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Mini JCW GP Coupe Canned: Report

Mini's John Cooper Works GP had been caught lapping the 'Ring in recent months, but overseas reports are suggesting that the project has been axed. The two-seater Coupe is believed to have been part of a rumoured two-model second-generation

Peter Anderson

05:3716 July 2012

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Mini JCW GP Coupe Canned: Report

Mini's John Cooper Works GP had been caught lapping the 'Ring in recent months, but overseas reports are suggesting that the project has been axed.

The two-seater Coupe is believed to have been part of a rumoured two-model second-generation GP range.

The JCW GP II hatch is already a strict two-seater (it's rear seats being deleted) so differentiating the two models may have been more a marketing and sales headache than Mini was prepared to tackle.

According to Motoringfile, the Coupe GP project was therefore cancelled.

With less scope for weight loss, it's possible the Coupe GP simply couldn't match the performance of the GP hatch.

The Mini JCW GP II hatch - which is coming our way - is based on the R56 hatchback, with more power, aero bits including a rear diffuser, unique alloys and JCW adjustable suspension.

Mini has not released specific technical information, but with a confirmed 8m23s Nurburgring lap time (a huge 19 seconds faster than the old one), the GP II will probably produce between 160 and 170kW.

Australian Mini fans can expect to fight over between 10 and 20 units, according to Mini Australia's Scott Croaker. All going well, the JCW GP II hatchback should be on our shores in early 2013.