Alongside the first two-door full-electric Mini, BMW Group will unveil what they call the ‘modern racing essence’ of the British brand next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany – the Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept.
Inspired by the carmaker's Monet Carlo Rally winner 50 years ago, Mini designers have been let loose with this modern project to create a car with exterior flair that is matched by a dynamic driving experience behind the wheel.
“The Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept is all about the unfettered feeling of driving and levels of performance found in motor sport competition,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad.
The GP Concept’s appearance is dominated by an elaborate new aero kit which makes the car significantly wider than any current Mini model, thanks to large carbon fibre front and rear aprons, side skirts and massive rear spoiler.
Up front, large air intakes on the grille and bonnet, molded air deflectors and flared wheel archers create the most aggressive Mini silhouette to date, amplified by the space between the main body and air deflectors.
The rear of the concept also features carbon fibre aero parts with air-channelling wheel archers and roof-mounted spoiler.
The interior has been stripped down to the bare essentials for track day fun. Creature comforts include a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and that’s about it.
There’s a full roll cage and a pair of low-mounted bucket seats with five-point belts. Gearshift is by paddles on the steering wheel.
The concept is presented in Black Jack Anthracite exterior paint – said to shimmer between grey and black – with Curbside Red metallic accents. The car number 0059 refers to the year the classic Mini was born, 1959.
19-inch Racetrack lightweight wheels in multi-spoke design finish off the concept’s athletic appearance.
“What we’re looking at here is maximum performance, maximum MINI,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
“The Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept brings together the full suite of defining MINI design features and showcases them at their sportiest and most exciting.
Mini wont reveal what engine powers the GP Concept yet, but Schwarzenbauer promised the model is "driving fun in its purest form.”
