Being lazy and new to the MINI scene. Besides the obvious outside bling and inside lack of rear seat. Mechanically is there any difference between the JCW and GP.

Thanks,

 

Google mini GP3 specs and you'll get hits to some write ups of what the new GP3 has to offer. Google mini jcw and you'll get hits to some official MINI details regarding the 2020 JCW.

You might also find a video that has a walk around of the GP3.

Here, I think this is a link to the video:


After a quick glance my take way is the GP3 comes with more HP, 300hp, vs. 228hp, and can only be had with a 6-speed manual while the JCW can be had with either a manual or automatic. Gosh, the weight of a 2 door hard top JCW with manual is 2845lbs. With the automatic it is 3770 lbs. That can't be right. A 925lb increase in weight just from the automatic?

When I was checking out the GP3 specs a while back I seem to recall tires will be different too.

 

AFAIK, between a factory built 2006 JCW and R53 GP is the larger GP intercooler, different ECU tune with more HP, and the JCW suspension is standard. The rear trailing arms are cast aluminum like the R56 arms, but are not identical to 2nd gen trailing arms and have different part numbers.

Besides the bumpers, side skirts, and wing, the rear glass is notched for the wing brackets and doesn't have a hole for a rear wiper. The GP also has aero panels under the car similar to the R56 and like the trailing arms and brakes, are not exactly the same.

Retrofitting R56 trailing arms, under panels and brakes to a 1st gen are popular mods and saves money over using JCW or GP parts.

Also, GP's were only available with halogen headlights (supposedly because they are not as heavy), manual climate control, and no sunroof.

 

All of that and it’s 88lbs lighter if I remember correctly.

 

Previous owner took the back seat out...so now I must be 88 pounds lighter...LOL