• Mini John Cooper Works GP is the most powerful model yet, only 3000 will be built.

• 225kW/450Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. 

• Arrives in South Africa in the final quarter of 2020.

Mini has offered some insight into the development of its most powerful car yet: the John Cooper Works GP. The development and test engineers used the Nürburgring Nordschleife as the ultimate performance indicator for every mode in the stable.

However, the GP is different as it's an lightweight, thoroughbred performance machine that had its driving dynamics tested to the hilt by the engineers.

Mini says that lap after lap the team fine-tuned the engine, chassis and aerodynamic properties until finally it found the perfect balance. Only 3000 will be built and it's the quickest ever Mini to be produced. 

It takes just 5.2 seconds to reach the 100km/h speed mark from standstill thank to its four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 225kW and 450Nm. The power is sent to the front wheels, wearing model-specific high-performance tyres via an 8-speed Steptronic Sports transmission.

The GP boasts a top speed of 265km/h. Stopping power comes in the form of four-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes on the front wheels and single-piston floating-caliper disc brakes on the rear wheels. 

Mini has also fitted the GP with an integrated differential lock. When conducting testing around the 'Ring the testers managed to lap the almost 21-kilometre track in less than eight minutes, beating the GP's predecessor's best time by almost half a minute. 

Sporty overtures 

One look at the GP and you'll know it's a sporty car. There are carbon wheel-arch trims, a roof spoiler with double-wing contour, large 18-inch lightweight forged wheels and a 10mm lower suspension. 

Mini South Africa confirmed the new John Cooper Works GP will be available from the fourth quarter of 2020.