A great sequel to the Cooper S, or perhaps a better car altogether? Take a look at what UK based “John Cooper Works” has been doing to the Cooper S recently. It is a nice addition to the line, even though it’s existence will be limited!
It may sound like a mouthful when reading on your screen, but the title is true, and has just as much mind blowing features to go with it. Those interested in the European sport compact market should familiarize themselves with the company “John Cooper Works”, founded by life long Mini tuner John Michael Cooper. Early in 2005 John’s company produced a performance package, called the “John Works Cooper Performance Kit” which pushed the known limits of what Mini would allow as a fully warranted Mini Cooper.
The John Works Cooper Performance Kit, consisted of suspension, interior, and engine parts to enhance a factory mini making it both look, and perform better then a stock cooper S. Most of the parts required dealer instillation to maintain the factory warranty, and as a whole amounted to a mini that produced 210hp as opposed to 160 on the stock S model.
John Cooper Works GP Kit
Newly introduced during a Mini United meeting in Misano Italy, is a totally new kit from John Cooper Works called the John Cooper Works GP Kit (or GP Kit for short). The kit consists of similar parts that are found in the Works Cooper, but with a few added changes to give it more spice.
New Performance Features Include
– Power is up to 218hp (8 more then the John Cooper Works Kit)
– Torque is up to 180 ft/lbs (Power and torque increases are stated to be mostly due to intercooler modifications)
– High performance brake upgrade with red calipers
– Special edition ultra-lite 18″ alloy wheels
– Control arms are now aluminum as opposed to steel (reduces weight)
– Minor bodywork and trim modifications to reduce weight
– Removal of portions of sound insulation material
– AC is removed (is also a no charge option if desired)
– Rear seats are optional
– New aerodynamics package to reduce drag coefficient
– Standard Recaro sport seats
With the enhancements to the body, interior and other components, the Works GP Kit is actually a limited edition car, more then a “kit”. The car is said to be 88 Lbs lighter then a standard Mini Cooper S production model, which itself is no heavyweight! The car is also unmistakable coming with new ground effects, front spoiler, and lastly a new rear wing. The aerodynamic package is both for looks, and to reduce drag.
The appearance is much more aggressive then the standard S, however the rear wing is something that may not go over well with some people. One last thing that sets the Works GP apart from other Coopers, is the signature color chosen for all copies of this car. All Works GP cars will come in an exclusive grey-blue metallic, with pure silver roof paint treatments. Since this is a limited edition car, there will only be a quantity of 2,000 total units, all priced around 30,000 Euros.
Story by: Matt Wellumson
Photography provided by: BMW Media Relations