Mini has teased its new John Cooper Works GP model at the famous Nurburgring 24-hour race.
The more hardcore version of the popular hot hatch has not yet been revealed in full production trim but a camouflaged version was displayed at the ‘Green Hell’ over the weekend, covered in track layouts of famous race circuits from around the world.
The firm revealed that the car is lapping the iconic circuit about 30 seconds quicker than its predecessor. With the previous model setting a lap time of 8m 23s, that means the new car has broken the eight-minute barrier before full testing has even been completed.
Full specifications for the car are yet to be revealed, but Mini says the car will have more than 300hp from its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine, as well as light alloy wheels, large air intakes and bespoke suspension. Other upgrades visible on the prototype include an aggressive wide-arch body kit and a prominent rear spoiler.
The GP model is a more focused track-orientated version of the JCW hot hatch, inspired by the Mini Challenge race car. The previous generation model had stickier tyres, adjustable suspension, functional aerodynamics, uprated brakes and deleted rear seats to save weight.
The full Mini John Cooper Works GP production model is due to be revealed later this year, with deliveries scheduled for 2020. Just 3,000 units are slated for production.
