That is the reason I waited for the 2017 Z06! BTW. it will still bite you, but I do love it as well. However, the mini F56 JCW is still my all time favorite automotive toy. If I could only afford a McClaren! GP3 will make a nice second choice!

 

 

The video shows that even a 1.6 liter MINI R56 can be fast. The roll cage FIA approx 40 kgs, hopefully the GP3 will offer a more comfortable ride .

 

Neat video, cool watch and listen. Driving a manual isn't much more than an auto, IMHO. I have always owned a manual tranny car of some sort since I started driving, kind of second nature to me anyway. That car certainly had a full roll cage in it, you can tell by the type of a-pillar uprights and roof bars, that isn't your typical bolt in affair. You can also see the rear x-bars in the end of the video looking through the car.

Also, did anyone notice when he get up to full speed the upper edge of the passenger door is sucked outward enough to see some pretty good light out of it...my guess is those are fiberglass or possibly CF doors with the lexan bolt in window 'glass'. That is a purpose built car and not just a warmed up street ride.

 

- Good eyes with the Markrolon @ windows, the car has a full set of CF doors, hood, rear trunk, bumpers front and rear - and with its FIA cage over 1000 kgs, but street registrated !

The previous GP2 was the base for that , lets hope the new GP3 needs minor cuts.

 

Somewhere else they said the Mini GP typically comes out in the last year for that generation. So do you think the 2021 Mini will start the 4th Gen? 2020 will be the 7th year of the Gen3. The Gen2 lasted 7 years right?

 

I would imagine that it will, most likely due to the changes in the emission and noise standards changing for the Eurozone members. GB is already planning to abide by them. I have not heard much concerning the 4th generation, but it will more than likely not be as powerful as the gen 3, once again due to pollution, noise, and pedestrian issues. Times are changing and we are dinosaurs in the new teddy bear world!

 

The Euro Minis have a couple models we don't get here, like the diesel and I think the Mini 1 which are lower powered and better mileage. The US favors the MCS model 2:1 over the Justa. I bet the MCS won't drop any power in the G4.

 

The 2020 1er hatch is going to be the first model to use the new FAAR platform which replaces UKL, it's supposed to premier at Frankfurt in September. I suspect the F56s successor won't be far behind it but it's strange we haven't seen any test models running around yet.

 

Yes, they have been noticeably silent about the next generation of minis, but all signs point to the impending change. This is really fascinating, particularly with the drop in U.S. sales. They having really been hyping the F series GP. I assume that is because internet chatter is cheap and easy, but they, mini, keep releasing teasers about it periodically. Brexit may be adding to the mini turmoil as well.

 

The funny thing is, more US bound Mini's are coming out of VDL Nedcar plant in Born than the Oxford one. Only the F54 and F55 models are produced in Oxford for the US market. That may change with the GP though, if they only have production in one location.

 

I don't think that's correct. My F56 JCW was built this year and it was built in Oxford.

 

I think you're correct, it looks like the F56s are coming out of Oxford as well. I just went and checked the VINs on the ones listed at the Denver dealer and they're all 2s. So that means Oxford built 20,785 of the Mini's sold in the US in 2018 and Born built 22,899.

Actually, found a leftover 2018 that is a Born F56: https://www.schompmini.com/inventory...xp7c53j3b95327, wonder if that production change to Oxford happened for the LCI.

Do you have a 2019?

 

I just read a rumor on facebook that my dealership, Mini of Louisville, may be permanently closing! They are the stepchild of the MB dealership next door to them, but we have had good service and a great relationship with them! However, that shoots down my #1 spot on the list for the new GP! If this is true the closest dealership is in Cincinnati and I have never dealt with them. I sure won't get a premier spot on their list. This is all rumor and innuendo at this point, but it sure has me on edge! I did read an article that San Fransisco Mini is closing. Apparently, times are rougher for USA Mini than I realized!

 

Have you spoken with your MINI dealer yet? If not, I’d definitely start there. If they are closing I’d bet they will be happy to assist you somehow in taking your order for your GP. BMW won’t want to lose a customer! Where’s the closest BMW dealer?

 

Thanks .02, I will contact my mini buddy that works there and see what he has to say as the first order of business. There are 2 BMW dealerships in Louisville, which is about 40 miles from our home, and one in Lexington about 35 miles east of us. If it is indeed true that the dealership is closing it will also be an issue for service as Cincinnati is about 85 miles from here and the traffic in the area is horrendous most days. I have never been to their dealership, but I will try and check it out next week if the weather is decent.

 

Chevy and Ford are both dropping cars from their line ups and concentrating on big SUVs and big pickups. MINI has neither of those. People in the States just don’t want small. And they seem to no longer be interested in driving; just let a computer do that for them. Not surprised that MINI is struggling.

 

As stated before I am a dinosaur in a techno geek world. I have my ancient Chevy 2500 4 door diesel for the heavy lifting and towing but the largest of the rest of the fleet is a corvette Z06. I would buy a Lotus Elise, but I don't enjoy serious mechanical work anymore, so new toys are the order of the day! But, the mini is my favorite of all time, what a hoot!

 

A post with GP3 engine and sound video...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4461037

 

I wouldn't think that there would be that much demand for the GP3, basically a $50k beefed up Mini JCW. It won't be anything like the original GP1 which is a collectable now for sure. It'll be a beast. I bet it'll weigh 3500 lbs.

 

I agree with you about the $50K. But I doubt it’ll weigh more than the F56 at 2700. It’ll probably be collectible since in all likelihood it’ll be the last internal combustion GP made.

 

Yeah, the GP2 weighs a little less than 100 lbs. more than a standard R56. I doubt the GP3 will pack on an additional 800 lbs. over the F56. I'd be shocked if it weighed in over 2900 lbs.

 

We had a small get together of miniphiles yesterday at Mini of Louisville, and for now it looks rather bleak for the dealership. It is hemorrhaging cash and the owner has not made a decision yet, but advised the staff that all of the employees would be offered positions and the MB dealership next door if the mini dealership is closed. Evidently BMW USA wants no part of mini and will not combine mini with BMW dealers. At present I am hoping that the dealership will hold on until June and I can order the GP thru them. I really like this dealership, they have been great as far as I am concerned.

 

MINI doesn’t advertise their products and they are up against the likes of Toyota, Honda, Kia, who do advertise. It is no wonder their sales are down and dealerships are closing.

 

True, I've been saying that for a long time! I really do wish some BMW dealers will take on the MINI brand however as I am 10 minutes away from our local BMW dealer and well over an hour to 2 hours from both MINI dealers here in PA. Having 2 MINI's it is a bit worrisome if MINI dealers close. Although, I truly believe that the dealers close to large cities/densely populated areas will be the very last to close if they do at all!