R50/53 Need input for GP article
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Fairport, NY
Need input for GP article
As you may know, I write the Roundel (BMW CCA magazine) column Bimmer Lite which is focused on the new Mini. In an upcoming issue, I would like to talk about the new JCW GP, not the nitty gritty, but what the NAM community thinks about the car and who really plans to buy one.
Let me know what you think – either way. Yes I want one, no it’s crap, etc. Tell me what you think about the price, HP, color, rear seat delete, everything. Anyone have a deposit down yet?
Thanks,
Vince
Let me know what you think – either way. Yes I want one, no it’s crap, etc. Tell me what you think about the price, HP, color, rear seat delete, everything. Anyone have a deposit down yet?
Thanks,
Vince
Well I got an 05 just a few onths before hear of a specail editon MINI, lightweight. I think will be much the way things were described on WRR, it will be a rare car, those who have won't mod it if they plan on keeping in a collector status, and I'm afraid too many will end up as garage queens. On the other hand it bring the MINI closer to a true preformance based sports car. It is to MINI what an M3 CSL is to BMW. I think it a car that will be welcomed much in the same way the MC40s are, of course you will hear complaints about the price, and the looks aren't for everybody but on the whole it is a very sound package designed to capitalize on the heart of a MINI: a powerful, light well handling fun to drive vehicle. If I could have waited a year I may have considered it, but instead I'll selectively mod my MINI into a one of a kind car, that has an equal fun factor; and that is what I think the MINI and the new GP are all about.
Oh and I don't think we can figure out what the bar across the back actually does, and most expected a little more HP, less weight and we want the Recaros in the US.
Hope this helps.
Oh and I don't think we can figure out what the bar across the back actually does, and most expected a little more HP, less weight and we want the Recaros in the US.
Hope this helps.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,620
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From: Chicago
Originally Posted by m332is
As you may know, I write the Roundel (BMW CCA magazine) column Bimmer Lite which is focused on the new Mini. In an upcoming issue, I would like to talk about the new JCW GP, not the nitty gritty, but what the NAM community thinks about the car and who really plans to buy one.
Let me know what you think – either way. Yes I want one, no it’s crap, etc. Tell me what you think about the price, HP, color, rear seat delete, everything. Anyone have a deposit down yet?
Thanks,
Vince
Let me know what you think – either way. Yes I want one, no it’s crap, etc. Tell me what you think about the price, HP, color, rear seat delete, everything. Anyone have a deposit down yet?
Thanks,
Vince
JCW GP First Photos (10.29.05)
The JCW GP: More Power, Less Weight (10.31.05)
JCW GP Kit: US Annoucement (10.31.05)
The JCW GP kit your way (11.02.05)
JCW GP at Geneva (02.21.06)
JCW GP Video Footage (02.22.06)
JCW GP In Depth (02.27.06)
US JCW GP Pricing: Lets Hear Your Prediction (04.10.06)
MINI USA Releases GP Pricing (04.12.06)
MINI USA's GP Delivery Program (04.19.06)
and finally:
MotoringFile Analysis: JCW GP kit (11.07.05)
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
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IN MY OPINION: it is a good idea, executed poorly... but at just 100 to 150 lbs lighter than a stock MCS with 230HP as I recall, I am under impressed. It seems high on show, and low on performance enhancements. I wish it was at least 10% to 15% lighter than the stock MCS and 250HP
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
Originally Posted by m332is
Tell me what you think about the price, HP, color, rear seat delete, everything. Anyone have a deposit down yet?
What follows are some of my thoughts based on my posting on motoringfile regarding the GP delivery option in Monterey
The PR angle on this isn’t that the publicity is needed to sell the GP, it isn’t. MINI benefits from having coverage of a more performance oriented offering. It helps them to play that angle up with prospective male buyers who don’t necessarily care for the “cute” reputation the MINI has. MINI needs to pay attention to how the car is positioned, especially considering the production is about to be increased significantly with the R56.
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MINI doesn’t need the GP to sell more cars this year. To some degree it doesn’t matter how many GP's are even produced. The mere fact that MINI made a limited production performance oriented factory offering is the important component of the GP. MINI could fill those 2000 build slots with other (non-GP) MINIs. They’d still sell with no problem.
