Concept version of Mini’s hottest hatchback will join all-electric show car in making their world debuts in Frankfurt next week.
Hey, weren’t the lads at Mini going green?
Yes they were, as Mini has recently announced plans for an all-electric hatchback due in 2019. The so-called Mini Electric Concept will be making its world premiere at the Frankfurt motor show next week.
But just to make sure they haven’t lost the plot in making conventionally powered cars that are fun to drive and look at, Mini has produced another show car for the German auto show in the guise of the spicy John Cooper Works GP Concept.
Note the outlandish details around the GP including large air vents up front and big aerodynamic bits on the front, side and rear. And just to make it look as racy as possible, Mini has fitted the GP with racecar-like cabin: conventional door panels and no rear seats, headliner and gearlever (paddle-shifters on the steering wheel take over the job).
Is Mini talking about power?
The GP is naturally about performance. However, Mini hasn’t mentioned what’s under the bonnet of the GP. But given that today’s range-topping JCW features 231hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo, the GP – should it be made for production – would get slightly more power.
Lightweight body also holds key to the GP’s intended performance credentials. Aside the stripped-out interior, Mini says the GP features bits made from carbonfibre to improve power-to-weight ratio, although no specific numbers have been disclosed.
Will it be made?
There’s a high possibility the GP will be made, although many details are likely to be toned down for the showroom. And it’s just a matter of when. The two previous generations (in 2006 and 2012) sported the GP treatments by featuring a two-seat cabin, small power upgrade and less weight.
Mini isn’t talking about its production timetable yet, although sources point out that the GP may come after the facelift of today’s third-gen Hatch pointing to a possible rollout in 2019 – the year Mini is planning to go both green and not-so-green.
