#X A V I ♕ Posted November 22, 2018 Posted November 22, 2018 A post on Mini's official Twitter feed has confirmed a 2020 launch date for the new John Cooper Works GP. No further details or images have been revealed, but a concept shown at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed hinted at the design of the production model. Both the original and second-generation modern Minis offered a JCW GP model near the end of the mainstream models’ lifecycle, in 2006 and 2012 respectively. The new JCW GP will arrive shortly before the predicted launch of the new Mini hatchback. BMW board member Peter Schwarzenbauer said: “we are working on a new Mini John Cooper Works GP, which will be launched in 2020," but gave no details as to whether it will bear a resemblance to the concept. The BMW-owned British brand said the concept is inspired by its triumphs at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s, “embodying dynamic flair and the ultimate in driving fun”. Schwarzenbauer has told Autocar previously that a JCW GP model was likely to appear again. “The John Cooper Works GP is an important part of the Mini brand,” he said. “It has worked well for us in the past.” The 2018 concept featured extreme styling that is unlikely to be carried over in its entirety to a production model. There are large front and rear aprons, side skirts and a prominent roof spoiler. It also uses lightweight materials including carbonfibre, which Mini said optimises the power-to-weight ratio. No performance figures were provided, however. OUR VERDICT Mini John Cooper Works Mini John Cooper Works Faster and more rounded than any ‘Works’ Mini before it. Still a committed prospect – to buy and to use – but rewarding to drive Find an Autocar car review Driven this week Renault Megane RS Trophy cornering 22 NOVEMBER 2018 FIRST DRIVE Renault Megane RS Trophy 2018 review The Megane RS, Renault's flagship hot hatch, receives more power and... Citroen C3 Aircross Flair Puretech 130 long-term review - hero front 22 NOVEMBER 2018 FIRST DRIVE Citroen C3 Aircross long-term review Is Citroen's high-riding supermini good to live with and to look at? We’... Volvo XC40 2018 long-term review - hero front 21 NOVEMBER 2018 FIRST DRIVE Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design Pro AWD long-term review Can a shot of the Volvo XC formula work in its smallest measure? Six months... It sits on 19in alloy wheels, while the LED rear lights display half of the Union Jack in a nod to the car's British origin. A version of these lights is now standard on the regular Mini hatchback. Inside, the concept has a rollcage and pair of low-mounted bucket seats. Gearshifts are commanded by paddles on the steering wheel. The most recent JCW GP, launched in 2012, used a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 215bhp, a 7bhp increase over the standard JCW at that time. It hit 0-62mph in 6.3sec and cost £28,790. The current standard JCW adopted a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit with 227bhp and also hits 0-62mph in 6.3sec, so expect improvement in both power and speed for the third-generation JCW GP. Quote
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