I am noticing that whenever i look for a mini, or build one on the site, there is never a GP version to be had.

Anyone know when they come out or if they do?

 

The GP's are special edition models. GP1 and GP2 were last year of the current hatchback model. (R53 and R56) I believe Mini plans to have the GP as a last year model special build. At least, that is the internal plan. The F56 model was extended with a 3rd LCI version after the GP3 was deep into its release, which makes the 3rd generation hatchback a special case.

I wouldn't expect to see another GP model for quite some time.

 

GP1 - 2006
GP2 - 2013
GP3 - 2021
GPE - 2024 (just a rumor, possible electric)

You won’t find them on the configurator, they cannot be built or ordered. You basically reserve one in advance or perhaps find one on a dealer lot which was unsold.

 

There is one at MINI of Monrovia:

MINI GP3

 

The GP3 is basically the same platform (engine, 8 speed automatic tranny, brakes,) as the JCW Clubman and Countryman in a hatchback body, without the All4 and back seat and without the adjustable dampers option, with slightly wider wheels/tires and different suspension parts. For $45k.

 

Jeez it has a sad automatic in it.
Thank you for the info. I am from old era minis where most were manual and fully customizable. Hm.

JCW hardtop is where it is at I guess!

 

The GP3, the JCW Clubman and Countryman models are the only Mini models that are really BMW platforms with Mini bodies. It's the M235i BMW model (not sold in the US). Which is an automatic transmission. The GP3 doesn't have the ALL4 (Clubman and Countryman do have it, so does the BMW). The JCW Hatchback and the Cabrio still have the manual option. They have less powerful engines though.

 

Thanks to the BMW construction kits, the GP3 is the best GP and more than customizable MINI ever since !

- the engine is the catch, the missing rear wheel drive safes weight and extra cooling. The automatic is fine.
You can drive it as a daily eye catcher as the previous ones and you can score on trackdays right away and overlap a JCW Clubman with the same engine every 4 minutes

 

automatics are [term deleted]

 

You’ll never see me in your slow AF manual.

I will leave this up, but it is awfully cruel without the rest. Either way, I like manuals, but the amount of people who **** on the automatic in the GP without even trying the GP specific software is way too high. Both are viable options; go give it a try!

 

Keep it civil!

 

Put it that way if you use the GP for Racing only, you get a fine a working option ex factory, which can handle the torque, even for 350hp. If you are not happy you have 2 options - Install a race transmission, or do a upgrade forge on you manual piece by piece.

The 2nd option you could use on a daily GP3 as well, a bespoke race transmission is not drivable in public traffic, so the Aisin with a modified Drexler LSO is 24hour fit and appreciated.