The GP is here to help combat the perception that MINIs are “cute.” If that cute label goes unchecked, then male buyers will start to look elsewhere (insert all of the “is the MINI a chick car?” banter here).
MINI does a lot of things to play down the cuteness. They have a contingency program to encourage a select group of nationally competitive drivers to select MINIs to compete in. As with the GP, it’s not so important that a lot of MINI owners actually race, what is important is that there are nationally competitive MINIs to be photographed racing. The same goes for the North American MINI Cooper Championship.
MINI also plays down the cute angle in more subtle ways. Ever notice how you rarely if ever see a woman driving a MINI in a MINI advertisement or catalog? Men are pictured prominently. They are clearly trying to play down the impact of the “chick car” label. Like it or not, women will buy cars with a more male demographic, but men will avoid cars with a perception that the majority of buyers are women.
The GP is just one of many ways MINI is trying to help shape their brand image. It’s not being made to simply sell more R53 MCS’s. MINIUSA has to be concerned whether or not the market will respond as strongly once more cars become available with the R56. They can’t risk alienating a sizeable chunk of prospective buyers by having the MINI go the way of the New Beetle.
----------
MINI doesn’t need the GP to sell more cars this year. To some degree it doesn’t matter how many GP's are even produced. The mere fact that MINI made a limited production performance oriented factory offering is the important component of the GP. MINI could fill those 2000 build slots with other (non-GP) MINIs. They’d still sell with no problem.
The GP is here to help combat the perception that MINIs are “cute.” If that cute label goes unchecked, then male buyers will start to look elsewhere (insert all of the “is the MINI a chick car?” banter here).
MINI does a lot of things to play down the cuteness. They have a contingency program to encourage a select group of nationally competitive drivers to select MINIs to compete in. As with the GP, it’s not so important that a lot of MINI owners actually race, what is important is that there are nationally competitive MINIs to be photographed racing. The same goes for the North American MINI Cooper Championship.
MINI also plays down the cute angle in more subtle ways. Ever notice how you rarely if ever see a woman driving a MINI in a MINI advertisement or catalog? Men are pictured prominently. They are clearly trying to play down the impact of the “chick car” label. Like it or not, women will buy cars with a more male demographic, but men will avoid cars with a perception that the majority of buyers are women.
The GP is just one of many ways MINI is trying to help shape their brand image. It’s not being made to simply sell more R53 MCS’s. MINIUSA has to be concerned whether or not the market will respond as strongly once more cars become available with the R56. They can’t risk alienating a sizeable chunk of prospective buyers by having the MINI go the way of the New Beetle.
There's a thread on the GP that you can read...
But if I remember correctly, there was talk of some ultra-light stuff, like Lexan, alternate body materials. etc. What we have here is really a mild work-over of the current car. As far as racing goes, I don't know how it will be classed (will it have to race against stronger cars than the S or JCW? I don't know) and that's what will indicate if it's a "nationally competitive car". The price is OK, but I don't know if it's a race car out of the box, say the way the Mustang Cobra R models are. It's really just a bit sportier.
And for the entusiast drivers, look at comments about the wheels.... If it's really targeted to racing, it should have the wheels to race! But most of the offerings are very heavy, more for looks and less for performance. They could have put some nice, lightwieght forged babies on there, and helped the car out. They could have lightened the flywheel as well. Heck, if they'd gone ***** out on a race machine, they could have done what Ford did with the R models, and sold them with no warranty! And I'd have been in line to buy one.
So it's a nice concept, and will be a nice car, but it's not a race car by any stretch of the imagination. Will it be a collector or not? Seems like they'll sell well, but if dealers charge huge mark ups, they may not. Some of the MC40s never sold as MC40s....
Matt
And for the entusiast drivers, look at comments about the wheels.... If it's really targeted to racing, it should have the wheels to race! But most of the offerings are very heavy, more for looks and less for performance. They could have put some nice, lightwieght forged babies on there, and helped the car out. They could have lightened the flywheel as well. Heck, if they'd gone ***** out on a race machine, they could have done what Ford did with the R models, and sold them with no warranty! And I'd have been in line to buy one.
