (although other factors might).

 

I think Connected should be available, it shouldn't add much weight right? Plus, it would be really nice to have some features like the additional gauges on a car like this. Maybe adding some telemetry features to the Connected app as well, something that's starting to be popular between hot hatches here. Other stuff like navigation, etc i don't really care, i just need the bi-xenon which the previous GP didn't have.

Besides, i look at the GP as something like Porsche's GT3 version. It's all about driving and track focused, but you can actually buy it with some extra equipment if you want. So should you with the GP.

Anyway...i can't wait for this little piece of awesomeness on wheels. It's just the car i need.

 

I'm totally with you here. This will likely be my daily driver - I'd still like amenities, just with a factory performance boost.

I'm at the exact place with the JCW as well. I showed my wife this picture of the JCW Convertible, which looks FANTASTIC as well. At the same price, I'd go for the GP, but she's been pushing for this one.

 

Your wife has excellent taste. That is a beautiful car.

 

First look at the GP2 interior

 

Excellent. Thanks!

I see some questions are answered:

1.) No MINI Connected/NAV (as expected...so much for an uncluttered dashboard...)
2.) Leather dash (Sweet!)
3.) Recaro seats (as expected)
4.) Red safety belts
5.) Custom dash panel/storage box door
6.) JCW Steering Wheel? (can't tell but it looks different than my wife's Clubman wheel)
7.) Helmet (Hah!) Seems like unnecessary added weight to me.

In the name of all things sacred why do I need a CD player? Just give me Bluetooth and an iPhone connecter and let me roll. Can I trade that useless CD player for a NAV system? LOL.

Why does it look like someone Photoshopped out some logo on the seat headrest?

 

I think it says GP by Recaro. Just came across this one low-res photo earlier today. This is not the full official release from MINI, but would expect that to follow very soon.

The only new piece of information is the leather dash. Add on another $1K to the estimated price for that item.

 

Also if you look at the 25 second mark in this video you can see engine is the N18, with a JCW badge on it
http://track.minithesource.com/link/...-18a60901fcb6/

 

I don't know about you guys, but I am more interested in the Extra 300S in the other video :-) Now THAT is an insane power to weight ratio.

 

Hello,

I just received the order sheet from my dealer..
posted it here.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...der-sheet.html

 

Great info, thanks!

 

Am I missing it or does this not say the model year anywhere?

 

Safe to say it will be a 2013 here in the U.S.

Sweet, thanks for posting the info sheets . The second one says the coilover suspension will lower the car 0.8" front and 0.6" rear .

 

Interesting that this time around they are allowing a few stand alone options. I know I want the Bluetooth/USB interface and will probably opt for Auto AC as well, don't care about having satellite.

 

The camber has also been changed from -0.3 to -1.55 in front. I wonder if they made any changes to the front and rear sway bars?

 

Would be nice if the JCW sport steering wheel they reference is the Leather with Alcantara wheel!

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/09/...pecs-revealed/





Some key takeaways:

• Updated JCW Valvetronic motor with GP-specific tweaks
• Rear wing; Aero rear diffuser, underbody tray
• Other aero tweaks allowing intercooler to be more efficient
• Special mode for traction/stability/EDLC
• Non-runflat 215/17 Kumho tires
• Lighter 17" wheels
• Bigger, heavier brakes with 6 pot fronts
• Adjustable coilover suspension
• No rear seats
• JCW Recaro sport seats with red stitching and GP logos, heaters
• JCW strut brace
• JCW accessory steering wheel (thicker)
• JCW factory shift **** w/colors reversed (red background, black lettering)
• JCW leather dash with red stitching
• Piano black dash with GP logo
• Carpet floor mats with red trim
• Xenon headlights, black casings, white turn signal indicators
• Red brake ducts, mirror caps, and bonnet scoop surround
• Red rear brace
• Red seat belts
• GP door sill plates
• GP exterior badges and graphics

I imagine US-spec GPs will also include MFSW and Bluetooth/USB just like the other MINI models, perhaps auto A/C too?

 

The sales manager at my dealer just got back from a MINI conference and told me the anticipated production date for GPs is now March/April!

Anybody receive news from your dealer?

 

check thous short video out.. at least it shows a production ready car on the track!!!

http://carbuzz.com/news/2012/9/9/Fas...Plane-7710601/

 

Photo from Laguna Seca 09/08/12 of six 2006 GPs with the 2013 GP.