MINI GP set for a return

At the New York Auto Show yesterday MINI announced that the extreme JCW GP model is to make a return.

Words Paul Healy Published 5 April 2012

To mark its tenth anniversary in the States MINI will use the New York Auto Show to unveil its most powerful model to US audiences. Originally launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the 218hp John Cooper Works Countryman, the first JCW model to feature all-wheel drive and five doors, will be the main attraction at the MINI stand along with the MINI 10 Years Anniversary Special Edition.

Specifically built for the American market the 10 Years Anniversary car is based on the standard 121hp MINI Cooper model and will be available in the colours of the Star Spangled Banner - red, white and blue.

Prior to the show, Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President MINI Brand Management, also announced the upcoming limited-edition MINI John Cooper Works GP. Set to be unveiled at the MINI United Festival in May in Le Castellet, France, the motorsport inspired GP will feature a high-performance turbocharged engine, racing-oriented suspension technology and exclusive body changes. It is as yet unknown whether it will retain the two-seat layout of its predecessor.

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