So it's a nice concept, and will be a nice car, but it's not a race car by any stretch of the imagination. Will it be a collector or not? Seems like they'll sell well, but if dealers charge huge mark ups, they may not. Some of the MC40s never sold as MC40s....
Matt
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: twisties~Vermont tarmac rallye style
BMW MINI has designed a limited edition, lightweight racing inspired MINI Cooper S with the GP. As the first edition new supercharged MINI Cooper S graciously bows out of production, this is a final tribute to that design. The GP will become a nice piece in the records of automotive history.
I too chose 2006 for the year to purchase my MINI Cooper S, because I wanted the last year of the supercharged engine. It's nice to know that BMW MINI created the limited edition GP in the same year.
I too chose 2006 for the year to purchase my MINI Cooper S, because I wanted the last year of the supercharged engine. It's nice to know that BMW MINI created the limited edition GP in the same year.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 329
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From: San Marcos, TX
GP Buyer
We're taking delivery of our GP in Monterey. Part of me wishes MINI went more "hard core" in the light weight higher performance equation. Another part of me especially wishes the xenon headlights were an option. Right now I'm driving a MINI Cooper S and the GP will be a nice change. I've owned and enjoyed a lot of high performance cars in the past, and the MINI is definitely one of the most fun to own and drive!
GoodFinder
GoodFinder
well i own a 05 mcs with the standard mods, i wish i could have bought a gp. Everytime i look at the pics i fall in love with it. Ya it could be lighter, and have more power, but i feel its the whole package minus the xenons.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
My Opinion? Hey, you asked....
GP=Goofy Product: Tackiest SE MINI ever. Spoiler out of a JC Whitney sale catalog. HIDEOUS wheels (oh wait, 4-spoke HAS to be lighter than 5, eh?) Cheesy red mirror covers. An aerokit that's not even matched around the wheel wells. Neato shower curtain rod in the back for hang-drying all them microfiber towels for obsessive detail heads falling all over themselves because it has the Bertone tag...
And oh boy what a driver's car, it has DSC!
I admit tho I do like the darkened gauges, perhaps the only redeeming quality
What a waste of $31K! And all for what? No appreciable gain in HP or torque?
No uniqueness, which is what MINI is all about? How many of these abominations will be roaming America's highways? (Thank goodness our good friends to the north were spared this lunacy.) 
Like someone earlier said, good concept, poorly executed--an opinion voiced by my MA. I might add good concept, tackily (a new word coined in honor of this monochromatic mutant) executed. While initial interest may be high, when people see how truly butt-ugly this car is in the flesh, interest will quickly dissipate.
At least the MC40 had a major historical commeration behind its release; Goofy Product doesnt have squat. My opinion, of course. Blah. Flame suit on,
Jimbo
And oh boy what a driver's car, it has DSC!
I admit tho I do like the darkened gauges, perhaps the only redeeming quality
What a waste of $31K! And all for what? No appreciable gain in HP or torque?
No uniqueness, which is what MINI is all about? How many of these abominations will be roaming America's highways? (Thank goodness our good friends to the north were spared this lunacy.) Like someone earlier said, good concept, poorly executed--an opinion voiced by my MA. I might add good concept, tackily (a new word coined in honor of this monochromatic mutant) executed. While initial interest may be high, when people see how truly butt-ugly this car is in the flesh, interest will quickly dissipate.
At least the MC40 had a major historical commeration behind its release; Goofy Product doesnt have squat. My opinion, of course. Blah. Flame suit on,
Jimbo
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
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Well, you asked ...
Last ditch marketing hype to end the generation ... its not about "racing or performance" ... its about selling cars.
I feel particularly sorry for those buying it thinking its will increase in value or be any kind of investment since 2000 cars (and 415 in US) simply is way too many cars to be unique (just look at what sells as unique on Barret-Jackson).
I think many people were expecting a much more powerful car and are disappointed that MINI gen one is going out with a Whimper vice a bang because, IMHO, its just a gimmick to market and sell more cars.
Last ditch marketing hype to end the generation ... its not about "racing or performance" ... its about selling cars.
