Hello everyone! I am new (as of today) to the forum, and I must say, you guys are Mini geniuses! I have not seen such a wealth of knowledge when I used to frequent the M5 board years ago.

I am about to pull the trigger on a lease for a GP2. Given the limited availability of the car, I have not been able to test drive one beforehand. However, I have driven an R56 MCS that a relative has. It is very zippy, but I find the car a bit harsh when riding over bumps.

To all those who are more experienced with the GP2, how does it compare in overall performace compared to a MCS? Is it a huge step up in outright performance, and is there any real compromise in daily ride quality? And yes, I have used the search function! I just like to hear real-time feedback.

I would love to hear what all of you think. I love the look and idea of it, and it helps that this forum rocks!

'Rocket
'11 BMW E92 M3 ZCP
'11 Porsche Cayenne S
'09 Porsche 997 Turbo

 

I have test driven the GP and regular JCW hardtop. If you think the MCS has a "harsh" ride over bumps then the GP might not be suitable for you. The GP is a huge step up from the MCS in all performance areas.

I don't think the GP has a harsh ride but that is subjective. I would describe it as firm, very responsive - not harsh.

 

 

Toyo,

Thank you for the response. I think your clarification is great. The stiffness is perfectly fine with me. I just found the MCS really unsorted when it rebounds from a bump.

'Rocket

 

I am on my 8th Mini 4 in the UK and 4 over here in the USA., I have had two of the previous GP's 2006 models they were fantastic and still are. The new GP in my opinion is more refined I am still breaking it in. The suspension is definately a lot different. The brakes are awesome the seats for me are fine. I really do like what they have done with the new GP2 Go for it.

 

I have not driven the GP2 so I can't offer much in the way of comparison. I have seen the prototype several times and talked to the Mini USA folks about it. The main difference is (I believe) the bragging rights of driving a car that few others have. Unless you are regularly doing laps on the Nuremberg ring I don't think you will see all the potential the GP offers v.s. the JCW. I don't even think that most people get the benefit from the JCW over an S. That said The GP2 will be the best factory tuned / built Mini R56 and will be supported by Mini so you can drive a truly a well balanced tuned Mini without concern. I like most of the cabin layout of the GP2 including the deleted back seats. The red bar that runs horizontally could be thinner and better secured. The front seats are a great improvement over the regular Minis. The GP trim is good. The engine bay looks so similar to the JCW I can't tell the difference with just the hood up (it is not like seeing a WOW - V8 or something stuffed in there). One problem with a GP is, the car is complete. You don't need to personalize it or make improvements. That takes away from the fun of owing a car that needs your attention and reflects your own personality. The GP2 may not impress the people who like Corvettes and other RWD super cars. The GP2 is really a car that Mini drivers will notice and respect. So ask yourself, who are you trying to impress. If the answer is YOU and you alone then the GP2 is a great choice. If you love the Mini R56, and you have the extra money it is a no brainier.

 

^^ well stated Ocean

 

Well stated inded! Thank you for your opinion. I think, this car si most certainly for myself. I have other cars in the stable that satisfy the eye candy category for others. I am looking for a lightweight car that I can drive around town, take to the track and auto-x course, and laugh the entire time. I don't need back seats as the wife has the SUV for the kid. Hell, a full-size forward facing child seat barely fits in a mini with back seats. Moot point then.

How I arrived at the GP: I went to the dealership to lease a JCW, but the residual values were so bad on it that the GP was actually the CHEAPER car! So, I am now at the point where I have negotiated the price to the point that the dealer is going to have security escort me out if I don't pull the trigger. I think I am about ready to do so.

'Rocket

 

Def pull the trigger then! Hell, most people don't know the difference between a JCW and a MINI S. Most have never heard the name John Cooper Works. I've found that most people don't even know that Mini is owned and supplied by BMW which is sometimes annoying. But I will disagree with OceanMini2 on when he says that the GP doesn't need improvment and thus personalization and won't reflect your style (not trying to be abrasive obviously). I think a great example of personalization would be Airborne Ranger's GP. A lot of personalization on his and it is personally my favorite Mini that I've seen. The point of me bring that up was for you not to feel a little bummed that you can't add 'your touch' to your GP if you in fact want to do that at some point.

 

Sounds like you're getting it then... very cool.

Thanks for the kind words Solsjaer... It's true- like any car- there is always room for personalization.

I was apprehensive to make an intial comment because no one can answer the subjective question of it is "Worth getting". I just came from a 2012 JCW Clubman that was fully loaded... (had the Recaro suede seats just like the GP- had a lot more "luxurious" items like Navigation, Dual sunroof, technology package, convenience package, steeringwheel controls, rear wipers, etc etc) -which is why it costs more- and made the sacrifice of these creature comforts for the exclusivity and long term value. My JCW Clubman was my first mini and I was on the fence between that and the standard hardtop and the practical side of me leaned toward the Clubman- (so did the suede Recaro's)... My initial thoughts as a recent Mini owner is that they will certainly bring that smile to your face and the clutch engagement in Sport mode is addictive. Given the other cars in your lineup, I would say that you will indeed enjoy this car. hope to see you around these boards in the near future.
all the best,
-Tim

 

Hey, Not offended that you disagree with no need to customize the GP2 statement (or personal style opportunity). I know several folks that have customized the GP1s but I am kinda of two minds on that. The GP is a collectible and worth more in full stock trim (I assume). It is always possible to alter anything but I would have a difficult time messing with a nice collectible GP. Having owned several cars that were poor performing but charming in stock trim I know the joy of advancing an underdog to the point it became a front runner worthy of the air time on the speed channel, calenders and magazine articles. When you start with such a nice car as the GP2 I feel you won't see as much of a difference or you may want to preserve the formula. The GP is what I would be happy with when I was done with a Mini project. With anything it is up to you but I don't see too many GP owners putting artistic paint jobs of dragons on the roof (If you know what I am talking about).

Thanks reading and I look forward to your GP2 purchase.

 

I think Ocean made a good point regarding some of the performance numbers, however you can absolutely feel a difference on the road, the extra 'oomph' isn't limited to the track.

I think part of the magic of the GP is the feel of a 'factory track Mini.' The look and feel of the car is different than the JCW, and the S - I find a lot of the magic there too. I think the car is gorgeous - coming up on 1k miles, I still try to find excuses to go somewhere.

That said, the suspension is incredibly stiff - you WILL feel everything on the road. The steering is tight as well. The exhaust and tires do get loud, and Im worried about pushing the car too hard for fear of destroying the tires too soon.

The GP has really fulfilled that craving I had for a performance Mini. I still look outside my window just to enjoy how good it looks.

 

Now Tim shame on you for modding yours. LMAO

 

I don't know if it was a wise man who once said this or if it's just wise reasoning...a smart man keeps all the original parts when modding a collector car. Airborne Ranger must have a big shelf full of GP2 parts in that garage.

I can only echo what's already been written. I enjoyed an R56 MCS for a couple years before moving on to a 1 series BMW convertible. I instantly regretted letting go of that car. As for the GP2, the performance is very different and noticeable. Hell, I have to temper the throttle in 1st gear because the tires are constantly trying to break free on launch.