I feel particularly sorry for those buying it thinking its will increase in value or be any kind of investment since 2000 cars (and 415 in US) simply is way too many cars to be unique (just look at what sells as unique on Barret-Jackson).
I think many people were expecting a much more powerful car and are disappointed that MINI gen one is going out with a Whimper vice a bang because, IMHO, its just a gimmick to market and sell more cars.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 913
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Originally Posted by chows4us
Well, you asked ...
Last ditch marketing hype to end the generation ... its not about "racing or performance" ... its about selling cars.
I feel particularly sorry for those buying it thinking its will increase in value or be any kind of investment since 2000 cars (and 415 in US) simply is way too many cars to be unique (just look at what sells as unique on Barret-Jackson).
I think many people were expecting a much more powerful car and are disappointed that MINI gen one is going out with a Whimper vice a bang because, IMHO, its just a gimmick to market and sell more cars.
Last ditch marketing hype to end the generation ... its not about "racing or performance" ... its about selling cars.
I feel particularly sorry for those buying it thinking its will increase in value or be any kind of investment since 2000 cars (and 415 in US) simply is way too many cars to be unique (just look at what sells as unique on Barret-Jackson).
I think many people were expecting a much more powerful car and are disappointed that MINI gen one is going out with a Whimper vice a bang because, IMHO, its just a gimmick to market and sell more cars.
There is so much potential in the MCS that this offering is a slap in the face of enthusiasts. The styling represents everything I dislike about the import scene. If MINI gave a tuner a base MCS and 10k dollars, I highly doubt they'd get something like the GP back. Frankly, I can't take this car seriously. As for it being compared to an M3 to M3 CSL, not even close. Either MINI is was off base or there really is a market for this tacky, suedo racing junk.
Don't get too worked up over my comments, they are mine.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
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I like the car. Good way to end the gen in my opinion. Don't care much for the rear spoiler but I think the rest of the car is well designed and looks pretty unique. Nobody can say for sure if it will increase or decrease in value..(I happen to think it will increase) Just look at the butt ugly 1970 muscle cars (mopar for example) that are commanding high prices nowadays...Nobody would have ever dreamed of it in the 60's and 70's..
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
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Originally Posted by okraD La
... Just look at the butt ugly 1970 muscle cars (mopar for example) that are commanding high prices nowadays...Nobody would have ever dreamed of it in the 60's and 70's..
If you look closely at the muscle cars getting the big bucks, they are the truly unique, low numbered cars ... like the Hemi Cuda Convertable, 1 or 2 made sold for $2M.
Similary, 20 year old 1 of 100 or so car mades like Mustang Pace cars (and a Camaro), both garage queens, sold barely more than original MSRP.
The number of cars made makes a huge difference, as well as whether they were just a "used car" vice garage queen.
Just a thought.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
part of the 'cudas and other select Mopars selling for so much is that the Plymouth marquee is uh, history. Even the lowly belvederes are commanding top dollar, esp. the convertibles. I have a friend that bought a Plymouth (not Chrysler) Prowler with matching trailer in 1999, put about 6K driving it around, and has put it in storage to see how much it'll be worth in 20-30 years. Only time will tell.
In the context of MINIs, I would tend to think that the MC40 might be worth more, down the road as a "collector" item, than Goofy Product could ever hope to be.
I recoil in abject horror and disgust at its tacky, bargin basement "aesthetic." Jimbo
In the context of MINIs, I would tend to think that the MC40 might be worth more, down the road as a "collector" item, than Goofy Product could ever hope to be.
I recoil in abject horror and disgust at its tacky, bargin basement "aesthetic." Jimbo
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
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Originally Posted by chows4us
IIf you look closely at the muscle cars getting the big bucks, they are the truly unique, low numbered cars ... like the Hemi Cuda Convertable, 1 or 2 made sold for $2M.
Yes, the limited numbers do add to more value, but if you can get MSRP for a car 20 years down the line, you did pretty good and still got to enjoy owning it...Besides, some of those 2000 MINI GP cars will be lost to accidents, theft, modifying...I just say you never know. I would never buy one based on future value or investment, but I would keep that one as original as possible, a weekend driver if you will...
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